Ducati Monster Forum

i just moved to an S2R1000 from a kawasaki ninja 636. i gotta say i'm not that impressed with the suspension on my monster. i love the bike, it sounds great, moves fast, but it's a pretty bouncy ride. has anyone else noticed this? any other former (or current) SS riders feel the same way? i notice it particularly when i come to a brisk stop - the bike kinda bounces back and forth. i guess i should just start adjusting my suspension. (btw - i'm 180lbs. it's not like i'm 300lbs and wondering why my suspension is acting funny!)

S2R1000 suspension is only considered ideal for someone that weighs about 125. They market it for 160lbs and riding under 30mph on super smooth surfaces.

Once you do sprinigs it will feel 10x better, after springs and valves, 20x better.

Yeah, they're notoriously undersprung and underdamped for most anyone over 160lbs or who rides fairly fast.  As is true with most any bike, if you take the time to dial in the suspension for your weight and riding style you'll gain more in handling advantages than you can possibly imagine.  For most riders, this is the single biggest area for improvement of their bikes and yet the most neglected.  Most riders will go faster with properly set up suspension and tires than they ever will with big horsepower increases.  Your S2R 1000 is a great bike that's only some springs and valving away from being fantastic.

When I picked up my S4 I felt at times that I was the middle of  a see-saw. This was due to two things;

1. The dealer had not reset the suspension to 'stock'. the front pre-load was fully out and the damping on slowest (hard). The dealer fixed it the following day but it was still not 100%
2. It was woefully under sprung. I've subsequently resprung front and back with Ohlins springs. I'm 95kg and so got 9.5nm front and rear springs. The original rear was 7.9. Not sure of the front but probably 8 ish.

 Now I have a bike that handles [thumbsup]

But wait there's more ...

For my 40000km service (in 2000kms) I'll get the units serviced and re-valved as required. Then we'll be motoring  [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

S2R1k fork springs are dual rate, not really optimum for anybody.
You would definitely be better off replacing 'em.

Rear spring preload could be jacked up to be OK for you, but again, better off with a proper replacement.

What are dual rate forks? I tried a search online, but not much came up.

scratch that, you ment dual rate springs. I have progressive springs in mine.

When I first got my s2r 1000 is felt this way as well.  It made a huge difference just properly adjusting the preload and compression/rebound on the forks and shock.  Well only compression on the shock.  I got it resprung for my weight this summer and it handles even better now. 

Here's a shameless picture of me on the track to prove it. 

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r197/vw151/monster%20track%20day/tattoo-2-053.jpg)

Since i'm a tic over 200 lbs I had to have the suspension resprung ( much thanks to Nick @ Valley Ducati Service). I'd say a must for anyone over 130 lbs  ;D

Racetech internals (springs, valves) on the front end and new spring on the rear. Now a much better ride with plenty of adjustability- stock front end was max'd out on preload before internal swap.

You can try to have it tuned by performance shop. Mine was adjusted by Superbike IL based on my weight and it makes tones of difference.

There's a problem with the suspension on the S2R1K?

Mine is awsome.

Oh.....wait.......  ;D

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/S2R010.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/S2R017.jpg)

i hate you! where is the smiley with the middle finger?
That is an awesome bike! Can you post up a pic of it from the side?

 You haven't seen my bike? Are you new here?

Oh wait...... You are!  ;D

 Here ya go.


(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/S2R005.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/S2R008.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/S2R014.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/S2R016.jpg)

Like your bike monstermash! Nice color combo,very detail oriented  [thumbsup]

I assume you have the matching Arai helmet?

Beautiful S2R, MM.

what rate rear spring did you get?  i am 215 w/ gear and plan on re-spring-ing soon. 

Thanks for the kind words guys.  [thumbsup]



 Yes, yes I do.  ;D

 The paint on the bike is actually a loose interpretation of the helmet. I saw a review from one of the Euro bike mags a few years ago and saw the Italian flag helmet and I had to have it.

Okay, seriously, your bike is in 9 kabillion threads on the board.  When are we just going to make it a sticky?  :)

Adam

 Hey, I only provide when I'm asked.  [roll]

 The sticky idea does have some merit though.  ;D

No problems with my suspension either.  ;)

(http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx52/josephhansen/4ef5235f.jpg)

No seriously get the right spring rate it makes a big difference.  Then get some ohlins.  Also makes a nice difference. 

(http://www.motorcycleforums.net/forum/attachments/suzuki/25297d1309921005-intruder-recall-zombie-thread.jpg)