Better front suspension for $3

scott_araujo · March 29, 2009, 06:29:59 PM

I've got an '03 800 Dark with the non-adjustable Marzocchi forks. The fork is too soft for me so I'm planning to get new springs and oil. Since no one ever seems to know for sure what's inside any given Ducati fork I figured I would just open it up to see what's in there and measure it all. I figured while I was in there I'd add some preload spacers since the fork is really soft.

So I found some nice little 1 1/4" electrical conduit connectors at Lowe's. They had one flared end that sits nicely on the spring and the dimpled washer from the top of the fork seats nicely in the other end. I measured my sag and figured around 15mm for my 215# butt would do it. I cut, sanded and installed them. Pretty easy all things considered.

The fork is behaving much better than it did. Brake dive is much reduced. Where mid corner ruts used to upset the front end and send it wallowing and wandering it now tracks straight and true along with the back. The front end is a little harsh now. I think I may cut the spacers down further to about 10-12mm. I can also see that how once I have the right springs installed some lighter oil in the forks would be better allowing it to move a little easier and feel a little less harsh.

Anyway, the little conduit connectors were only $1.50 each. So for about $3 and an afternoon in the garage I've got something that's much better than it was. Lots of people don't like the Marzocchis. I figure that while not the best fork in the world they'll certainly behave better with the right springs and oil. In the meantime, this quick little fix makes a big difference.

Scott

EEL · March 29, 2009, 09:56:22 PM

Great idea....

Perhaps this should be an add to the alternative to expensive ducati parts thread?

OverCaffeinated · March 30, 2009, 10:58:10 AM

These are my favorites mods, cheap and effective.

Great job!

A.duc.H.duc. · March 30, 2009, 11:56:53 AM

Now I just wish you could get cartridges for the showa non-adjustables...

Howie · March 30, 2009, 12:35:42 PM

You can for the Showas. It is the Marzocchis you can not get them for.

stopintime · March 30, 2009, 12:47:51 PM

Quote from: howie on March 30, 2009, 12:35:42 PM
You can for the Showas. It is the Marzocchis you can not get them for.

But you can

http://www.carpimoto.com/content/prod/l_EN/s_6_Suspensions__Wheels/fi_17_Matris/pr_28217_Matris_Fork_Cartridge_Kit_for_Ducati_Monster_400_05__620__800_03_04_750_900ie_2002_S2R_800.htm

Not that I recommend getting them from over here in Europe, servicing and parts could be difficult.

ute · March 30, 2009, 03:25:31 PM

any chance of a pic of these conduit pieces ...or a part number ...and you just undid the top and put them in

?

scott_araujo · March 30, 2009, 08:34:50 PM

Yeah, here's another post on Matris internals for the Marzocchi:
http://www.ducatimonster.org/forums/accessories-mods/156939-upgrading-m695-marzocchi-fork-internals-matris.html

Not cheap but looks nice and I would guess worth the coin if you want to spend it. They certainly look sexy.

Back on to the cheap fixes. I called GP Suspension, they're in Oregon City and close to me. Phone call went something like this:
"Hi. I've got a Ducati Monster and I'd like to upgrade the suspension. Can I talk to someone about that?"
"Yes, I can help you."
"I've got the '03 800 Dark with the non-adjustable Marzocchi fork..."
"Yeah, I can't get you anything for that."
"Ok. I've got the stock rear shock and..."
"Yeah I've got nothing for that either."

If it sounds rude it wasn't, they were actually really nice. We talked a little while and he explained that both the fork and the Sachs shock are the least expensive pieces Ducati could find and not too much can be done with them. I asked a bit more about a heavier rear spring and he said I would probably run into damping problems if I tried it BUT if I brought it down he'd be happy to measure the weight of my spring for free and if I wanted a slightly heavier one he'd be happy to sell me one.

I figure I'll call Race-Tech and see if I can get some fork springs from them. Nothing too drastic but a little stiffer and straight rate. That with maybe lighter weight oil may do some good. If that works I may try a slightly stiffer spring on the rear to match. For $250 front and rear it's worth trying.

On to the really cheap fixes. Yes, I'll take some pics of the conduit pieces, before and after cutting. I'm going to swap the 15mm pieces for something like 11mm. 15mm is a bit stiff and harsh. It's pretty easy to install them, I'll try to take some pics and document it all.

Scott

A.duc.H.duc. · March 31, 2009, 08:57:45 AM

Quote from: howie on March 30, 2009, 12:35:42 PM
You can for the Showas. It is the Marzocchis you can not get them for.

Funny I always thought it was the other way around.

scott_araujo · March 31, 2009, 10:44:18 AM

I think you can find parts for both but availability problems and back orders are not uncommon.

Scott

ute · March 31, 2009, 05:42:02 PM

thanks for that

scott_araujo · March 31, 2009, 09:49:23 PM

I swapped out the 15mm spacers for 11mm. The front end is less harsh, it matches the way I have the back set better, it still tracks well through corners, but brake dive is back to some degree. Overall it's a better compromise than the 15mm so I'll leave it like this until I get new springs. I also managed to cut both ends off of one piece so the total cost is down to $1.50. It took me about an hour start to finish including cutting the spacers, snapping pics, and a test ride.

I'll post a tutorial with pics soon.

Scott

scott_araujo · March 31, 2009, 11:59:15 PM

Full description with pics in Accessories and Mods: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=21429.0

Enjoy!

Scott

News:

Better front suspension for $3