Adjustable fork install Advise.

[DarkStaR]

I will be installing low mileage ti/ni (’04-'05 S4R) forks on my ’05 S2R803 soon, and this is the “should of asked first” post.

I’m very mechanically inclined so getting them on is not too big of an issue.  However, I am no expert when it comes to motorcycle suspension.  And, I HATE  doing things twice due to lack of knowledge.

Does any one have any advise I can use to get the forks to a reasonable setting (maybe as close to stock as possible) before I begin the install?

The fork tubes are about the same length, but I believe the adjustable forks have more travel.  Currently, my non-adjustable forks are close to flush in relation to the top of upper triple.  Where should the adjustable forks be in relation to the top of upper triple?

Thanks in Advance! 

[teddy037.2]

since your take-offs are from another monster, I'd imagine it'll be near what you have on your stockers, maybe a lil'bit taller

measure the length from axle to lower triple when the bike is on the ground, and match that dim when you've got the new forks on. that should get you in the ballpark

[He Man]

The fork lengths for the 02+ bikes are all flush with the top triple i believe. And really they can be adjsuted as you please. I have the 3 way adjustable showas on my S2R1k and i have them lowered to about 10mm above the triple. I read somewhere that 15mm is the max you want to go because of clearance issues when you are near full compression.

[teddy037.2]

mine (2005 620) aren't flush...

pretty sure ben's S2R 800 looked the same as mine, too

[DarkStaR]

mine (2005 620) aren't flush...
pretty sure ben's S2R 800 looked the same as mine, too

The 620 is usually not flush in stock stock form.

[DarkStaR]

Anyone have a pic of the top triple in stock form?

[EEL]

Just match the top bottom of the fork cap with the top of the triple. Stock clicks for rebound and compression i believe are listed in the owners manuals. Go download an S2r 1000 manual and take a look. I'm assuming these are the nitrided ones you were planning on installing.

[EEL]

BTW - Go take a Doc wong suspension clinic and you'll know how to adjust it. I think there's one coming up in a few weeks. Theres a part 2 coming up on the 18th but best to take them in order.

http://www.docwong.com/st-clinc/index.htm

August 8, 2008 "Basic Suspension Part 1" Friday night 7:15pm
September 19, 2008 "Basic Suspension Part 2" Friday night 7:15pm

[teddy037.2]

The 620 is usually not flush in stock stock form.

that's what I meant... and posted the pic... I was replying to

The fork lengths for the 02+ bikes are all flush with the top triple i believe. And really they can be adjsuted as you please. I have the 3 way adjustable showas on my S2R1k and i have them lowered to about 10mm above the triple. I read somewhere that 15mm is the max you want to go because of clearance issues when you are near full compression.

guess I shoulda quoted it in my last post

[DarkStaR]

So...upon researching the manuals, I noticed some differences between the 2 stock monster adjustable forks.

Obviously (from the info below) it seems the valves are different. 

Does anyone know if the spring rates are different also?

Any other known differences?

Should I start with one setting or the other, or just make sh!t up as i go? 

===========================
'06 S2R 1000 Forks (from manual)
Rebound Range:  14 Clicks
Stock Setting:  6 Clicks

Compression Range: 16 Clicks
Stock Setting:  6 Clicks

Preload Range:  10-25mm
Stock Setting:  18mm
===========================
===========================
===========================
'05 S4R Forks (mine)
Rebound Range: 19 Clicks 
Stock Setting:  11 Clicks

Compression Range: 16 Clicks
Stock Setting:  12 Clicks

Preload Range: 
Stock Setting:  16mm
===========================


 

[EEL]

Notice that the stock setting for the S4R is stiffer this is because its a heavier bike. I would go with the S2R 1k specifications as this weight more closely matches your S2R800. The forks are not valved differently, The s4r may have different springs but knowing Ducati they tend to standardize across the board so this may not be the case.

Knowing you,
Dont get fancy and try to extrapolate a preload value for your bike based on the rate of change in preload with respect to change in dry weight between the S2R1k and S4R.

Stock springs are progressive NOT linear so you cant just draw a straight line and come up with a stock value based on your dry weight.

[crash_duc]

Also note these setteings are for a specific rider, which may or may not be you. Your body mass will change all of these numbers slightly. There are several good resources on the web for setting up your suspension. Do some homework and test.

[Speeddog]

The S4R forks will have a straight-rate spring, about 0.85 kg/mm.
If you're about 180 lbs, they'll be close to correct.
S2R has a progressive/dual-rate spring.

Preload adjustment range is the same.

Getting them re-valved would be a good thing, but not mandatory.

[DarkStaR]

Thanks all!!! 

From info I've gathered above, it still seems like the s4r forks have more rebound adjustment range...leading me to think the valves may be different.  Unless there's a typo in the Duc manual.

Rebound = + 5 clicks

I do plan on getting them pro adjusted, but I just need something reasonably safe to ride till then & to get there.