Suspension for my S4

[fouramdesigns]

I've read about the Race Tech upgrades on the board here and there. I went to the site, and couldn't find much info regarding my model. But would like the forks/mono upgraded. Any info would be welcomed. I'm also interested in other brands besides Ohlins, out of my price range.

[corndog67]

My S4 came with a Race Tech setup on the front forks, I don't have the details on what they did, they are pretty plush, they bottom occasionally (as they should), when bombing through big dips in the road, and jumping it off of curbs and whatnot.   I've got the preload adjusted up a little bit, it reduced the bottoming, it's still pretty plush, and the thing I notice about them, is that I don't really notice them doing anything badly, they're not "boingy", you know, bouncing back off the bumps, they don't tend to pack down, they seem to rebound just about right, and it feels good.   I'm a long way from a suspension expert, but I don't have any complaints about them.   I've got an Ohlins with the remote ride height adjuster on the back, same there, no complaints, nothing oddball going on, seems to work as it should. 

Maybe call Race Tech and  see what they recommend. 

[Speeddog]

RaceTech is probably the most economical solution for the forks.
The Gold Valves for S4 forks are the FMGV S2043.

As far as a rear shock:

Penske is an alternative to Ohlins, about the same price range though.

Not sure what out there is cheaper.

[red baron]

I love the Racetech upgrade Speeddog did to my forks.


Thanks again.

[Qomomoko]

So did you order the gold valve and the springs from race tech?

I have an 02 S4 and it is not listed but am assuming its the same as the 2002 Monster 900.

I am not sure if I have Showa or the M one.. pretty sure Showa...

(i know the post is old but thought it is the most relevant to my situation as opposed to new thread)

http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/Ducati/Monster%20900/2002

they they only as for my weight and not the bikes weight...think she is 430 lbs

[Qomomoko]

Called racetech and they said..

Spring series S3732 , appx $130
Gold valve  series 2043 , appx $170

Stock is .8667 kg/mm and for my weight of 155 lbs ( and the calculator includes 10-15 lbs of gear) for racing to use .9 kg/mm or .95 kg/mm

what you guys think?

I am sure if I order and there is a mistake they will help but I rather be as informed as possible.


I am doing same upgrade to my ninja 250 and the price is same though of course different parts.

I rather be on the heavier side of the K rate since I do plan on tracking her sometimes and eventhoug when on the street I am not an aggressive rider.

[Qomomoko]

Also, is it better go to on the .05 kg/mm stiffer side when in between if plan on doing more track or maybe putting  on some lbs?

Sonic springs also tells me to go for .95kg/mm springs me weighting 150 lbs plus 15 lbs of gear and My S4 weighting 430 lbs... racetech for the 2001 M 900 says .88 kg/mm.... cant decide...

for my ninja 250 Sonic says .8 kg/mm for me at 150 lbs and 15 lbs gear and 340lbs  but Racetech says .74 kg/mm

[He Man]

I run 0.95 springs on my S2R1000 (which is probably only 30lbs lighter than your bike).

The spring is only there to get you within your sag number. The harshness/plushness is largely in your valve stack.

I also weigh 150lbs. They were valve for just backroads riding, i find them to be somewhat harsh in commute riding, but they are solid when im semi aggressive, and really sweet for the track. But it also depends on your riding skill. Im a mediocre street rider, not too much of a slouch.

[Qomomoko]

I run 0.95 springs on my S2R1000 (which is probably only 30lbs lighter than your bike).

The spring is only there to get you within your sag number. The harshness/plushness is largely in your valve stack.

I also weigh 150lbs. They were valve for just backroads riding, i find them to be somewhat harsh in commute riding, but they are solid when im semi aggressive, and really sweet for the track. But it also depends on your riding skill. Im a mediocre street rider, not too much of a slouch.

Did you get them from Racetech? if you did you get an emulator valve?
S241000 is a sweet machine 

[Qomomoko]

Called racetech and they said..

Spring series S3732 , appx $130
Gold valve  series 2043 , appx $170

Stock is .8667 kg/mm and for my weight of 155 lbs ( and the calculator includes 10-15 lbs of gear) for racing to use .9 kg/mm or .95 kg/mm

what you guys think?

I am sure if I order and there is a mistake they will help but I rather be as informed as possible.


I am doing same upgrade to my ninja 250 and the price is same though of course different parts.

I rather be on the heavier side of the K rate since I do plan on tracking her sometimes and eventhoug when on the street I am not an aggressive rider.

bump for more info?

hope to order soon to make it to track day May 31.. waiting on email from Racetech to answers some questions too

[Qomomoko]

Any last minute advice,

I'll get the .95 for the S4.. and the .75 for the ninja....  I think lol

Also, is it better go to on the .05 kg/mm stiffer side when in between if plan on doing more track or maybe putting  on some lbs?

Sonic springs also tells me to go for .95kg/mm springs me weighting 150 lbs plus 15 lbs of gear and My S4 weighting 430 lbs... racetech for the 2001 M 900 says .88 kg/mm.... cant decide...

for my ninja 250 Sonic says .8 kg/mm for me at 150 lbs and 15 lbs gear and 340lbs  but Racetech says .74 kg/mm