Raising seat height and handlebars - Advice

[jamanta]

hey stopintime, i know this is listed as a chain adjuster tool, but it looks exactly the same as the one in the url you sent me. what are your thoughts? thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-chain-adjusting-tool-748-916-996-998-S4R-S2R_W0QQitemZ250474435114QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3a5170922a&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

[stopintime]

hey stopintime, i know this is listed as a chain adjuster tool, but it looks exactly the same as the one in the url you sent me. what are your thoughts? thanks

It looks very similar, but it's larger I think - fits around a bigger part than the shock rings.

[stopintime]

very nice! thanks for the image and the links stopintime. is there another way to ajdust it without that tool and without having to hammer a screw driver for example?

i'm starting to like this forum!!! thanks for all the help! 

We're only glad to help (despite your avatar )

I'm sure there is a way without the tool, but I wouldn't know how - sorry

[Speeddog]

Chain adjusting tool is too big for the shock.
But you should get one anyway, if you're planning on doing routine maintenance yourself.

Shock spring adjusting tool is about the only way other than with a punch and hammer.
It can be adjusted on the bike, but it's way easier if you remove the shock.

Ideally a stiffer spring, to get it in the ballpark for your weight.

[jamanta]

We're only glad to help (despite your avatar )

What? you didn't like my hair? Business in the front and party in the back hahah! I love when my mullet is flying around while I ride my monster

I'm going to change my avatar soon. I just had to put a ridiculous montage of myself 

[jamanta]

since you guys are so nice and helpful, can you give me some help on this topic?

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=27773.msg483626#msg483626

[stopintime]

i'm going to take a look into the pushrood thingy. i really don't want the bike to be too unstable and tankslappers are horrible. i hope i'll never have to deal with one.

You won't have to if you get your weight forward and get new springs front and rear.

i was reading the owner's manual and it says something like you should have a professional mess with that since it is an important part of the bike and misadjusting could cause an accident. what do you guys think?

It's precaution from Ducati - it will change the handling of your bike, but in a good way since you're outweighing the stock suspension

regarding, the spring preload, bumping up the preload means tightening the rings correct? i know that tightening the rings will make the bike stiffer and won't bounce as much, but wouldn't i lose height if i did that?

Tightening as in making them move downwards, yes. It means that you will be sitting higher because the bike/suspension isn't compressed as easily. The bouncing will be harder and shorter - that's where the rebound adjustment comes in. A small screw on the very bottom of the shock - it must be adjusted accordingly (by a proffesional?) to avoid sending you and the bike airbourne on bumps because of the stiffer preloaded spring.

i will post my some pics of my bike soon. it's a 2005 S2R with 2500 miles. Excellent shape and looks like just came out of the shop. Ducati red with white stripe and rims. Arrow exhaust and power commander. I'm loving it.

i know this is a different thread, but what are your opinions about having the wheels painted or powdercoated in black?

The white weels are great looking, but only if they are white. Black powdercoating will save you a lot of washing and polishing

[stopintime]

since you guys are so nice and helpful, can you give me some help on this topic?

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=27773.msg483626#msg483626

You mean help you to quiet down a Monster? I can help you, but I refuse

Seriously, I don't know anything about Arrows. You should get answers soon though. Maybe better if you moved it to accessories & mods? You can do that yourself - a button on the bottom left side of the screen.

Sorry about the avatar comment - no disrespect intended

[jamanta]

Sorry about the avatar comment - no disrespect intended

haha, no disrespect at all. this is a funny picture of myself. there's no way in hell i would ever look like that haha.

about the springs: which one do you recommend? we weigh about the same. i'm not going to deal with the pushrod...

i don't want to quiet the monster i just know that my neighbors are going to complain about it. i had one neighbor next to me complain that open the garage door too much. hahah, ridiculous.

Tightening as in making them move downwards, yes. It means that you will be sitting higher because the bike/suspension isn't compressed as easily. The bouncing will be harder and shorter - that's where the rebound adjustment comes in. A small screw on the very bottom of the shock - it must be adjusted accordingly (by a proffesional?) to avoid sending you and the bike airbourne on bumps because of the stiffer preloaded spring.

i'm going to try that out and do some different combinations of the rebound adjustment and the spring preload

[stopintime]

about the springs: which one do you recommend? we weigh about the same. i'm not going to deal with the pushrod...


i'm going to try that out and do some different combinations of the rebound adjustment and the spring preload

Ask Speeddog about recommended springs - he's a professional

My spring is longer than normal and will perform more predictably/consistently over the full range, but it requires a high performance shock, which I have. It's very stiff and the whole package is set up for agressive riding and track days. I wouldn't recommend my stuff for normal riding. I think you will be happy with something in between. Why don't you go see a suspension shop - get their input/price and take it from there

You can deal with the pushrod later if it's still needed/wanted.

When you play with settings, write down what you do and make comments on the result. It's easy to get lost.

[jamanta]

Ask Speeddog about recommended springs - he's a professional

speeddog, what would you recommend me for a good and affordable spring? thanks!

[scott_araujo]

Also, don't forget the front suspension.  If it's non-adjustable it's almost certainly too soft.  You can spend lots to swap the whole thing out but just getting some springs appropriate to your weight make a huge difference and only cost about $130.  I changed mine on my '03 800 Dark and it brought the front end up about 1/2".  This will also help counter the raise in the rear using the pushrod and keep you away from the tank slappers.  At the core, having the right spring rate on both ends makes the bike more comfortable and predictable to ride.

Scott

[Speeddog]

speeddog, what would you recommend me for a good and affordable spring? thanks!

You should be able to get a rear spring for ~$100.

A local suspension tuner would be a good starting point, whereabouts do you live?

I'd say something around a 12.0 kg/mm rear spring, and a set of 1.0 kg/mm springs for the front.

[jamanta]

You should be able to get a rear spring for ~$100.

A local suspension tuner would be a good starting point, whereabouts do you live?

I'd say something around a 12.0 kg/mm rear spring, and a set of 1.0 kg/mm springs for the front.

i'm right above you in oregon. i called the ducati place here (moto corsa) and they quoted me around $500 for a spring replacement and all adjustments, etc. i think it is too much. if i were to replace the spring at home, would i need special tools for it?

thanks