adding a "height adjuster" to a 695

[maltese]

First of all, sorry because I am not sure what the correct term for this is... ride height adjustment bar? adjustable tie bar? dunno, I am a stupid newbie, that needs some education.

I remeber reading about this a long time ago on the other ducmonster forum that died and people were talking about how raising the rear about 2cm does wonders for that bike.  I was hoping I could get a little more info because having a bit more of an aggressive stance sounds nice and the ability to change it without too much work.

Thanks in advance

[BK_856er]

I call it an adjustable rear link, but height adjuster also works   

The S2R uses a compatible adjustable link (not sure what other models cross).  You can get them used, but it's not uncommon for the ends to be frozen solid, so watch out for that.  The new pieces are pretty pricey from Ducati.

I got my adjustable M695 link from easterncycleducati.  They call it a "lowering link" but if you call them up they'll make one for you that allows you to lower or raise the rear.  Works well.  Good looking part.  A small adjustment at the link translates to a larger change in the rear ride height (not 1:1).  You'll need to adjust the chain tension afterwards.

I raised my rear ride height 10mm, but that was in addition to a different shock, forks and some other tweaks.  Also consider lowering the front a bit (no parts to buy!).

BK

[maltese]

Thanks for the clarification/help. I really appreciate it.  I have a feeling I will be purchasing that link soon because I am running into a few clearance issues too, so dropping the forks would make it worse.

Thanks again!

[jdubbs32584]

Maltese, when you're talking about an "aggressive stance", which is what you want, are you talking about your position in the saddle or the overall geometry of the bike?

If you want a more aggressive position for yourself, have you thought about clipons?

[maltese]

Clip-ons are down the line, I have just heard that this effects turn in more

[BK_856er]

Thanks for the clarification/help. I really appreciate it.  I have a feeling I will be purchasing that link soon because I am running into a few clearance issues too, so dropping the forks would make it worse.

Thanks again!

Clearance issues?  Make sure that your sag numbers are good for your weight.  You can raise the rear a bit to gain some clearance, but proper sag is step #1.  On the stock M695 you only have the option of rear preload and rebound.  You might be in the ballpark if your weight is about 150lbs and the settings have not been changed.  If you're interested go to onthethrottle.tv and navigate to suspension and your model for some videos of sag measurements with riders of different weights on your specific model.  It's not a small financial proposition, but upgraded/correct front and rear components dialed in for you make a huge difference on this bike.

BK

[IdZer0]

I  You'll need to adjust the chain tension afterwards.

Why is that? I agree that there would be more slack 'at rest'  than prescribed in the manual (at rest). But doesn't this guideline (only) apply to a stock configuration? And isn't it meant to ensure that when the the front sprocket and rear axle are the furthest apart (front sprocket, swingarm pivot and rear axle in one line) and thus the chain is at its tightest, it has the maximum tension allowed. This wouldn't change if you raise the rear, so why do you need to tighten the chain? Wouldn't you risk to much tension at the that point?

[BK_856er]

Why is that? I agree that there would be more slack 'at rest'  than prescribed in the manual (at rest). But doesn't this guideline (only) apply to a stock configuration? And isn't it meant to ensure that when the the front sprocket and rear axle are the furthest apart (front sprocket, swingarm pivot and rear axle in one line) and thus the chain is at its tightest, it has the maximum tension allowed. This wouldn't change if you raise the rear, so why do you need to tighten the chain? Wouldn't you risk to much tension at the that point?

I never said to tighten the chain, I said to adjust it.  When the rear ride height is changed, the swingarm angle changes and therefore the distance between the front/rear sprockets changes.  It's good practice to make sure that the chain tension is suitable after changing the rear ride height.  That was my main point.  OP mentioned a 2cm increase in rear ride height, which is pretty significant.  But yes, raising the rear will decrease the chain tension if no other adjustments are made.  A quick check is to sit on the bike and make sure that there is still appropriate slack in the chain under the swingarm.  Tight is bad.  In this case it will be looser, maybe too loose, depending on where it was to start with.  What number or spec you want to run is up to the individual.

BK

[maltese]

Clearance issues?  Make sure that your sag numbers are good for your weight.  You can raise the rear a bit to gain some clearance, but proper sag is step #1.  On the stock M695 you only have the option of rear preload and rebound.  You might be in the ballpark if your weight is about 150lbs and the settings have not been changed.  If you're interested go to onthethrottle.tv and navigate to suspension and your model for some videos of sag measurements with riders of different weights on your specific model.  It's not a small financial proposition, but upgraded/correct front and rear components dialed in for you make a huge difference on this bike.

BK

When I bought the bike, the tech at the shop came out and set the sag for me on my bike, i am about 178 naked, but we set the sag when i was in full leathers and a helmet.  I figured I'd only run naked when i was going for top speed runs, where ever gram counts and the stiffer setup would rock! 

[Ducatiloo]

So the ride height can't be adjusted out of the box on a 695, you need to buy a new rod?  Is it not threaded?

[jdubbs32584]

So the ride height can't be adjusted out of the box on a 695, you need to buy a new rod?  Is it not threaded?

I'm sure someone will jump on my case if I'm wrong but I believe thats correct.

I was looking for a ride height adjuster right before I traded in my 695.

[Chchadder]

The stock bar is unadjustable requiring a raising link that Eastern Cycles in Boston makes.  Costs about $110 and starts at stock height with more adjustability upward than you could ever need.  Just make sure they send the right one, because EC told my shop the part would be fine when they sent a lowering link instead of a raisin link.  In reality it can snap (as mine did) if you hit a big pothole and there is too much thread outside the bar.  I of course found this out after the fact and out of warranty on the part.  But I did win the Stronzo award at the Desmo BBQ for best unintentional mod: my license plate that had a stripe worn to the metal from where it decided to shave down my tire.   

[BK_856er]

This is my easterncycleducati adjustable link (stock height or taller, not their standard "lowering link").

I believe the OE eye-eye distance is 272mm as shown on the ruler.

Maltese, if your sag has been set, step #1 is done (that's more than most dealers will do!).  An adjustable rear link is a nice addition to the M695.  Go get one and have fun testing!

BK