front springs and suspension set up

[bschur13]

Over the winter I changed my rear spring to an eibach 650 weight and I brought my bike in today to get my suspension set up.  I weigh 195 sans gear and the bike has almost 18k on it.  The bike is a 2001 900sie so it has the adjustable front showas. 

The rear is perfect but now the front is "way off" according the the shop.  The sag is at 50mm.  They said this could just be due to the light stock springs or worn out springs. 

*Does this sound right? 
 
They gave my options as
a) replace springs and oil (2 hours labor + springs) shocks stay on the bike.  cost; around 300
b) replace springs and oil with complete rebuild of shocks. cost; around 500

he did mention that the bushings could be worn out but there is no way to know if they need replacing until they are completely off the bike.  He also mentioned that at 18k ducati does suggest doing option b.

*Has anyone had any problems with their bushings or shocks in general at this mileage?  Do I need to go with option B?

The springs he said would go in is this.  37 dia/ 320 length/ .90 weight. 

*Are these the proper springs? 

Anyone that can weigh in on this would be appreciated.   

[ducpainter]

What model forks?

Non adjustable Showas? Marzocchis are not 'rebuildable' per se. All you can do is oil and springs.

The springs they are suggesting sound right. I weigh 175-180 and use a .85.

If they're going to put valves, springs, and oil for $500...go for it. If they're just gonna take them apart and replace bushings for the extra money then try the springs and oil first IMO.

[stopintime]

The experts (not me) will need bike and year.

I went the option b route this winter. My S2R 800 with the sub-sub-sub standard forks was dangerous to ride, there was no rebound and I regularly bottomed out. For about your price (in Norway, if you're in the US it "should" be cheaper) I got new springs, oil and customized valves. My bike is not a better, it's a new bike - so everyone tells me - haven't been on it yet.

From what I hear - it's very important that the front matches the rear. If your bike has some miles on it as well - you're probably up for option b

[Gimpy]

I'm the same wight (195lbs) and I just bought front and rear myself. The stock springs are rated for little Italian men.  I have a 600lbs Ohlins rear spring and the exact same front springs (rate wise). I still haven't decided on the weight and quantity of oil to use.  I'm thinking of using the stock amount (not that I know it yet) and either 7.5 or 10 weight oil. 

I decided not to go after the valves right now.  If I am not satisfied with the ride, there will always be next winter for me to take the bike apart again. 

I just bought a set of adjustable showa forks. (they were dirt cheap) and I am hoping hat I can still use the same springs.  I'm having a hard time figuring out if there is a difference.  I haven't pulled them open yet, but the outside dimensions are the same.  Racetech didn't seem to sell 2 different kinds. We shall see. 

I say you should do the front. I don't have any FHE (yet!) but I have done a bunch of research. (sounds like you have to) and it all says to do it.   

[bschur13]

I meant to put the model and year in there.  I forgot that I dont have it on my profile like on the old forum.  (Info added above)

Well so far it seems everyone is leaning toward b.  Ill be honest, one of the main issues is that I dont want to drop 500 bucks for not much difference in my ride performance.  I am not exactly pushing it hard on the track.  Just the typical street riding. 

   

 

[Gimpy]

Thanks for posting that info.  I think you may have just confirmed that my springs will work on my new forks.   

I forgot to mention.  Taking the forks off yourself is a trivial matter and can be done with basic tools in 30 mins. If you take the forks in to the shop off the bike it may knock off about $100. Depends on your mechanic. If I were you and worried about the price. I would pop off the forks and replace the springs and oil and be done with it. It would probably cost around $200.... but the problem with matching the rear, and the excessive sag would be gone.  Then I would ride the piss outta the thing and decide If I wanted to do more later.

[bschur13]

gimpy,
yo sort of beat me to it.  I was about to ask you a question since you do all your own work.

I was wondering how easy it would be to do myself.  (I think I recall reading the "how to" on this and thinking it was a cake walk.  The problem I see with taking the shocks off myself is that I have no way to support the bike. 
I was thinking I could easily do the springs myself by just popping them out, sucking out the oil (somehow, turkey baster  ) and then just replace.  Then all I would need was to is go back to the shop to have the front adjusted properly.  (hopefully they would not charge me another $50 bucks since I essentially only paid for half a suspension set up on this go around)

[ducpainter]

I meant to put the model and year in there.  I forgot that I dont have it on my profile like on the old forum.  (Info added above)

Well so far it seems everyone is leaning toward b.  Ill be honest, one of the main issues is that I dont want to drop 500 bucks for not much difference in my ride performance.  I am not exactly pushing it hard on the track.  Just the typical street riding. 

   

 

Street or track, the upgrade is worth it.

I would suggest you don't let them use the recommended race-tech stack though.

It will be harsh.

When ducvet did my forks he modified the stack so only the largest bumps are even felt.

[DuciD03]

Street or track, the upgrade is worth it.

I would suggest you don't let them use the recommended race-tech stack though.

It will be harsh.

When ducvet did my forks he modified the stack so only the largest bumps are even felt.

DP -  where did you notice the difference most in fork suspension setup?; ie - cornering; bumps; firmer handling; more percise etc ... I'm beginning to realise the stock forks on monsters are not so great ...

[ducpainter]

DP -  where did you notice the difference most in fork suspension setup?; ie - cornering; bumps; firmer handling; more percise etc ... I'm beginning to realise the stock forks on monsters are not so great ...

Everywhere... Seriously.

I figured out the suspension on the monster was 'less than ideal' ( read as sucks ass) when I made a mid corner throttle adjustment and the bike felt like I was riding a snake.

I was lucky to have mine done by a shop that had figured out that the stock race-tech stack wasn't ideal for NH roads. The stock stack is best on the track.

If you have Marzocchi forks, oil and the correct spring will help immensely and there are other options for those as well.

I can't recommend ducvets (clubhousemotorsports) suspension talents highly enough...he was the tech at that shop. He has a notebook that people have threatened him to try and look at.

He's a sponsor here now...and he's a really good friend. I have no problem saying that up front.

Pony up and have it done at the shop of your choice. You won't be disappointed.

P.S. Don't forget to have the sag checked and corrected in the rear. It's all a balance.

[Howie]

Ducvet did my forks too.  Does the bike ride better when slowly cruising through the 'hood? Nah.  Competence?  Now, that is a whole other story.  Much more stable and neutral in a lean and much better braking on bumpy surfaces. 

[mookieo2]

Any info on modifying the stock stack or is that a secret that goes to the grave?

[ducpainter]

Any info on modifying the stock stack or is that a secret that goes to the grave?

No...and yes.

I don't have any, and he won't tell.

Ducvet did my forks too.  Does the bike ride better when slowly cruising through the 'hood? Nah.  Competence?  Now, that is a whole other story.  Much more stable and neutral in a lean and much better braking on bumpy surfaces. 

MY 'hood' is different than howies....

but around here I've experienced a smoother ride.

[Howie]

I did say "slowly cruising".  20-30 MPH too fast on the Bronx River, more composed.  A little like the difference between a Buick and a BMW.

[gage]

Ducvet did my forks too. 

Mine too! Don't have them back together yet though but his customer service is top notch