Ride height adjusment on my 696

[ducnymph]

Hi, I was wondering if anybody has done this mod to their 696? And if so how did you do it?

I had a 620 that had the "dog bone" that could be switched out for an adjustable ride height. The mod made the bike higher in the back and therefore allowed more clearance. I'd like to the same thing with my 696, but I don't see the dogbone at all and I'm assuming it doesn't have one. I was wondering if I have to replace the shock with an after market one like the Ohlins for example:
http://www.ohlins.com/Our-products/Motorcycle/Products/Sport/DU-737/

Will it be height adjustable?

[Raux]

you can adjust the preload on the spring to raise the rear.

[ducpainter]

you can adjust the preload on the spring to raise the rear.

That isn't the proper way to adjust ride height.

edit...

What you would be adjusting is sag, which will affect handling in a bad way.

Hi, I was wondering if anybody has done this mod to their 696? And if so how did you do it?

I had a 620 that had the "dog bone" that could be switched out for an adjustable ride height. The mod made the bike higher in the back and therefore allowed more clearance. I'd like to the same thing with my 696, but I don't see the dogbone at all and I'm assuming it doesn't have one. I was wondering if I have to replace the shock with an after market one like the Ohlins for example:
http://www.ohlins.com/Our-products/Motorcycle/Products/Sport/DU-737/

Will it be height adjustable?

It does not appear that that shock is adjustable for length/ride height.

Contact Öhlins to find out for sure.

[ducnymph]

Ok, I see what you're saying about sag and preload. I wouldn't want to affect handling for height adjustment. That would kind of defeat the whole purpose.

So what can I do then if the Ohlins isn't ride height adjustable?

The shock is bux and would be nice to invest in for better suspension and for longterm use. But what I am more concerned about is ride height. The shifter scrapes on my left (my dominant side) and the rear brake will eventualy drag if I get more lean on my right. I don't want either to drag and I often hang off to get better clearance. The only things I can think of are rearsets ($800 Rizomas - the only brand I've found that make em for my bike) or adjusting the ride height somehow.

It seems odd that there isn't a ride height adjust bar for the 696. Any other possible solutions?

[ducpainter]

The 696 uses a different type shock mounting which is similar to the old SS. It's called a cantilever mount. That system doesn't use a ride height adjuster other than shock length.

The older monsters used a linkage type mounting.

Have you checked sag to make sure the spring from the factory is correct for you?

You should have somewhere near 1 1/4 inches. If you have significantly more then you can adjust preload to try to reach that number. That will help clearance issues. Your shop can set sag for you, or you can do it with some help. You should be in your gear.

The other thing to do is hang off the bike more to keep the bike more upright in turns. With sag set correctly you shouldn't have to resort to that to ride on the street.

[Ivan]

With sag set correctly you shouldn't have to resort to that to ride on the street.

From looking at ducnymph's avatar, I don't think street riding is the issue...

[ducpainter]

From looking at ducnymph's avatar, I don't think street riding is the issue...

point taken....

[stopintime]

A good suspension shop should be able to supply a shock which is slightly longer than stock -  it would also come with a spring for your weight and riding preferences (maybe a linear).

[Spencer]

.

I have the Ohlins DU737 on my 696 and it is not ride height adjustable, it does transform the bikes ride and handling. 

.

[Raux]

thanks for correcting my lack of suspension work knowledge. nekkidchic is having the opposite.. well kinda the same problem cause she added a lot of sag? to reduce the ride height, thereby making rear really soft, now she drags the kickstand all the time.

how much does ducnymph weigh would be a good question here. dragging hard parts is pretty hard on the street unless you aren't hanging off at all or you are weighing the bike down... or are just freaking really getting on it.

[ducnymph]

The 696 uses a different type shock mounting which is similar to the old SS. It's called a cantilever mount. That system doesn't use a ride height adjuster other than shock length.

The older monsters used a linkage type mounting.

Have you checked sag to make sure the spring from the factory is correct for you?

You should have somewhere near 1 1/4 inches. If you have significantly more then you can adjust preload to try to reach that number. That will help clearance issues. Your shop can set sag for you, or you can do it with some help. You should be in your gear.

The other thing to do is hang off the bike more to keep the bike more upright in turns. With sag set correctly you shouldn't have to resort to that to ride on the street.

Ok, so this explaination helps a lot. I have some cantilever mount homework to do  Also, I will speak with the dealer to see if I can get a longer spring, cost etc. In addition, I do have to get a new shock. Dave Moss, the local suspension guru here in Nor Cali, said I should toss my shock every 10k. I'm prolly just going to replace it with another Sachs and then get a longer spring. I would love to upgrade to the Ohlins but can't. I'm sure you're loving it Spencer, congrats!

I had my suspension adjusted at the track and dragged hard parts there. I definately found pushing the bike up while getting off helped. After that, I dragged the shifter on one especially spirited ride to Skaggs which is the Northern Cali holy grail of moto roads. I found it annoying that the people I was riding with weren't anywhere near dragging anything (RS 1200, Tuono and 954 CBR). The Monster just isn't set up for the lean angle those bikes are, but I still love it though 

[ducnymph]

how much does ducnymph weigh would be a good question here. dragging hard parts is pretty hard on the street unless you aren't hanging off at all or you are weighing the bike down... or are just freaking really getting on it.

I was following NekkedChic's posts about this issue too and wondered how come her stand would hit first. Question answered...I'm 5'7 and 135, taller and heavier. duh. Different setup for sure. Learning is FUN!

[Big Troubled Bear]

With the 696 suspension setup your only option is a longer shock and spring setup correctly for your weight, a stiffer spring on it`s own won`t do it.
The M1100 has the same setup only on a SSS but the front forks are also 10 mm longer to help with ground clearance

[Ddan]

Raising the rear alone will also quicken the steering, not necessarily a bad thing but if you go too far you could have stability issues.

[Ivan]

If you go with a new shock, Penske shocks have a length adjustment.