Raising seat height and handlebars - Advice

[jamanta]

Hi guys,

I just bought a S2R and I'm a little tall and would like to raise the seat height by a couple of inches or more. How is that possible?

I also wanted to raise the handlebars a bit. Because my body is longer, I have to lean more to grab the bars.

thanks!

[Speeddog]

How tall are you?

A Sargent seat is a little taller, more comfy.

You can get some bar risers.

[jamanta]

I'm over 6'7. I fit on the bike fine, but when I'm stopped it looks and feels like i'm riding a bicycle hahaah. I'm so used to things not fitting me that it really doesn't bother me. As long as my legs fit around the tank I'm fine 

[brimo]

Most people raise the rear shock length by about 1/2 inch, this lifts the overall ride height by about 1 inch and quickens the steering, which you may or may not like, personally I do like it. A set of handlebar risers from one of our sponsors will lift the bar height too.
Some rearsets (if you're feeling rich) would also make things a bit more comfortable.

[jamanta]

Most people raise the rear shock length by about 1/2 inch, this lifts the overall ride height by about 1 inch and quickens the steering, which you may or may not like, personally I do like it. A set of handlebar risers from one of our sponsors will lift the bar height too.
Some rearsets (if you're feeling rich) would also make things a bit more comfortable.

How is this done? By turning the big screw below the strut or by turning the 2 big rings above the spring or a combination of both?

I'm not feeling rich now, so rearsets will come later  . I will get the bar risers though.

Maybe i should just chop my legs off a bit 

[Speeddog]

6'7" is about the tallest I've heard of on a Monster.
How much do you weigh?

You can raise the rear by adjusting the pushrod next to the shock.
It does steepen the head angle and reduce trail, so it will make the handling quicker.
You could try raising the rear ride height an inch or so and see how it feels.
Keep an eye on the upper chain guide, some folks will get accelerated wear.

IIRC, you may be able to drop the forks in the triple 1/2" - 3/4".

[jamanta]

you can raise the rear by adjusting the pushrod next to the shock.

is that the big screw on the bottom of the shock? what about the 2 big rings above the shock? sorry about the questions. i'm totally new to ducatis.

i weigh 235/240...

[Speeddog]

You would definitely benefit from new springs that are appropriate to your weight.

The pushrod is attached by the same bolt as the shock, on the swingarm.

Which year and model of S2R do you have?

[stopintime]

+1 on a new spring, maybe also in the forks.

I'm 6'4", 220 plus gear. I dug in deep on my MasterCard and got new suspension. New bike! Handles SOOO much better. When I got the correct springs it raised the front by about half an inch and the rear (with me on the bike) by about one inch. It really helps the Monster to turn more willingly.

To know how it feels to have a stiffer spring, you can tighten the two rings on top of the spring. It's called to increase preload. If you have the S2R 1000, you can do the same to the fork.

About the risers - being tall puts your torso more upright, not as you say with a longer reach. If you add risers, they will push your torso even higher, which is comfortable but bad for handling. Turning a Monster well and with confidence require as much weight as possible up front (lower torso, loose elbows). So, if handling is prioritized, forget the risers. At least until you get to know your bike.

[Raux]

guys with an S2R... how about posting a photo how to on this?

[brimo]

The pushrod/ride height adjuster is the long rod that runs parallel to the shock, it has a nut and a rose joint on each end. (The nut with the notches in it is a left hand thread so remember this when loosening it). Loosen both the nuts and turn the whole rod, you'll see it change length. A little bit goes a long way, so adjust it about 1/4 inch at a time and take it for a ride, as it makes a big difference to the steering, if you overdo it you'll risk tankslappers at speed and nobody enjoys that.
It is a real PITA to get the wrenches in there but persevere and you'll get there.
Bump up the preload a bit on the rear shock for your weight( the two big rings on top of the shock) this will reduce the rear end sag.

Her's a pic of what it looks like.

[brimo]

guys with an S2R... how about posting a photo how to on this?

Here is a link to the manual

http://www.wanwo.zoomshare.com/1.shtml

[stopintime]

Push rod/ ride height is the purple arrow.

Preload rings are hidden in the picture, but are indicated by the orange arrow.
You'll need a tool to adjust those.
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ci-showatool/Maintenance/ci-showatool.html
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ci-sachstool/Maintenance/ci-sachstool.html

[jamanta]

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.

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?

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?

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?

[jamanta]

Push rod/ ride height is the purple arrow.

Preload rings are hidden in the picture, but are indicated by the orange arrow.
You'll need a tool to adjust those.

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!