Spring calculation help for a loveable fat man

[ducpainter]

I want to.

With any luck I'll recruit the help of some ducati-savvy friends.

It's an easy job.

[Privateer]

The one odd thing is that the spring is blue instead of OEM yellow. I kind of liked the yellow, but hopefully blue will look cool, too.

nothing a little paint wont fix.  Nick sprayed mine.

[Michael]

Hmmm ... maybe ... just maybe ....

What kind of point would be best, something like high-temp paint that people use on calipers? 

[ducpainter]

Hmmm ... maybe ... just maybe ....

What kind of point would be best, something like high-temp paint that people use on calipers? 

Not for a spring.

Use regular rattle can. It will dry quicker too.

You'll have to scuff up the existing coating for things to stick.

[Speeddog]

Not for a spring.

Use regular rattle can. It will dry quicker too.

You'll have to scuff up the existing coating for things to stick.

+1.

That's what I did on Privateer's spring, as well as my own and a few others.

[DesmoDiva]

[thread jack]

I-17 North outa PHX?

That's the gas station in Cordes Jct at 69 and I-17, isn't it?

I lived just down the road at Arcosanti for a year '05-'06.

[/thread jack] 

[Michael]

Yes, you are exactly right, Cordes Jct off of I-17.

We were on our way back from Sedona after doing a route through Prescott and Jerome.

See these threads:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=30533.0
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=31205.0

[Michael]

UPDATE!

Brand new spring was delivered just minutes ago.

I'm not sure about the blue -- I don't really like it, but I'm not sure I want to paint it either. I'm imagining a yellow spring with blue scratches on it (from installation) that I'll regret.

[scott_araujo]

If you want the paint to be more durable just rattle can it and when it's dry put it in a 200 degree oven for 30 minutes or so to cure the paint.  Don't go any hotter, springs don't like extreme heat.  Then get some neoprene hose.  Cut it open length wise to slip over the spring so the compression clamps don't scratch it.

I was dubious about the durability of rattle can paint but I followed Ducapainter's advice and my front fender still looks great after a whole season.  No oven cure on that, don't think the plastic fneder would hold up well

Scott

[Speeddog]

Seeing as your bike's red..... some red paint would be good, IMO. 

I've not had a spring off of an early model shock, but according to ducpainter, you don't need a spring compressor, so there's a pretty small chance of scratching it.

[Michael]

Red might be cool, too. It certainly looks good in this photo.



However, I was planning on getting a clutch plate to match the yellow spring. I thought that would look good.

I like red with just a few bits of yellow here and there, like a red Ferrari with the yellow logo.

Ya ... I think I'm going to head to Home Depot and buy some yellow paint.

[Howie]

Seeing as your bike's red..... some red paint would be good, IMO. 

I've not had a spring off of an early model shock, but according to ducpainter, you don't need a spring compressor, so there's a pretty small chance of scratching it.

No compressor was needed for my '01.

[ducpainter]

No compressor was needed for my '01.

Only the ST based frames require a compressor.

[Michael]

It's an easy job.

You were right -- I took the spring off last night, not only did I not need a spring compressor, but the job altogether wasn't very difficult.

I still have the task of putting it back together, but I'm waiting for the paint to dry on the new spring.

[Speeddog]

Put about a half inch of preload on the spring.