Spring calculation help for a loveable fat man

[Michael]

Put about a half inch of preload on the spring.

I've also purchased some risers.



That's not a picture of my motorcycle, but rather it's from this thread, http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25513.0

I haven't installed those on my bike yet.



Now, when I was removing my spring last night, I noticed that I had very little extra room between the hoop and the swing arm. I mean, when I unscrewed the hoop (photo above), there was maybe an extra 1/2 inch. And I was thinking that I wouldn't be able to put these new risers on at all. However, the preload was to the max on my spring.

So, I think that with less preload, I'd be able to fit the new risers.

But now I'm not even sure I want to.

[Speeddog]

I recommend just changing one thing at a time.
I think that you'll find that the new spring is a pretty dramatic change all by itself.

[scott_araujo]

+1.

[Michael]

Ah ... you guys are probably right.

Well, I'm done painting the new spring. It's nice and yellow. Luckily in Arizona it's 70 degrees outside and sunny, so drying was fast. The spring is currently in the oven at 200 degrees.

I'm taking lots of pictures and I might even put together a video for the Tutorial forum when I'm done.

[scott_araujo]

Nice way to give back to the board

[pennyrobber]

Ah ... you guys are probably right.

Well, I'm done painting the new spring. It's nice and yellow. Luckily in Arizona it's 70 degrees outside and sunny, so drying was fast. The spring is currently in the oven at 200 degrees.

I'm taking lots of pictures and I might even put together a video for the Tutorial forum when I'm done.

I love the oven cure method, the misses, not so much.

[djrashonal]

Ah ... you guys are probably right.

Well, I'm done painting the new spring. It's nice and yellow. Luckily in Arizona it's 70 degrees outside and sunny, so drying was fast. The spring is currently in the oven at 200 degrees.

I'm taking lots of pictures and I might even put together a video for the Tutorial forum when I'm done.

What kind of paint did you use to paint your spring?

[Michael]

Okay.

If you guys don't mind, I'd like to ask you some advice. I've created a video -- this is just a first take that I made, I gave no thought to what I would say or how I placed the camera.

So I'm going to re-do it (during the day, with better light) and then I'll post the final version to the Tutorial area it's own thread, but my question is ... do you have any suggestions to make this video better?

I mean, is there anything else I should say, or anything I should say differently?

Motorcycle Rear Spring Replacement - Ducati M900 (Monster) 1996

[Howie]

I've had the shock out of my bike three times so far.  I left the wheel on and hoop connected.  I also removed the foot peg bracket and removed it and the exhaust, allowing easy access ti the bottom shock bolt.  Disconnecting the hoop, though not necessary, is a good idea though, since you can now lube the usually neglected Heim joints.  The bent washer is supposed to be attached to the swing arm to hold the nut in place.

[Michael]

Thank you for commenting. That's interesting.

I assumed that disconnecting the exhaust header would break a gasket seal.

I mean, it's usually that way in cars.

[Howie]

My bad, just the muffler.  The header stays in place.  The muffler comes off with the foot peg bracket.

[Michael]

What kind of paint did you use to paint your spring?

Rust-Oleum, I just went into Home Depot and grabbed whatever they had.

[djrashonal]

what is the benefit of putting it in the oven? drys it faster?

[scott_araujo]

Cures to a slightly harder, tougher final finish.  Makes it a little more durable.

Scott

[djrashonal]

awesome, thanks for the info! any particular temp/length of time to cook it at?