Suspension options for 695

[Speeddog]

S4 forks have straight-rate springs, but the valving is pretty harsh.
S2R1000 forks have better valving, but the progressive springs are junk.

@ Dante, to be set up correctly, you would need new springs with either fork.

[NoisyDante]

So with new spring needed regardless, the S2R1000 forks might be the better item to look around for?

Regardless if I nab a pair or I modify my stock forks, we'll be doing some suspension work soon. 

[scott_araujo]

Speeddog,

Any guesstimate on what spring rate would be good for the stock rear shock on my '03 800 Dark?  I'm about 220#, RaceTech .95 springs up front with 5W fork oil in Marzocchis, and I want to keep the stock rear shock but get a better spring.

Scott

[Speeddog]

So with new spring needed regardless, the S2R1000 forks might be the better item to look around for?

Regardless if I nab a pair or I modify my stock forks, we'll be doing some suspension work soon. 

Well, not limited to S2R1000 forks, but any 43mm Monster adjustable Showas.

[Speeddog]

Speeddog,

Any guesstimate on what spring rate would be good for the stock rear shock on my '03 800 Dark?  I'm about 220#, RaceTech .95 springs up front with 5W fork oil in Marzocchis, and I want to keep the stock rear shock but get a better spring.

Scott

I'd say a 650 lb/in (11.6 kg/mm) spring.

[stopintime]

I'd say a 650 lb/in (11.6 kg/mm) spring.

Or an 850    (that's because I'm spesscial)

I'm still wondering how my sag numbers got to 12/36mm with that spring. Only difference from a usual spring is that mine is much longer. Or that someone uses/remembers/measures things in an interesting way. Not important though, it works well...

Sorry if I'm confusing anyone - just blabbering

[cduarte]

S4 forks have straight-rate springs, but the valving is pretty harsh.
S2R1000 forks have better valving, but the progressive springs are junk.

@ Dante, to be set up correctly, you would need new springs with either fork.

interesting. I have S4 forks on my 695, and find the damping works quite well... The forks are in great shape, I won't touch the springs, but I may get them revalved at some point.

[cduarte]

Nice, thanks.  Is there a pair here that might be considered more desireable than the others?

any of them will work, I'd probably go for the first set if you can get them for $400 or less. Little hint, don't bid until the last 2 minutes or so... ;-)

[Speeddog]

interesting. I have S4 forks on my 695, and find the damping works quite well... The forks are in great shape, I won't touch the springs, but I may get them revalved at some point.

Probably don't need to revalve them.  

[cduarte]

probably not, but you never know. BTW, they are orders of magnitude better than the junk marzochis that the bike came with.

[cduarte]

Well, not limited to S2R1000 forks, but any 43mm Monster adjustable Showas.

don't forget ST2/4 forks, they work great in a monster as well.

[BK_856er]

I messed around with my non-stock rear shock spring and eventually ended up with a 625lb spring (180lb rider weight with gear):

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=18054.msg321904#msg321904

BK

[scott_araujo]

Speeddog, BK, thanks

[NoisyDante]

Thanks once again for the suspension advice guys, I'm finalizing the purchase of a pair of S4 forks now.

[He Man]

Noisy Dante, let me know what spring you need (i have a spring that might fit you that ive been trying to get rid of). It might too short for you, or too stiff. im not sure yet