How to fix your S2R800 suspension in 3 easy steps

[techno]

OK, so maybe the title is a bit optomistic but here goes anyway.

After conducting the relevant searches on this forum and digesting the sage advice given therein, I have taken the first step to remedy the terrible standard set up of my S2R800. For those who are new to the topic, this particular model got the bargain basement suspension and many owners (myself included) soon long for something better.

Step one is to buy new parts. My box arrived today and consists of:

One showa adjustable shock from a low milage 999. (Ebay purchase of about $50).



New Eibach rear spring to suit my weight. ($100) Supplied and fitted by GP suspension in Oregon City. Note the new red colour which will get rid of the yellow spring that has always looked out of place on my red and white bike.



New front springs to suit my weight. ($105) I decided not to go with superbike forks at this stage and see how it feels with the springs and a fork oil change.

Shipping from Oregon to Tasmania ($75).

Stage two is to fit it which I hope to do as soon as I get some fork seals and oil and some garage time.

Stage three is to try and set it up. I am thinking some track time might allow me to make some adjustments and do some laps to see how it feels before adjusting some more.

I am not particularly looking for top shelf fully adjustable suspension. I just want the bike to be more solid and less unstable in corners. Once I have it set up I probably won't need to adjust it again. My hope is that it will be a noticable improvement over stock.

I'll add more as it progresses.

[suzyj]

The 999 shock is a great choice - that's what I put on my 695 - it's transformed the rear suspension.  Fitting wasn't terribly difficult - the trick I found that makes removal of the pivots a lot easier is to lift by the swingarm pivot (I used chassis stands), and then put a jack under the end of the swingarm, and just barely support the weight of the swingarm and wheel - that way there's minimal friction on the pivots.

What weight spring did you go with?  It looks very stiff.  On the 695 I had to remove the crankcase breather reservoir and relocate the vertical cylinder coil to make space.

Here's a pic of mine, all installed.  Dezmonster has much the same setup, only he's using a 998 shock.

[booger]

suzyj your bike looks very clean. I'm wondering if you ever find time to ride it.

[TAftonomos]

If you think the 999 showa is good, find a 999s or 999r Ohlins rear shock


Nice work btw!

[b.]

Would the OEM spring from a 999 be too stiff on a monster?

[ajw85]

Would the OEM spring from a 999 be too stiff on a monster?

749/999 oem rate is 7.2 or 7.6 according to:
http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/tech/suspensionspring.php
so for a monster, if you weigh 100 lbs, yes.

[He Man]

749/999 oem rate is 7.2 or 7.6 according to:
http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/tech/suspensionspring.php
so for a monster, if you weigh 100 lbs, yes.

the spring cant even support the monsters own weight. so youd have to find someway to weigh -100 for it to work!

[b.]

It's enough of a feat staying at 150! 

Good to know though...thx for the info.

[Heath]

I am tuned in for this one.  Can't wait to see how it works out.
I need new suspension my 210 lb self is just too much for my stock set up on the s2r800.

[He Man]

I am tuned in for this one.  Can't wait to see how it works out.
I need new suspension my 210 lb self is just too much for my stock set up on the s2r800.

what are you waiting for, get some new springs already!

[Heath]

what are you waiting for, get some new springs already!

Been unemployed for 7 months   Otherwise I would of done it already. 

Although my fiancee has showed interest in putting money we get from our wedding next month towards new springs.  She loves 2 up riding but it is scary with the stock set up.

[suzyj]

suzyj your bike looks very clean. I'm wondering if you ever find time to ride it.

What, you mean I'm supposed to ride it as well?  Can't I just enjoy shed time with it?

[He Man]

Been unemployed for 7 months   Otherwise I would of done it already. 

Although my fiancee has showed interest in putting money we get from our wedding next month towards new springs.  She loves 2 up riding but it is scary with the stock set up.

Get a proper spring thats a little bit stiffer than you need. It might be a little stiff on the st, but perfect for track and 2up use.
then get a proper seat. if money is tight check out knoplace and you can get urself a knife and carve your own seat out. thats what i did. made a world of difference.

[Heath]

Get a proper spring thats a little bit stiffer than you need. It might be a little stiff on the st, but perfect for track and 2up use.
then get a proper seat. if money is tight check out knoplace and you can get urself a knife and carve your own seat out. thats what i did. made a world of difference.

I have the DP Performance gel seat right now.  Is that what you mean or something else?

[He Man]

if you have the DP gel seat already then forget it. how is it for hte passenger though? the Sargent ones (or was it corbin?) have a cut out and its REALLY comfortable, i sat on one a few times and i wouldnt mind hauling people on it.