Suspension Upgrade question- please help

[Mojo S2R]

You could also contact Traxxion Dynamics (http://www.traxxion.com/contact-us.aspx).  They have a complete GP Racing kit to change out the internals of the OEM S2R800 Forks making them adjustable and set for your weight.  I am 215 lbs and it was possibly one of the best upgrades I've made to the bike for about $1400 IIRC.  I had never noticed what crap the OEM suspension was until I had the rear spring changed for my weight then the front seemed mushy too.

[Düb Lüv]

A couple of years ago I wanted to replace my Matris fork oil, but I couldn't buy it in the USA and Matris would not provide any information on a suitable alternative. 

did you ever use a alternative to matris's fork oil?

[RedRider]

The more thought I give this the more I think i will stick with my current forks, but upgrade all the internals.  It would be nice to be able to dial my suspension in if i were heading out on the highway vs. taking the twisties in the mountains.  Since I am forced to do something anyway.

I appreciate all the advice on the mantris and other set ups.  I will also look for a local shop that specializes in suspension to help me get things tuned up right.  Bike is currently at the duc dealer and I dont have a trailer to go pick it up.  They are probably going to be less than excited for me to leave it there or have them ship out the forks or some other option.  The only thing they have ever seemed concerned about was making money off my misfortune.  Still cant help but wonder why the cartridges blew with less than 5K miles.  It has only been serrviced by them and they were the ones who took it apart last and changed the oil/springs. 

Thanks again for chipping in everyone.  I will update as soon as I get things rollin.

[BK_856er]

did you ever use a alternative to matris's fork oil?

Yes.  Works great.  I've been using non-Matris oil for probably 10k miles now with no issues.  I replace fork oil every year at a minimum.  I would have no problem using the Matris oil if I could get it, but I couldn't.  I was also tuning the damping in each leg with different viscosities, so that was another reason to go my own way.  I do put Ohlins oil in the Ohlins R&T forks on another bike.

BK

[BK_856er]

The more thought I give this the more I think i will stick with my current forks, but upgrade all the internals.  It would be nice to be able to dial my suspension in if i were heading out on the highway vs. taking the twisties in the mountains.  Since I am forced to do something anyway.

I appreciate all the advice on the mantris and other set ups.  I will also look for a local shop that specializes in suspension to help me get things tuned up right.  Bike is currently at the duc dealer and I dont have a trailer to go pick it up.  They are probably going to be less than excited for me to leave it there or have them ship out the forks or some other option.  The only thing they have ever seemed concerned about was making money off my misfortune.  Still cant help but wonder why the cartridges blew with less than 5K miles.  It has only been serrviced by them and they were the ones who took it apart last and changed the oil/springs. 

Thanks again for chipping in everyone.  I will update as soon as I get things rollin.

Not sure where you are located, but hit up your local board for suggestions on suspension guys.  Good luck!

BK

[Düb Lüv]

Yes.  Works great.  I've been using non-Matris oil for probably 10k miles now with no issues.  I replace fork oil every year at a minimum.  I would have no problem using the Matris oil if I could get it, but I couldn't.  I was also tuning the damping in each leg with different viscosities, so that was another reason to go my own way.  I do put Ohlins oil in the Ohlins R&T forks on another bike.

BK

i figured using some other brand wouldn't hurt. like you, i would use matris oil, but since it has to be ordered from italy and 4x more expensive than others i rather use something more readily available. besides, since i bought mine used, there's not a warranty that i have to keep valid. i was probably just going to use Redline.

[BK_856er]

i figured using some other brand wouldn't hurt. like you, i would use matris oil, but since it has to be ordered from italy and 4x more expensive than others i rather use something more readily available. besides, since i bought mine used, there's not a warranty that i have to keep valid. i was probably just going to use Redline.

Redline is a great choice.  I'm using Silkolene Pro-RSF (also a full synthetic).

BK

[NoisyDante]

What does a front axle with holes run?  And, is the shop going to charge me up the wazooo to replace that too?

With the proper care and the right press the holes could be drilled into your current axle to make it compatible.

[xcaptainxbloodx]

who did your suspension the first time and why arent they at least giving you a heavy discount if they blew out 1400 miles later?

[dlearl476]

The more thought I give this the more I think i will stick with my current forks, but upgrade all the internals.  It would be nice to be able to dial my suspension in if i were heading out on the highway vs. taking the twisties in the mountains.  Since I am forced to do something anyway.

FWIW, I just had Ohlins install 20mm cartridge kit in my SBK forks for around $500.  It took about two weeks from the day I shipped them and it transformed them.

And FWIW, I think your dealer is full of shit.  As clueless as I am, I've had many forks apart (and, more importantly, successfully back together) including installing several RaceTech Gold valve emulators and can't for the life of me comprehend what would cause a cartridge to be "shot" in <5K miles, unless THEY did something wrong in the instali of the fork oil and spring.  Regardless, AFAIK a cartridge is repairable.

[RedRider]

Well, some good news I think!  One of the sales guys at the local ducati dealer directed me to a GREAT guy.  He runs another site (US Desmo) and is local to my area.  He has a ton of experience modding ducatis and has a fairly large collection that he rides regularly.  Offered to sell me his 916 forks and brakes for a great deal and is going to help me do the install and modifications to the triple as well.  So, when we are all done I should have a completely upgraded front end and brakes (may need a new master cylinder though).  I will try to document with pictures.  Looking forward to the project. 

[BK_856er]

Well, some good news I think!  One of the sales guys at the local ducati dealer directed me to a GREAT guy.  He runs another site (US Desmo) and is local to my area.  He has a ton of experience modding ducatis and has a fairly large collection that he rides regularly.  Offered to sell me his 916 forks and brakes for a great deal and is going to help me do the install and modifications to the triple as well.  So, when we are all done I should have a completely upgraded front end and brakes (may need a new master cylinder though).  I will try to document with pictures.  Looking forward to the project. 

Can't beat that with a stick.  I predict a happy ending here.   [moto]

BK

[RedRider]

 

Well, almost done!  I have been busy for the last week with a new friend and quite the ducatista!  I have had the excellent fortune of working with Jim, or as they call him "Il Capo", the founder of US Desmo, founder of the US Ducati Club in America.  Jim was kind enough to invite me to his man cave to fix my suspension issues.  He sold me a set of SBK forks (916) fully adjustable and in great condition.  He also helped me change out and upgrade the front brakes.  New SBK brembos and calipers, as well as master cylinder.  It was a great education for me and working with someone who has taken apart and rebuilt many ducatis in the last 20 years was priceless.  Jim was incredibly helpful and I would recommend everyone join US Desmo.  If for no other reason than to support what he is doing for Ducati owners in the US.  My only challenge now is to get the suspension completely dialed in.  I am looking at getting a rear ohlins setup from one of the club members for a Great price and he will also help get the rest of the bike setup.  Thanks again everyone for your advice and direction.  Cheers!

I attached a couple of  pictures of my new front setup...