s2r1000 suspension mod's

[rowe748]

so what have you guys done to your s2r1000s to improve the suspension? whats the best? most cost effective? etc.

[He Man]

1) springs
2) valve kits
3) fork replacement
4) Cartrdige relacement

this is from cheap to most expensive also increasing in performance.

most cost effective and easily 90% better than stock is to do 1 and 2. which is also about the cost of a fork replacement...but if you replace the forks, you still need to do 1 and 2 depending on your weight.

[fastwin]

I got my 2007 S2R1000 in the fall of '06 and did not fall in love at all. Actually I was a little disappointed in the way it handled. When I took it in for it's 600 mile service I talked to Jeff Nash at AMS about my concerns. First the stock exhaust had to go... too damn quiet! So on went Termis and DP ecu. Of course that had nothing to do with handling! [moto] We also soon discovered that Ohlins does not list a shock for the S2R bikes. WTF? Jeff researched it all and discovered the Ohlins shock for the S4R fits perfectly. On it went. And he also re-valved the Showa fork with Ohlins guts and we got it set up for my weight. MUCH BETTER!!! I added an Ohlins left side frame mount steering damper and a SpeedyMoto handlebar riser kit (raised the bars maybe 1 1/2-13/4") and I was happy as a pig in slop. Actually later adding Michelin Pilot Power tires in place of the stock Bridgestones was the final piece in the puzzle.

It cost a chunk of change but the mods transformed the bike. I am glad I took the time and $$$ to make what was becoming a disappointing purchase into a cherished bike. By the way, adjusting the "adjustable" Sachs shock had no more effect on handling than changing the time on the dash clock. All it does is keep the tire from bottoming out on the seat pan. Can you say "production cost saver"? I knew you could.

[ODrides]

I was disapointed with the handling of my '06 S2R1000 after "upgrading" from my '01 M750.  I have yet to do anything about it, but it definitely needs some attention.

[rowe748]

that's good know about the ohlin's rear shock.  i'm coming off a 1098 so to say the suspension on this is subpar compared to the 1098 is a understatement ha, but i knew this when i bought it.  i wanted a lightweight comfortable bike and this is it, so i guess ohlins shock and internals are in my future.  does anyone know if there are any other options for the front forks rather than ohlins?

[MadDuck]

that's good know about the ohlin's rear shock.  i'm coming off a 1098 so to say the suspension on this is subpar compared to the 1098 is a understatement ha, but i knew this when i bought it.  i wanted a lightweight comfortable bike and this is it, so i guess ohlins shock and internals are in my future.  does anyone know if there are any other options for the front forks rather than ohlins?

You might be able to find some used forks from a 1098 & mount them in place. That is, if they fit the triples, dunno. People have been known to change the triples so they can use the superbike forks or they add shims.

You can try the springs & valves option that He Man talked about in the second post.  Actually, if you can get proper sag settings then you should be good to go regarding springs. Working with a good rear shock will make a huge difference so I recommend going that way first and wait on the front.

Then again the Monster will never handle like the 1098. Doesn't mean you can't improve the Monster but don't get your hopes too high.

[lawbreaker]

I changes the front fork springs ( twice) and had new valves put in. Also changed the rear spring. Not as good as my SPS suspension but DEFINITELY better than stock.

[junior varsity]

man, the rear shock is my #1 on the list

then the front end - respring and revalve, like oldfastwin indicates, the ohlins kit has both springs and valves. I did racetech before, and it went from feeling like rocks in the front end to cardboard. An improvement, but still not satisfied.

A person can put on superbike forks, and benefit from their valving, or later update that valving to a superior spec, or throw in a cartridge from Ohlins, Traxxion, etc and have top-tier crazy-good stuff. More important to twist some knobs at the top and bottom once you have it set for sag before you get carried away with just buying stuff.

Steering damper is the 3rd piece of the puzzle. HIGHLY recommended from me.

[swampduc]

I bought monstermash's former s2r, and it came with matris fork internals, a matris damper, and a matris shock which was meant for a 999 and was therefore way undersprung. It has since been resprung and heavier oil was put in. It now functions pretty well.
I just don't ride the thing much as I'm addicted to the ohlins suspension and handling of my superbikes 
in fact, the monster may go up for sale soon 

[junior varsity]

you should let me know when it does.

[rowe748]

yeah the rear shock will be the first to go, and then the ohlins internals for the forks.