Suspension Geometry Question

[jim_0068]

So

let's say you have your ducati setup per the factory for fork height and rear ride height. You then push up the forks in the triple an inch.

Could you lower the rear ride height an inch and everything is still neutral or is it just not that simple?

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I know motors just not much about suspension so help me out.

Thanks

[stopintime]

There will be a small difference in the "gearing" at the upper shock pivot mount, but I believe that's negligible.
Also the swingarm will operate differently. I have no idea how much that means.

However, your bike would become quite low - maybe clearance issues?

So, not totally neutral. I guess on a racer level you won't find many people supporting these alerations,
but for a modest street rider it might be ok....

[xcaptainxbloodx]

So

let's say you have your ducati setup per the factory for fork height and rear ride height. You then push up the forks in the triple an inch.

Could you lower the rear ride height an inch and everything is still neutral or is it just not that simple?

--------

I know motors just not much about suspension so help me out.

Thanks

will it be neutral in terms of a light/heavy front end? yes
will it be neutral in terms of handling the same as before? no

lowering the whole bike an inch would negatively affect the handling to a noticeable degree at any level of riding.

[jim_0068]

lowering the whole bike an inch would negatively affect the handling to a noticeable degree at any level of riding.

Right but pushing the forks up which is lowering the front end doesn't negate any of lowering the back of the bike?

[stopintime]

Right but pushing the forks up which is lowering the front end doesn't negate any of lowering the back of the bike?

Yes, it does, but the rear linkage and swingarm geometry will change.
If I'm not mistaken - lowering front & rear affect handling less than lowering only the front or only the rear.

Maybe it's time to find out why you're asking and what you want to achieve? The answers might be more accurate then.

[greenmonster]

What model & year do you have?
From its rear setting now, is it possible to lower it?

[battlecry]

Time for a 16" rear wheel?

[jim_0068]

keeping my options open for clip ons above triple.

i have a s2r 800, ill have to check if i have room to lower. to be honest i think it is too low now and isnt at proper ride height.

[Speeddog]

With the forks pushed up an inch, I'd worry most about the front tire hitting the cylinder head on a big bump.

[stopintime]

^^^^^ +1

I don't think there will be enough threads available to lower it an inch (from factory ride height rod settings)

Good idea to investigate  , but your new clip ons go below the triple

[jim_0068]

lol, don't have clip ons yet and i am swaping some GSXR forks on my bike so there will be some extra fork sticking above the triple (about a 1/4") so i don't have to drop them a full inch to go above but again, just keeping my options open.

thanks

[xcaptainxbloodx]

I have no FHE but there is room to move the forks through the triples and maintain the stock rear. Its supposed to give a more nimble sportier feel. the danger is that too much will make a twitchy front end. if you use a damper, you can get away with more aggressive angles.

I would look into exactly how much you would need to push through in order to make it work with a stock rear height. lowering the rear of the bike to make clip ons work is a bad idea, it will NOT  neutralize the front end changes but rather degrade the overall handling of the bike.

[The Mad King Pepe']

Instead of playing with the bike's geometry to put the clip-ons above the triple, it would be better for you to get clip-ons with risers and put them below the triples.
They might cost more in the end, but you wont ruin the bike's handling or risk tank slappers. Just my $0.02 and  [moto]