S2R800 Fork Question: Options?

[faolan01]

there are only two fork dimensions

Monster, ST, SS.

SBK

The ST are a bit longer than the Monster and SS, but they are widely used.  You just have to be concerned about getting the right axle/caliper type and that is the year (1999 and later is 25mm axle)

ahh, thank you for that! now if only there was a chart of the caliper types/spacing by model and year 

[ducatiz]

ahh, thank you for that! now if only there was a chart of the caliper types/spacing by model and year 

SS - 1998 and earlier = 40mm type, 99 and later 65mm type
Monster - 1999 and earlier = 40 mm
I ~THINK~ all of the STs used 65mm but I'm not sure.

[Speeddog]

Some length info:

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=33173.0

[suzyj]

I went through these options when I bought my 695, which has the same forks as your 800.  The most viable option for me was buying a used set of superbike forks (I chose 998 ones, but a variety of superbikes have 25mm axles and 65mm caliper mounts), then machining my top triple, changing the fork springs and using clipons.

It really transformed the handling of the bike.  It's the single best upgrade I've done, without a doubt.

[madalf71]

Hi.

Stopintime wrote a really good thread on this, I haven't had the time to search the link for you though.
In my case I bought a used pair of S2R1000 forks, then resprung and valved, it's a direct swap.
Agree with Suzy, forks will make the biggest difference.

Cheers.

Madalf.

[Privateer]

I went with AK-20 cartridges and have no regrets.  If they are close to your price range, you might consider them.

I too am not happy with the suspension.  I was considering doing the K-Tech mod, but this might more reasonable for me.  All the machining and such with the K-Tech kit intimidates me.

May I ask how much you paid for the cartridges?

[caperix]

A Cartrige kit like the AK20's will run about $1000. That may sound like alot, but with buying superbike forks, respringing for my weight, clip ons, spacers & a new upper tripple I am probably close to that amount on a 998 fork conversion.  The forks will make a huge difference in the way the bike handles, much more stable.

[Privateer]

A Cartrige kit like the AK20's will run about $1000. That may sound like alot, but with buying superbike forks, respringing for my weight, clip ons, spacers & a new upper tripple I am probably close to that amount on a 998 fork conversion.  The forks will make a huge difference in the way the bike handles, much more stable.

thanks.  I have the s2r1000 forks on my 620 with the right springs.  it's better, but not great. $1000 is out of my price range right now... here's to praying for a windfall.

[faolan01]

I received a price quote on the AK-20's over the weekend. With the fork cap needed to install them in the Marzocchi forks, they are $1200. Add installation, and they're definitely out of the price range I'm looking at.

Been hunting ebay for the past week looking for a set of direct-swap forks, but not seeing anything at the moment (well, nothing that doesn't say "bent" in the description anyway) and going to keep looking for the rest of the week, and still have a couple more phone call to make, but right now it looks like I'm most likely going to just go with new springs front and rear and have them done for my goal weight so I have that extra incentive to get to it.

Of course, if the Suspension Fairy is real and I wake up with a brand new set of Ohlins under my pillow one morning, that will change everything 

[seevtsaab]

Just a slight savings compared to the AK-20 is this from Matris which I would love to see reviewed:
http://www.carpimoto.com/EN/Bike_Ducati_Monster-620/Specific/Suspensions-Wheels/Fork-Kits/28217_FD100S-Matris-Fork-Cartridge-Kit-for-Ducati-Monster-400-05-.htm
~$900 shipped but euro dependent.

If you are on a budget, Showas for S2R1K (straight, of course) *might* not require clip ons to clear.
This would leave your stockers to be torn down for practice to DIY your Showas, put proper springs and oil
etc. The Showas can also have valving upgraded but not sure if the improvement is worthwhile.
This is the point I'm at, springs and oil (& seals) while upgrading the shock. I'll be looking for the same windfall
as Privateer to add a cartridge kit.

[ducatiz]

Just a slight savings compared to the AK-20 is this from Matris which I would love to see reviewed:
http://www.carpimoto.com/EN/Bike_Ducati_Monster-620/Specific/Suspensions-Wheels/Fork-Kits/28217_FD100S-Matris-Fork-Cartridge-Kit-for-Ducati-Monster-400-05-.htm
~$900 shipped but euro dependent.

wow, that's a hell of a good deal.. they will put on springs to spec for no charge.

[faolan01]

called Eric at Clubhouse and he reminded me of the GSX-R 1000 fork swap that some people have done, which reminded me of this tutorial

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=958.0

still think I'm going to go with just front and rear springs, but definitely gives me another option to think about