Monster 696 suspension tweaking??

[Jules]

Roads west of Melbourne are ROUGH and the M696 suspension is hard.  Any tips on tweaking the front and rear?  It'd be nice to a) not have to stand on the pegs for rough stretches, and b) not freak out when the road surface on a tight bend is rippled as the bike bucks.

[stopintime]

The suspension feels like that because it's being used out of it's natural ability.
You can spend any amount you like and have better suspension, but it will 'always' be a compromise.

One set up will perform well on smooth roads, medium well on the track and poor on rough roads.
Another set up will be perfect for your rough roads, but less than ideal on anything else.

I've been happy with my priority towards track use - even if that means I need to live with little comfort on rough roads. Your priorities may be very different...

My opinion is that it's smart to spend some time to sort out the priorities and then decide if it's worth it to modify the suspension in that direction.

[Jules]

Fair comment, thanks.  It may well be time to get it setup by a professional for my weight and riding style.

[alibaba]

I don't know how many miles you have on your bike.  On my 696, I felt that the suspension was quite harsh when new but after some miles it settled in to a reasonable compromise for the riding I do. 

[Raux]

I've backed off my rear suspension rebound quite a lot, 3 from the left.
stock front, not much you can do without tearing them apart or replacement.

but yes, get someone to help set it up for you

[koko64]

Call David at Kroozetune 9801 2122. Thats who I use. (I get no kickbacks just a good local guy).

[Jules]

I don't know how many miles you have on your bike.  On my 696, I felt that the suspension was quite harsh when new but after some miles it settled in to a reasonable compromise for the riding I do. 

16000km on a 2009 model.  Appreciate all comments. You've confirmed what I had suspected!  Suspension is an individual thing and should be individualized to suit! 

[Jules]

16000km on a 2009 model.  First owner: man puts on 9500km in 3 years.  Second owner (me): 6500km in 9 months.   

[Jules]

Call David at Kroozetune 9801 2122. Thats who I use. (I get no kickbacks just a good local guy).

Awesome. Thanks for the headsup!   

[Jules]

I've backed off my rear suspension rebound quite a lot, 3 from the left.
stock front, not much you can do without tearing them apart or replacement.

but yes, get someone to help set it up for you

Crikey.  Have you got a photo of yours?

[Raux]

Crikey.  Have you got a photo of yours?

the setting for the preload is stock
just the screw adjustment at the top of the shock is adjusted.

[Slide Panda]

At that age, you're due up for a fork service at least - and might do for a shock service as well. If you're doing new springs, they will already be into the forks and *should* replace the oil as part of that - so you should be set there. One can change out a shock spring without effecting the oil etc. But a new batch of oil and a new shot of nitro never hurt a shock and won't cost much more.

[Jules]

At that age, you're due up for a fork service at least - and might do for a shock service as well. If you're doing new springs, they will already be into the forks and *should* replace the oil as part of that - so you should be set there. One can change out a shock spring without effecting the oil etc. But a new batch of oil and a new shot of nitro never hurt a shock and won't cost much more.

Read your post about that elsewhere.  Something to include in the service plan this year.  J

[Slide Panda]

Worse than this is lurking in your forks