M695 shock upgrade clarification

[cencalal]

I've read up on shock upgrades for the little monster and it seems the remote resevoir shock from the ST2 is a good choice, but clean ones are a bit rare.  What about the fixed (off the back?) reservoir ones from the later S2 and S3?  Are the Showa ones better than the Sachs, or does it matter?  Apparently the 01-02 S4 shock will fit, but what about the later ones with the fixed reservoir off one side?  Just looking for an affordable stock upgrade - aftermarket too expensive.

Thanks

 

[cencalal]

Is there an option to edit a post - I can't find one.

But I meant to add that it doesn't look like there's room for one of the fixed reservoir shocks, without modifying something on the bike - am I correct?

Thanks again

[Speeddog]

Yes, '01-'02 S4 shock will fit.

S4R and S4Rt shock are the same length and travel.
I've not tried it, but I'm pretty sure those will fit.
The gas valve on the reservoir will be very close to the left lower subframe tube and the tube may need a bit of relief (OEM S4R tube was dimpled).

[cencalal]

Is that a better shock than the remote res one from the ST2?  Don't want to have to modify anything for clearance unless the performance warranted it...

Thanks

[Speeddog]

I've no idea if the S4R shock is better than ST2.

[cencalal]

Looking around on Ebuy, it seems that the S4 shocks have a fixed reservoir sticking out 90º to one side, which looks like it wouldn't fit, while the ST3 has a reservoir almost parallel to the shock body out the back, like this:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2007-DUCATI-ST3-SACHS-REAR-SHOCK-ABSORBER-OEM-/221862605993?hash=item33a80ab4a9:g:bYgAAOSwT6pV20TT&vxp=mtr

This one looks like it would fit, but possibly foul the plastic breather box up under the left side of the seat? 

Anyone done this? 

[koko64]

A few guys here have relocated/deleted components to fit other shocks. Oil breather box and coils come to mind on some models. Maybe the search will show some threads.

[koko64]

Is there a shop that will re spring and re valve your shock? You may have to do it anyway on the shock you buy.

[Speeddog]

This is an S4 shock, and it will bolt on to your 695 with no issues:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ducati-M900-M-900-S4-Monster-6016-Rear-Suspension-Shock-/361500405301?hash=item542b1a6e35:g:sokAAOSwL7VWssBz&vxp=mtr

ST3 shock looks just like it, except for a handy ramp preloader, I'd consider that a significant improvement.
Changing preload on the S4 shock with those ringnuts is a total pain.

This is a smokin' deal:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ducati-Monster-S4R-1000-OHLINS-REAR-SHOCK-ABSORBER-/381554545342?hash=item58d66c52be:g:xJwAAOSwDuJWzwz6

[koko64]

A great price. Even in Aussie Pesos, I mean, dollars.

[cencalal]

The Ohlins would be nice, but not in the budget at this time.  Thanks for those links, speeddog - I'll look for a shiny S4 or ST3.  The single rate spring on those is bound to be an improvement - I wonder if the valving is much different between the two...

Man, if I had a dollar for every question I've got about improving this bike...

[stopintime]

The S4 shock will probably be an upgrade (even though it's progressive), but I would rather put every cent towards fork upgrades. IMO, the 695 fork is much worse than the shock.

We wouldn't want put epensive ideas in your head  , but the Matris kits  http://www.carpimoto.com/en-NO/Bike_Ducati_Monster-695/Specific/Brand_Matris/32123_F12D105S-Matris-Fork-Cartridge-Kit-for-Ducati-Monster-695.htm

or Andreani Group if MotoWheels have them for the 695.

[cencalal]

Thanks - I see now that the ST3 shock is the one with the single rate spring.  What's the thing that Race Tech says? - "The best you've ridden is the best you know."  The best I've ridden is their cartridge emulators with single rate springs in my SV650's forks with a ZX6 shock out back - so...

But I guess it's quantity over quality with me.  I have several bikes that I've upgraded affordably, rather than one that gets the full treatment.  At my size (5'6' 135 lbs) it's always been 600s for me, and since those are often considered beginner, or in the case of the M695, entry level, they always need significant upgrading.  And that seems to work for me - I'm a less than crazed street rider who likes to keep the rubber side down.  This little monster has a way to go before it surpasses the SV650, in every way except looks.  It's funny how even though I'm keeping my eye on the road, I can see the heads turning when I take the M695 for a spin - sort of like my vintage Triumph.