Ah, the Difference the Correct Weight Spring makes to the Rear Shock

[koko64]

Of all the Ducatis of the last 30 years, I have to say the Scrambler has incredibly budget suspension, especially the rear shock. Riding my Scrambler and a thirty year old Monster 900 back to back reminded me how good the Monsters chassis is with its sophisticated 851/888 superbike rear linkage. The Monster felt great in comparison even with its clapped out old 1990's Sachs/Boge shock.

A basic Ohlins here costs $1100-$1200 plus more expense for the correct spring and any extra valve work.

Having some budget mods done to the front end exposed the rear shock's flaws even more vividly.  Although knowing the limitations of the horrible rear shock of the SC800 Icon I went for an Ohlins spring for my bodyweight as a baseline. It's a starting point and at least the spring can be used with an Ohlins, YSS, Penske, etc later if "stage one" is an utter failure.

Many of us have been down this path, fixing one end then the other as the budget allows. The new spring feels great even with the shitty stock shock damper. The Scrambler feels so much better turning in on corner entrance with improved front end traction and feel even though the odd feeling 18 inch front wheel takes some getting used to for some riders. Sometimes the best way to help the front is to fix the back. No more vague feedback on turn in.

I can feel the compromised damping now that the spring has given a good baseline. Some bumps feel good and some not so much. A better damper would be even better, but this will do for now. Unfortunately the damper is very difficult and costly to rebuild due to its design.

Just a reminder how good the Monster chassis is with its special rear linkage.

[greenmonster]

Yup, adequate spring on Gen 1 made big difference since you didn't have to use rebound to calm it down but for its intended use.
But a second hand Öhlins from a 851 w same spring is Nirvana, just works and you simply forget it.
Nichols engine bolts was also an improvement, removed the Monster wiggle.

[koko64]

Yup, adequate spring on Gen 1 made big difference since you didn't have to use rebound to calm it down but for its intended use.
But a second hand Öhlins from a 851 w same spring is Nirvana, just works and you simply forget it.
Nichols engine bolts was also an improvement, removed the Monster wiggle.

I have a set of Nichols engine/frame bolts I've never used. One day. I have read that you can fit a Scrambler 1100 shock which raises ride height and can be revalved.