So just been out to measure and this is what we have FRONT Fully extended 130 Bike only 90 Bike and rider 80 So 50 looks about right for starters REAR fully extended 545 Bike only 525 Bike and rider 495 so we have 50 on the rear which is to much, so do I now tighten the spring up with the two lock rings ? I am aiming for 40 so roughly how many turns on the lock rings
How much do you weigh? The front looks wrong springs to me given the amount of drop with the bike alone and how little with you added... The rear seems better. You need to undo the top lock ring from gripping the bottom ring. then tighten it effectively shortening the length of the spring. Mark one of the teeth on the bottom ring with a permanent pen note its location and when you tighten it count the turns. Altering the back will have an effect on the front so re measure the front too when done!
I think this may be part of the problem I am 14 stone kitted up, looking at other internet posts and comments it looks like you are correct about the front springs, “tapered and only suitable for lightweight riders” Problem is where to find a set of aftermarket front springs to perform to what I need any suggestions also thinking of replacing the rear Sachs shock and spring with an Ohlins or another decent aftermarket if anyone has any experience or suggestions
You could try an Ohlins rear shock from an 1100S although that only has preload and rebound damping adjustment. I find mine is likely over sprung (10 stone + kit) as even with the rebound at -9 clicks out (standard is -15) I find it has a tendency to kick up more than I would like over bumps. May be suitable for a heavier rider though.
Dunno - it’s standard fitment on an S. I feel sure that one could look it up, perhaps in the parts catalogue (used to be available on Ducati.com)
When was the last time the forks were serviced? Looking at the top adjusters, care doesn't seem to have been a previous owners main concern! Probably with having them serviced, you can then add some springs while its apart anyway. @PGP worth a chat to, don't know where you're based but he can rebuild most stuff and will know what you need. May even be able to do something with the rear (don't know if rebuildable or not)
speak to any ohlins dealer or Kais or any of the numerous others and get your forks serviced with new internal from any of the manufacturers. these may be able to help both ends https://www.brooksuspension.co.uk
I'm useless at suspension.Just about able to set the sag and that's it. Can twiddle away with the best of em but I don't really know what I'm doing. Have used Kais in Atherton before so might give them a visit sometime.
Well approached a few of the suspension specialists and all say the marzocchi forks have poor internals. Most suggest new cartridge kit, valved and sprung to suit riders weight, price is quite expensive though around £600 plus the vat and carriage Do any other better quality forks fit the monster 1100 Evo ?
Can’t think of any ducati bikes that uses ohlins and doesn’t have a different bottom yoke? So probably need that too. Not sure if any others re straight fit tho, like other Superbike of the era such as 848/1098. May be worth measuring/googling
How much do you think a pair of even used ohlins are going to cost? 600 quid stripped cleaned rebuilt with new bits to your weight even plus vat would be cheaper than a used ohlins pair if you could find them, that would need a strip clean and rebuild anyway.