Hi all, Kind of disappointed with my new (2001) 900 SSie vs my 2001 996s. Same rubber . same 2001 bikes. both in pristine condition. Brand-new same Michelins on both bikes, 180's rear, 120 front. I just can't seem to get the SS cornering like the 996 does, Some difference can be expected ....ok... but.. SS always feels like loads of understeer compared to the 996 and I have to work a lot harder to get it around the bend... Be it fast wide corners@high speed or tight twisties. 996 feels like a go-cart vs a bus (900SS) when cornering.. 996 standard head stock angle , 11 mm lowered front. 900 ss standard setting , Am I expecting to much from the 900? comments much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
TBH if in 2001 I bought a 996 that didn’t handle better than a 900ie I’d be disappointed, surely the 996 has better rear shock and front forks for starters.
I don't know, but if it were me then I would start with the simple and easy. Tyre pressures: if a bike doesn't want to corner, lower the pressures for more grip and really sling it on its side. Then try the opposite and raise pressures to make the tyres more rounded, that should make them go onto their shoulders easier. Next suspension: soften front and harden rear and then try. Then try opposite. Could be worth a trip to a specialist, like Maxton. Anyway, it is fun trying things out!
If you do start adjusting the suspension, 1. Make sure you know where it is set currently so you have a baseline (which you could return to as a back up). 2. Make very small adjustments I/2 a turn or 1 click at a time 3 Adjust either the front or the rear but not both. Get the rear working for you, then the forks (or vice versa). If you do them both, you won't know what adjustment making the improvement / making making it worse.
Steering head angle Rake Trail Wheelbase Weight distribution/centre of mass I'd very much doubt both bikes are identical. Beyond tyre pressures, what condition are the head races in? Worn/rusty/dry bearings will cause steering issues.
@NineNineSix I had one of these several years ago. I kept it 6 years and absolutely loved it. It will never be what you could call flickable , it much preferred long sweeping bends where it was completely stable and held its line perfectly. It was way more capable than I am for sure. As others have said, start with simple stuff like checking tyres and go from there . Having a bike set up at a suspension specialist is always worth considering and not an expensive thing to do. I dont know where you are based but wherever it is there is bound to be a suspension specialist close to you.
The ie's have a long wheelbase. (I've never ridden a newer Duke so can't compare) If you look up old road tests the testers mention setting it up early for a corner & getting on the gas. And I agree with @dukesox re stability. I have a 1000DS, Showa forks, Ohlins shock. It was too stiff, - the rear spring was absurdly stiff. One suspension place changed the rear spring, & another gave me advice over the phone for the forks. Improved things.
Shove the rear wheel as far forward as possible. Lower the front. Raise the rear. Will flip on a dime. And probably unrideable in a straight line
Don't those two at least share an engine? 900ss and 996 are leagues apart. Both lovely, but different in most ways. Enjoy the 900ss for what it is I'd say, it'll be comfier than a 996. If you need a combination of comfort, handling and pace then a Multistrada is what the OP is looking for.
Did a 300k / 200m ride today on the 900 and just like you said.. "it much preferred long sweeping bends where it was completely stable and held its line perfectly." In the meantime replaced chain and sprockets, rear almost 1 inch forward, 14/42 instead of 15/40. a totally different bike, not my 996 but I am starting to appreciate the 900.. also found out that if you flog it and be really resolute it wil obey and do what you want it to do... that was lacking a bit on my side. So with the changes and a bit more aggressive steering I feel we are going to be friends, I'm not a novice rider, around 600K km on bikes in over 35 years, The 996 isn't allowed to ride in the rain, 27k km... pristine... that's the reason I got the 900... Thanks to everyone for your replies , much appreciated! Cheers!
If you did the same to the 900's forks you'd wake up the flickability! I had a ball on track with my 900SS but always wanted a 748/916 that I couldn't afford! SS like an armchair compared to the other...
Funny that - I had a 916 and an 851 SP3 a few years ago and found the 916 was definitely more comfortable (OK, less uncomfortable!). I've now got an 1198S and the SP3 - they're both bloody uncomfortable (probably I'm just getting old).
