1997 600ss Hello all, This might seem like a daft question, but from a complete supersport novice I'm struggling! What's the easiest / best / safest way of getting the front wheel off the floor for steering checks, wheel removal etc? One of the reasons I could do with getting the wheel off the floor is to check the headset, although all is well at higher speeds, at 0-15mph the steering feels a little 'twitchy', almost like the headset is tight. The bike passed its MOT last Saturday so I'm sure all is well, maybe a sport bike low speed geometry trait?? Thanks in advance, G.
Make your own front stand for about £10.........You can find details in a search on here....I posted the pics enough times. Here's one thread: Arquebus-I want to build your front paddock stand! | Ducati Forum But the headstock bearings shouldn't be too tight...........Twitchy at low speed could mean the forks are too far through the yokes........even at four rings of the Marzocchi forks it can be twitchy especially with the OEM 60 profile front tyre. AL
Gino if you did your direct access on a regular middle weight bike (I did mine on a Suzuki Gladius) then you will find the 600SS a bit of challenge to ride as a first bike. First time I rode mine after passing my test, I nearly dropped it pulling out of our close and the first bend I got to I almost carried straight on through a hedge, they do take some getting used to, you need to countersteer to get the best out of them (this becomes natural after a while) and slow manoeuvring will require some practice and experience (it might be worth practicing on an empty car park). I've now put around 1500 miles on mine and it now feels pretty comfortable and easy, but as I said, it needs plenty of practice. The best mod imo you can do to an older SS is to put top quality brand new tyres on it, most have seen very little use and have been standing in the back of a garage and mine came with hardened obselete mis-matched tyres. Tyre technology has really moved on, I fitted a new set of Pirelli Diablo's earlier this year, expensive at over £200 a pair but the bike now feels completely different and now handles beautifully.
If Gino thinks his is 'twitchy' at 0-15mph (I would call it wobbly) he should try mine......... I fitted the 70 profile front tyre (as per the 900ss) which should slow the steering and prevent rollover as the front raises up quite a bit.......... .........but as I'm such a shorta*se, I have the forks through the top yoke more than usual, so it is rather pointy when I get going, but up to 20 - 25mph it's a bit like being on a mono-cycle............. .............and in fast corners, I invariably find myself having to lift the bike up, as it drops in so quickly..... I haven't dared to try and ride it with my spare front wheel with the 60 profile tyre......but my feet would be flat on the floor at least.
The stand's a great idea, that's next on the list to make! I did a full service on Saturday and one of the checks I wanted to carry out was the steering head bearings, it suddenly struck me that raising the front end wasn't so simple! I'll check out the fork position and make of tyre when I get home later, both are Dunlops, the back is brand new (still with knobbles) on the front is in good condition but not new. Your'e right Carlos, it is taking some getting used to, completely different to the bike I passed my test on (Honda Hornet) but I absolutely love it. It's not just another bike, it almost feels like you're not alone when you're on some of the quiet country roads!! Thanks, G
If you have the fairing sides off put the bike on an ABBA stand and then use a trolley jack and a chunk of wood under the front cylinder head. Carefully jack it up. Removing triple trees. Any good DIY front stands? - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum
If you use my stand the full fairing can stay on, even to change the bearings; but the half fairing has to come off.....
Just had a check, the front tyre is Dunlop sportmax, the forks are stuck through the top yoke x 4 rings. One thing I noticed was the position of the clip ons, it looks as though they may have been set higher up the fork tubes than originally intended. The upper sticker which indicates angular position had some of the writing obscured, is there a measurement for this at all? I'm curious as to the effect of altering the fork leg height in the yokes, what happens when the yokes are lifted (number of exposed rings reduced) does it have the effect of increasing rake? Thanks again, G.
What is the tyre profile? I expect it will be a 60. 4 rings should be OK. If you drop them to say 3, it slightly increases the wheelbase and slightly slows the steering.........Rake increases. Clip on position down to your personal preference........there isn't a lot of room for error anyway..........you will either trap your thumb against the tank or the brake / clutch reservoirs will hit the fairing on full lock.........mine are at about 9 -10mm down from the underside of the top yoke.
Thanks for that, mine are about 10mm below the top yoke. I think before I change anything I'll try and get some miles under my belt & get more familiar with the bike, after all, it's very new to me!! I'll definitely knock up the stand though, that's a great idea. Thanks again, G.
