Had a reply from Riders. "The spring can be fitted and won't effect the warranty. It isn't something that can be done whilst you wait, as we will be removing the shock and sending it to our other branch for them to change the spring. I can provide a service loan bike if this would help." So it would appear that it's OK to do it.
Well they've changed their tune from last July. FYI Moto Rapido said they'd be quite happy to do it as a "while you wait" service.
Hi guys, RE: Where I got the spring I am in Canada but got it at RMR Suspension in B.C. for $120 CDM including shipping. The Ohlins part number is: 21729-34 RE: how long to take the shock out about an hour. Total time to do the job was about 4 hrs including removing the fairings, removing the shock and re-installing and cleaning everything. It was all very easy except for 2 things: 1. Getting the lower bolt out that threads into the swing arm. I cut off an 8mm Allen key and put it in a socket (since you need it to be long and thin) and the bolt started coming out ok, but after about 5 full turn it started to bind up. I suspect some dirt/grime got into the threads so I would it back in and sprayed the hell out of everything with WD40, let it sit for 5 mins then tried again and it came right out. 2. The biggest pain was after the shock and external reservoir were loose it's really hard to get the external reservoir hose clear of the rear subframe. I had to remove the top 2 rear subframe bolts and loosen the bottom 2 and move the whole rear end around until I could get enough movement to pry the left side subframe away from the central frame casting and wiggle the hose out. Big PIA and I'm not sure how it is "supposed" to be done. The Ducati manual says nothing about it... "Step 3 - remove the shock" or something equally helpful. RE: what setting I had it in mine was set for 1 person plug luggage and Touring mode, but I don't think it makes any difference. Once you have the spring compressor tool on there it just winds off easy-peasy. It only took about 15-20 mins to compress the spring, remove the lock ring, remove the old spring, clean and wax everything and re-install the new one. It's very simple really, just take your time. Personally, I like to work on my bike. That coupled with the fact that my dealer here has been underwhelming at best (I ordered the spring from them originally and called them at least 4 times asking where it was before I finally gave up, so I decided I'd do it myself. Hope this helps, feel free to send more questions if you have any. DD
