09 Monster 1100S - how to adjust fork suspension?

[Shazmak]

I'm looking for some help on how to go about adjusting the rebound and compression damping on the Ohlins forks on the Monster 1100S.

The manual is a bit confusing - it says to use "the special wrench" to adjust the rebound damping at the top of the forks but nowhere does it say what the hell "the special wrench" is or where to find one. It also says to use a flat-blade screwdriver to adjust the compression damping at the bottom of the forks but looking at the adjuster, I don't see how a flat-blade screwdriver can do the job? It looks like I should be using a small allen key?

Also, when referring to settings, the manual starts out by saying fully closed clockwise is setting 0 then each click out is a different setting. But then it goes on to say that the stock settings for both compression and rebound are 1.5 "turns" +/- 1/4 "turns". What does "turn" mean in this instance? How does it relate to clicks??

I'm so confused...

[Moronic]

I'm not familiar with the 1100s manual but if it follows the S4R/s pattern it will have a page or two for the std model fork followed by a page or two for the "s" model.

Sounds like you are reporting from the std model page.

Your Ohlins fork will likely have a 3mm allen socket at the top for rebound and another just behind the axle at the bottom for compression.

The 'clicks' will be subtle but easy to feel with soft hands. Working out what is "clockwise" for the compression adjuster might be challenging at first.

[Shazmak]

The manual shows both the 1100 and 1100S diagrams and settings in the same couple of pages. Now that I know for sure that I need to use an allen key rather than some special wrench or screwdriver, all I need are the stock settings in terms of clicks. Turns just means nothing to me and doesn't fit in at all with anything else the manual is saying. So frustrating.

Thanks for your help.

[Moronic]

Okay, the M1100/s owners manual is online here in PDF format, free download.

The stock fork damping settings for the M1100s are listed on p56, under the settings for the M1100.

1100S
compression: 8clicks;
rebound: 12clicks.


That is clicks back from full hard. (Turn the adjusters fully clockwise, then count the clicks while turning anticlockwise.)

I'll admit the manual is a little confusing. I am assuming the "special wrench" is still a 3mm allen key. But I've never taken a close look at the 1100 fork.

You might get more help at the Ducati Monster Forum. Seem to be at least several 1100s owners hanging out there.

Good luck!

[Link]

If you want to adjust your suspension the first thing you need to check is the sag which is making sure your suspension has the correct springs for your weight. The sag is adjusted with the pre load adjusters on the forks & shock. If your sag settings are not right or at least close your suspension will never really work correctly no matter how you adjust the compression/rebound settings. You may already know this but from your post it sounds like you don't have much experience with suspension. Any way you have top notch components and after you get it dialed in your going to love it. Is there something that feels wrong with the suspension now that your trying to correct ? Or your just wondering how the clickers work ?

[rietveld]

don't mess with your suspension if you do not know what you're doing.

just go to a suspension specialist and tell him what you want.

[Shazmak]

Thanks Moronic, that's exactly what I needed.

Whilst the suspension gives great feel on smooth roads, it is just too harsh on bumps on stock settings for me. I want to play with the clickers a little to see what difference I can make myself before seeing a specialist. As long as I know stock settings, I can always go back. I'm aware that preload should be set for my weight but without the know-how and someone else to help, I'm not going to touch it. There's no chance I'm going to be able to undo the rings on the rear shock anyway!

I'm only 69kg, so probably close to 75kg with full gear. I expect that's fairly close to the ideal weight for stock preload settings from Ducati. Close enough to see what difference I can make with other adjustments for now at least.

Thanks again guys!

[Shazmak]

Originally Posted by Moronic

Okay, the M1100/s owners manual is online here in PDF format, free download.

The stock fork damping settings for the M1100s are listed on p56, under the settings for the M1100.

1100S
compression: 8clicks;
rebound: 12clicks.


That is clicks back from full hard. (Turn the adjusters fully clockwise, then count the clicks while turning anticlockwise.)

I'll admit the manual is a little confusing. I am assuming the "special wrench" is still a 3mm allen key. But I've never taken a close look at the 1100 fork.

You might get more help at the Ducati Monster Forum. Seem to be at least several 1100s owners hanging out there.

Good luck!

Moronic, I should also just say that the printed owners manual that came with the bike has 1.5 turns +/- 1.4 turns for both 1100 and 1100S on the forks. Looks like an error because the pdf you linked has turns for the 1100 and clicks for 1100S. I should have suspected as much since it didn't make sense and I've spotted a couple of other mistakes in the manual - apparently my bike has a wet clutch and compression adjustment on the rear shock!! (it has neither)

[Moronic]

Originally Posted by Shazmak

Moronic, I should also just say that the printed owners manual that came with the bike has 1.5 turns +/- 1.4 turns for both 1100 and 1100S on the forks. Looks like an error because the pdf you linked has turns for the 1100 and clicks for 1100S. I should have suspected as much since it didn't make sense and I've spotted a couple of other mistakes in the manual - apparently my bike has a wet clutch and compression adjustment on the rear shock!! (it has neither)

Bloody hell, their manuals must be getting worse, not better. No wonder you were confused.

I'v not read or heard much about the Ohlins kit on the M1100, nor have I tried out that model. I'm surprised tho if you are finding the fork action harsh. Your first move could be to check that the fork clickers are indeed at stock settings.

If the forks have been apart at all - to replace fork seals for example - then it is possible someone has put overweight oil in there, or too much of it.

I found the stock setting on my S4Rs Ohlns fork nicely compliant.

The rear end is a different question. My S4Rs Ohlins shock was appallingly harsh. I'm always surprised not to read more about this from others. I have also seen the odd comment about the M1100s shock kicking a bit over bumps, which I find remarkable since it is only an emulsion design AFAIK, so you'd think they would not want to work it hard on the compression side.

You are likely right about stock preload being good for your weight (assuming your settings are indeed stock). I suggest you try softening the rebound damping adjuster as far as it will go.

If the shock is still harsh, and the spring setup is close, then your only option is to go for a revalve. I had mine done by Cogent Dynamics in the 'States, with great results (report here), but I also spoke to a salesman at suspension shop Teknik (link here) at Penrith, who was well across the common need to cut back on Ohlins compression damping. I went with Cogent mainly because by then I'd convinced Rick, the owner, that I knew what I wanted.

Ohlins suspended Ducs deserve to work great. And possibly the best part of having Ohlins gear is that you can fool with it until it does work - provided you can find someone to help. Good luck!

[FastM]

Adjusting the sag is easy and the first thing you should check. Here is a link to the Ohlins web site for setup Set up your R&T bike - Öhlins