Forks Clack - Ducati.ms

Crank1000 · Apr 14th, 2009, 2:30 am

I have an issue I've never had with other bikes (but all my other bikes are long travel susp). Basically, I notice something on this one spot near my house. I have a small little jump (more like a steep decent) that I usually gas it over to get a little bit of air. I notice that when the front end comes down, the susp compresses, and then when it comes back, the forks clack really loudly as they fully extend. Is this normal? My SXV has gobs of travel, so I've never had that happen there, and my other bikes are dirtbikes, so same deal. And I never really tried getting off the ground with my old R1. So does anybody else get this? Is there a solution? I suppose I need to bring down the rebound on my forks (if there's a setting for that). But will that adversely affect the rest of my riding? Thanks.

minusone · Apr 14th, 2009, 2:56 am

Marzocchis on my Husky dirtbike generate the same noise, however there appears no ill effects.

I have not noticed it on the Hyper, but I am still running in. - Maybe wind up a bit of rebound damping.

hyperdookie · Apr 14th, 2009, 8:46 am

I've heard the "clack" on full compression before setting up my suspension.Took care of it by adding preload.Sounds like you may need to add rebound damping to slow the fork extension.Just don't add too much, this can cause the fork to pack down and not be able to react to multiple bumps, which can make for a very nasty ride.When you push down on the forks while stationary, they should come back up in a controlled manner without bouncing.
By the way, I am by no means a suspension expert and I'm still trying to dial in my suspension.

GMP · Apr 14th, 2009, 9:33 am

I've had mine apart recently and must say they are crude and a disappointment for a $12K+ bike, nothing like the forks on your other bikes. More like stretched out inexpensive sport bike stuff than true motard suspension that is derived from MX components. I revalve and service Marzocchi Shiver and WP off road forks all the time so I know my way around suspension. These have no bottoming cones or any means to soften bottoming. Likewise it seems no topout springs (which would take care of your complaint). Also, don't be fooled by looking at the fork that you get all that travel. With the fork compressed and springs out, the lower tube is well over the slider by at least 5mm. Add the depth of the cap and you have over 15mm of travel that is mechanically lost, before coil bind is even condidered, so don't ever expect to get near the foot of the fork with the seal wiper. Mine had over 700c of oil in them, and would virtually lock up in mid stroke! I dropped the level way down using 5W oil. This helped a little but is not the real solution. I do think the springs are too soft and the fork is way overdamped, but unfortunately the cartridge is sealed and cannot be revalved. I'm not a track guy, or a super aggressive rider looking for that type of performance from the fork. I would like the fork to be able to handle choppy pavement better than it does, which we have a lot of here that gives the bike fits.

Crank1000 · Apr 14th, 2009, 12:54 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMP

I've had mine apart recently and must say they are crude and a disappointment for a $12K+ bike, nothing like the forks on your other bikes. More like stretched out inexpensive sport bike stuff than true motard suspension that is derived from MX components. I revalve and service Marzocchi Shiver and WP off road forks all the time so I know my way around suspension. These have no bottoming cones or any means to soften bottoming. Likewise it seems no topout springs (which would take care of your complaint). Also, don't be fooled by looking at the fork that you get all that travel. With the fork compressed and springs out, the lower tube is well over the slider by at least 5mm. Add the depth of the cap and you have over 15mm of travel that is mechanically lost, before coil bind is even condidered, so don't ever expect to get near the foot of the fork with the seal wiper. Mine had over 700c of oil in them, and would virtually lock up in mid stroke! I dropped the level way down using 5W oil. This helped a little but is not the real solution. I do think the springs are too soft and the fork is way overdamped, but unfortunately the cartridge is sealed and cannot be revalved. I'm not a track guy, or a super aggressive rider looking for that type of performance from the fork. I would like the fork to be able to handle choppy pavement better than it does, which we have a lot of here that gives the bike fits.

That does seem to coincide with what I've found. Is there a solution other than buying new forks? One concern I have is with softer susp, or even just susp with more travel, is the overall clearance of the bike. I drag toe on some turns as it is. I worry that on a hard turn, a softer or longer travel fork will put the bike even closer the ground. Thoughts?