Best way to approach front forks. - Ducati.ms

Oldrider57 · Nov 26th, 2009, 4:29 pm

Have a queery I'd like to throw out to those with more knowledge than what I have. Bought one of the new Hypermotard S models one year ago when Ducati offered the 2% interest rate. Only rode the bike 500 miles this past summer because the bike scared me each time I got caught in any wind (almost every time I headed out)..This is the 3rd Ducati I've owned, with the last being a 99' 996 Biposto.. Been riding bikes most of my life, and this is the first that I feel has something terribly wrong with it...
I know there's been much debate over the Marzocchi front forks and that for an additional 1-2 grand you can alleviate the problem.....AGH!!!!
After talking with another local dealer (not the one I originally purchased bike from and also took care of the first 500 mile service) I've decided to open up a warranty claim for possible problems with the front-end.
Also, guess I should have done some more research a few months ago before I shelled out the $600 bucks for a Scott's steering dampener..Thinking back on that, I'm agreeing with several who've made comments about a dampener only being a "band-aid" for a more fundamental problem.. How should I communicate with the service center about what the bike is/isn't doing? Love everything else about the bike (other than the "F" brand windscreen that broke when first installed) and don't mind putting some time into solving what needs to be fixed with the front forks....Thanks in advance....

Karlr · Nov 26th, 2009, 4:40 pm

The issue with the forks isn't severe, you can ride around it. New cartridges makes it better buut it wasn't as bad as you describe in the first place. Change your tyres and don't hold on too tight.

Monstaman · Nov 26th, 2009, 6:53 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karlr

The issue with the forks isn't severe, you can ride around it. New cartridges makes it better buut it wasn't as bad as you describe in the first place. Change your tyres and don't hold on too tight.

Mine were shocking and still are sticky but better now with 12000 on them.

Mine were very stictiony compared to Doons and Toddys, both their forks work better than my by quite a bit.

I added non slip mix and combo of 5w/7.5w oil 380mls to experiment and also a 5mm linear spring which has made a huge difference.

We still shouldn't have to spend 1500 - 2000 k to make them right tho.

Oldrider57 · Nov 26th, 2009, 7:53 pm

So are you telling me that the OEM springs are too heavy or the opposite? Same with the oil, did you lower or raise from factory...Where I'm located in regards to shops and or people who have any "usable" knowledge would be similar to living on the dark side of Mars....This is why I'm pissed about the whole situation...15 grand for an air cooled motor bike, and then I still have to reinvent the front suspension???? Hello!!!!
Also, does anyone actually know if some of these problems have been addressed to DNA or others?

Monstaman · Nov 26th, 2009, 8:11 pm

Unfortunately most people just say oh that is Ducati and stump up with teh coin, I bought the S thinking I was doing the right thing, I wanted black so no choice either.

I am in the same boat, our nearest dealer is 420 km away, 99% of peopl on this forum are unhappy with their forks but no one wants to do anything about it, I approached Frasers in OZ where our bikes come from and they told me to shove so slippery shit in there, that was their remedy.

I refuse to spend another 2k on fork guts after paying extra for the S, it is wrong and my wife would have words about it too.

dwnhillskater · Nov 26th, 2009, 8:58 pm

They should have put Ohlins in just like every other "S" Ducati. F*n Bull$h!+

On another note. Just had mine anodized and put back together with 110mm gap for oil and 5w. We will see how that does. From me just bouncing on the bike it seems a bit better...

PedroHM · Nov 26th, 2009, 10:02 pm

'Best way to approach front forks.'

From the side?

PedroHM · Nov 26th, 2009, 10:13 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldrider57

Have a queery I'd like to throw out to those with more knowledge than what I have. Bought one of the new Hypermotard S models one year ago when Ducati offered the 2% interest rate. Only rode the bike 500 miles this past summer because the bike scared me each time I got caught in any wind (almost every time I headed out)..This is the 3rd Ducati I've owned, with the last being a 99' 996 Biposto.. Been riding bikes most of my life, and this is the first that I feel has something terribly wrong with it...
I know there's been much debate over the Marzocchi front forks and that for an additional 1-2 grand you can alleviate the problem.....AGH!!!!
After talking with another local dealer (not the one I originally purchased bike from and also took care of the first 500 mile service) I've decided to open up a warranty claim for possible problems with the front-end.
Also, guess I should have done some more research a few months ago before I shelled out the $600 bucks for a Scott's steering dampener..Thinking back on that, I'm agreeing with several who've made comments about a dampener only being a "band-aid" for a more fundamental problem.. How should I communicate with the service center about what the bike is/isn't doing? Love everything else about the bike (other than the "F" brand windscreen that broke when first installed) and don't mind putting some time into solving what needs to be fixed with the front forks....Thanks in advance....

actually they are not that bad, just undersprung and overdamped. I can't see how wind could affect your bike that bad as there is no fairings to catch the wind! I've ridden in gale force and had no issues even at the track.

If you are having that many problems go back to basics and follow these steps with a mate.

1. write down all the current settings of adjusters (from all way in) preload is from all way out.
2. forget about the front end and get the rear right. lift rear up and measure wheel to frame, sit on bike and adjust rear preload to get ~35mm of rider sag. If you have to crank on heaps of preload then you were always going to need a stiffer spring (~70kg is good for stock spring)
3. now set the rebound, wind all the way off and bounce the back watch how quick it is, now wind it all on and watch how slow it is. Now wind it off and add 1 click at a time till it comes back quickly but does not bounce over. stick with this. Set compression at half way in. if you have an 'S' make sure the ride height adjuster is set stock.

4. now set your front comp/rebound at half way and go for a ride. go through a few corners on neutral gas, if the front feels soft and turn in quick with a lot of dive add 2 turns on front preload, if it feels slow high take 2 out and retest.

when you are happy with that set the front rebound so that its nice and plush, if you get a tucking feeling when tipping in take a bit off.

compression on front is just feel and height of stroke.

short of that if its still a prob then springs are the way to go first. its all been spoken about before

jboothe · Nov 26th, 2009, 10:28 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PedroHM

'Best way to approach front forks.'

From the side?

I try and sneak up on em from behind...

disgo duc · Nov 26th, 2009, 10:28 pm

the forks are not bad at all once you properly get them set up for weight and riding style by someone that knows what they doing ...not just claiming they do.as for wind protection well....maybe you should of bought a harley bagger with a 4ft windscreen...and last of all if you think you got ripped off because its aircooled then you just dont have the passion for an aircooled 90 degree twin they are great motors with minimal weight...made for the track.so maybe you should of bought a gxr or some other watercooled jap bike.