Cannot adjust front preload??? - Ducati.ms

HYPERR · Aug 26th, 2010, 9:26 am

I have a 2008 Hypermotard 1100(non-S) that I have had since 5/21/08. Since I was told that the suspension was adjusted from the factory for a 185-190lbs rider(which I am), I never really played around with the suspension. I was pretty satisfied with the setup except for the fact that the front always felt a little light(stiff). Anyways, I finally had a chance to check the suspension with proper sag. The rear was at 1.5"(38mm) which is fine. The front was at also 1.5"(38mm) which is way too stiff. I loosened the preload adjuster(the 22mm hex nut) a full turn and it made no difference in the sag...

I kept loosening it and it made no difference all the way to full loose.

I also noticed that despite the typical amount of resistance in every turn of the preload adjuster, I never saw it move vertically. In another words, shouldn't the preload adjuster start to rise as you loosen it? In all other bikes I had, it will rise and you will see more lines. I see no lines either. What am I missing?

ajpags · Aug 26th, 2010, 10:12 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by HYPERR

In another words, shouldn't the preload adjuster start to rise as you loosen it? In all other bikes I had, it will rise and you will see more lines. I see no lines either. What am I missing?

Interesting - I have the same issue on my Hyper, and I believe something is seriously effed up in my front end - like perhaps the previous owner screwed the preload adjusters in/out too far at one point, and now they're effectively disabled.

When I dig into it, I'll definitely post the results.

**CDONA** · Aug 26th, 2010, 1:21 pm

The air spring is stiffer than the fork spring. Stock oil 7.5 wt, level 100 mm, max low level per manual 140 mm. I'm running 5 wt @ 140 mm @ my 240#, compression still too stiff, still jittery over tar snakes but using most of the stroke. The preload is internal, you won't "see" any adjustment.

Monstaman · Aug 26th, 2010, 2:59 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajpags

Interesting - I have the same issue on my Hyper

Everything is adjusted internal gents you won't see anything special on the outside.

Save up and buy the appropriate aftermarket internals to suit yourself, the Marshockings are simply that, you can play with oil weights and springs but it is a sticky plaster on a gash.

**CDONA** · Aug 26th, 2010, 4:10 pm

Yep, I did what I could do with what is provided, I'm in saving up mode.

ajpags · Aug 26th, 2010, 4:39 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monstaman

Everything is adjusted internal gents you won't see anything special on the outside.

Oooh - so that's interesting, looked at the manual again, and it seems you guys may be correct. Only the standard HM would have the preload exposed via the adjusters coming up more in a visible fashion. So then the internals ARE different between the two models (which I thought originally it was just the coating).

I think my forks are going to Lindemann...

Monstaman · Aug 26th, 2010, 5:44 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajpags

So then the internals ARE different between the two models (which I thought originally it was just the coating).

No same crap cartridges and progressive springs in both forks.

Maxton would be a good idea to chase up too.

freezer16801 · Aug 26th, 2010, 6:23 pm

I don't know who told you that the bike was sprung for a 190 #er? It has .68 springs that are progressively wound. Couple that with the stiff dampening, inadequate air gap, and thick fluid that SDONA mentioned and you have an ill handling bike at spirited street speeds or track usage. Especially if you are on the larger side.

I set my fluid up like SDONA and added .90 straight rate springs from racetech and the bike is very good now. I would like to add more air gap though so I can get more travel, but I am mostly content.

You should easily be able to reach over 50 mm's of sag at your weight. I was at 50 mm's with all of the preload added before modification. Are you sure you are being consistent with your measuring? It is easy to fudge numbers doing that job if you don't have adequate helpers taking the measuring, etc.

HYPERR · Aug 26th, 2010, 8:17 pm

OK just to be clear, I have the base model 2008 Hypermotard 1100, not the S-model. According to the owner's manual, the base model have the preload adjuster that goes up and down with adjustments. It even states that at fully loose, it should show 10mm of thread. Mine shows no thread. It does not change externally from full stiff to full loose.

I sat on the bike to adjust the sag and at about 186 pounds, the sag is 1.5"(38mm) regardless of where the preload is. I am suspecting that mine stays at full stiff regardless of where the preload adjuster is turned to.

ajpags · Aug 27th, 2010, 7:24 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monstaman

No same crap cartridges and progressive springs in both forks.

Maxton would be a good idea to chase up too.

Doesn't explain the difference in what the manual says then. If the preload is all "internal", which by the way, I've never really seen, the manual shows the exposed portion of the preload adjuster for the base model.

So either, the S and the base have different internals OR the manual is wrong OR we have some messed up forks that need attention.

I'm betting on the last option.