Brackstone,

All Ducati suspension systems (unlike the japanese bikes) have a rod that determines the ride height. Usually they are as low as they can go from the factory so that the racer can use it to adjust geometry. Some aftermarket companies (and maybe even Ducati) offer a shorter rod to lower the ride height, but remember it changes the geometry and in this case, because of the increased rake and trail, will significantly slow the steering response.

But if you also lower the front you can retain the correct geometry...

 

So you are saying it can't be lowered anymore than the 33" without further modification? I was under the impression that the fully adjustable S version would be able to be lowered :|


And yes I was talking about lowering both the front and rear evenly to keep the geometry the same.

 

Yep this bike is REALLY tall. The same issue I had with the Shiver I had, so a bit worried the bike won't work for me due to an old injury that's aggravated by long pedal reach etc.

You can opt to send the seat and get it lowered, a good seat guy can easily drop an inch in height with very little noticeable change to the seat style. This is what I did on the shiver.

Chris

 

The spec sheet says seat height is 33" tall. My R6 is 33.5" so this seems to be a relief (for me anyways as I'm only 5-8). Is it taller than 33"???

 

Nope you're correct 33.1" won't be an issue for me UNLESS the frame and seat width is wide like it is on the shiver (incredible how wide the shiver seat/frame is)

Chris

 

http://www.orientexpress.com/Ducati/Sport/Superbike+Models/Chassis/Lowering+Links/Sato+Racing+-+Lowering+Link+Rod+-+Ducati+-+1098+Superbike+2007-2008%25252F848+Superbike+2008%25252FCNC+Machined+Billet+Aluminum%25252FAdjustable%25252F5mm+Shorter+Than+Stock%25252FGold+Anodized.html

 

flyn,

Thank you very much for all of this information. If I had to pay $125 for a lowering link I don't think it's that bad.

 

For what it is worth, I'm 6' tall with a 33" inseam and I was very comfortable on the Streetfighter demo bike that I sat on. I'm not flat footing it exactly, but I'm not on tip toes either. The edges of the seat were a little sharp with feet down, but feet up it was really comfy.

-jamie

 

Yes, I've also had the luck to sit on a the streetfighter demo bike and it is a tall bike.
I'm not sure why the stats are the way they are but I can tell you the bike I sat on was substantially taller than an r6.

I'm 6'2 with a 34 inseam and I have no trouble but I can see where anyone under 6' might start to feel the height.

I also did not feel that the bike was small like some people claim in the threads here. I passed-up owning a Brutale
because I felt too big for it but I did not feel big for the SF.

 

Yes, I've also had the luck to sit on a the streetfighter demo bike and it is a tall bike.
I'm not sure why the stats are the way they are but I can tell you the bike I sat on was substantially taller than an r6.

Taller than an R6? Hm, then the specs that were released must be off then. I'm going to measure my seat height tonight...I know a stock R6 is 33.5. If the SF is taller ~2"? I might have an issue with that...

 

stupid question?

I assume that ,for those who sat on the bikes, they were not on a rear wheel stand?
I actually feel bad asking, since you all seem precise people...

It is quite possible that the setting of the shocks were different than the show bike.
It is also possible that Ducati claim a seat height decided at Milan time, and did further set-up adjustments later on
final hypothesis, you said the bikes you tried were very light, no battery, no fuel, no water etc etc, that should impact on the ride height, I am sure...

 

I assume that ,for those who sat on the bikes, they were not on a rear wheel stand?
I actually feel bad asking, since you all seem precise people...

It is quite possible that the setting of the shocks were different than the show bike.
It is also possible that Ducati claim a seat height decided at Milan time, and did further set-up adjustments later on
final hypothesis, you said the bikes you tried were very light, no battery, no fuel, no water etc etc, that should impact on the ride height, I am sure...

No, the demo bike I sat on was not on a stand of any kind and the side/kick stand was up.

Adding the fuel, battery, wiring, ECU, weight would only make the bike a little lower, unless the suspension was adjusted accordingly for the additional weight.

The final production bikes might have been set up taller, but I'm not sure why unless they were playing around with rider central mass locations for better balance. I guess we'll see when the final versions hit the showroom floor.

-jamie

 

I sat on the same bike that motomotive did. it was on the floor in the back of one of the dealers, not on display (not on a stand)
Pre-load sag should be set to a precise level, I'm sure since it was a demo bike that they wanted the look to be just right and it was set accordingly.

 

Well I hope it's shorter than the demo when it comes out. I'll have to sit to give it a try.

My biggest concern is what appears to be that second air intake on the bottom. Seems to me like that would severely limit how much you could lower the bike.

I'm also a pretty light guy (about 150) so I know I can usually get away with lowering the bike a bit by adjusting the preload.

 

A friend of mine works at a multi line dealership and I was there today and had a chance to sit on an R6 again -
I think I'll have to take my statement about the R6 seat height back,
As far as I can recall it seems the SF and R6 seat heights are virtually the same

I hope it works out for you little guys (I say that with much respect )

 

Good of you to be honest!

I think most guys would just deny it.

For me I've sat on the 696 and that I feel is the perfect seat height really (30") but I'm starting to believe that zvez might be right, the shiver might be just really wide and that would make it uncomfortable.

 

Well im 5'8" w a 31" inseem and the bike is too tall. I also only weigh 169lbs so i dont give it much sag. THough i can reach the floor i find myself (really my crotch) up against the tank!!

I am realizng after two weeks of owning it, its gonna need a lowering.
Questions:
Do i lower the front as well to match?
How much lower can i go w/o changing the ride too much? (omly need about an inch imo)
are the lowering rods the only way?

thanks

 

Just my opinion, but in stock form the SF already has a pretty slow turn in...it's very stable. If you lower just the rear, that characteristic will be even more pronounced. As flyn pointed out earlier, I don't think there's much adjustment room on the rear link to lower the suspension much from stock. You may need a shorter link. If you decide to lower the rear, I'd say drop the front also to preserve the steering geometry. Remember, lowering the bike will also reduce you cornering ground clearance.

 

The bike handles way better when you raise the rear end. If you lower the front, you risk banging the radiator with the front wheel. The bike is light enough to hold up with one foot if you have to, set it up to ride, not to sit at stop lights.

 

Must be this tall--------------------




























To ride this ride.

 

Holy thread resurrection batman!

 

To keep things in perspective: the guy who won the Paris to Dakar ('84?) was maybe 5'3",the bike had a 8 gallon gas tank and a 39" seat height.

 

The real problem with a marginally high seat height is that if you put a foot down in a low spot, you stand a good chance of dropping the bike. Worst case scenario is maneuvering at low speed and hitting a steering stop, causing the rider to put a foot down quickly into a low spot.

 

Nonetheless the two lowering rods I've found are 8mm-10mm.

10mm equals .39", that's just over a quarter inch.... That hardly seems worth buying, changing pieces, and rearranging ride geometry!

Agreed???

 

I have a stock rod on order, Going to see if it can be modified to lower ass end. It's not here yet, I'll keep you posted.

 

Just have someone chuck the sleeve up in a lathe and take about 1/2" off each end.

 

That's my plan

 

Hi all, sorry to dig up an old thread again, but I have a question which needs answering.

I've stumbled upon a "lowering link" for the 848/1098/1198 but it doesn't state if it will fit a streetfighter. Since it is known that the Streetfighter is a stripped down 1098, I had a feeling that the link might be compatible with the streetfighter. I'd like to have a second opinion.

Here's the link (no pun intended) to the eBay listing.eBay Link

If it works, I hope to lower the bike by 10mm. Geometry of the bike will be preserved by doing the same to the front.

Any comments or opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

You can adjust the rear height with the ride height adjuster. The problem is that the stock setting is as short as the adjuster can be adjusted. You can remove the adjuster link and have someone shorten the center adjuster piece about 1/2 inch on both ends. This will enable the rear to be lowered more.

Be careful that you don't lower the front end so much that the front tire will hit the cylinder head at full compression. Also consider that there's not a lot of ground clearance at the bottom of the oil sump.

 

Did you bought the piece on ebay?

 

This ride height rod has more adjustment than stock:
CORSE DYNAMICS Ride Height Rod: 848 / 1098 / 1198 / Streetfighter
"Adjustment range from 158mm - 205mm eye to eye"

I installed a SARGENT World Sport Seat. It seemed like it dropped the seat a bit because I'm now standing flat footed.