Suspicious Suspension

[Blue Beastie]

In my quest to understand and get the most form my monster, and in addition to the other tasks I have to do (oil change etc), I think the suspension requires some attention.

Both forks and rear shock bottom out regularly :( I'm a mere 14 stone and thought it should be able to cope with this. Fork seals and oil were changed 3 years (1500 miles ago) but I'm guessing that the oil should be changed more regularly. I hope to do this soon but wondered if there are any 'have to replace parts' when changing fork oil e.g. can the seals be used again and are there any o-rings or components that need to be changed at the same time.

I'm at a loss for the rear shock. It looks like it is on max preload etc but I don't have a c-spanner as yet to try for more. It's only done 9,000 miles. I'll play around with the dampening settings too.

The front end is really really wobbly going into corners so I'm hoping changing the fork oil will sort this.

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

Apart from the above I love it!!! Although I'm a bit tall and a few folk have comented that there are legs everywhere, one said it looked like I had stolen a kids BMX!!!! :mad:

[CK & AK]

Just think of Reubens Xaus - he is all over his bikes :D

[The Kevlar Kid]

Both forks and rear shock bottom out regularly :( I'm a mere 14 stone and thought it should be able to cope with this. Fork seals and oil were changed 3 years (1500 miles ago) but I'm guessing that the oil should be changed more regularly. I hope to do this soon but wondered if there are any 'have to replace parts' when changing fork oil e.g. can the seals be used again and are there any o-rings or components that need to be changed at the same time.
I'm at a loss for the rear shock

???? I'm nearly 16 stone and have no problem with mine bottoming out. I've heard several people on this site complain that their's is a bit soft (oo-er) but mines a tad on the firm side if anything ;) . Is it just the 600's / pre injection bikes that are soft??

I think 'by the book' the O rings on the fork caps should be replaced each time, but to be honest I never bother unless they look worn or perished. Other than that all you need is your oil. I usually change mine every other year.

As for the rear shock - no idea. Might be worth booking it in to a suspension specialist and getting the whole lot set up properly for your weight and riding style, if you've got the cash. Might end up cheaper than being disapointed with a expensive aftermarket shock.

[NattyBoy]

The std 600 shock is way too soft anyway (remember my 600 bouncing around mallroy last year - an 'interesting' expereience!!.)

If its of interest, ive got some brand new Ducati 888 showa adjustable (with remote reservoir) rear shocks to fit the earlier monster..PM me if interested..

Cheers
Nat

[inchman]

when I changed the fork seals on my 1994 monster recently, I noticed that the bottom fork bushes were worn too. The last owner said that he had only just had the fork seals changed and they started to leak soon after. I think that the worn bushes caused the seals to wear out prematurely. might be worth a look at these when the forks are apart..

cheers