Lowering a 2009 1100

[LondonDutch]

Hi Monster gurus.

I want to lower a 2009 new shape 1100 Monster to 696 height.

I understand that they share the same shock, but that there is an upper linkage which can be swapped ? ... and that Duacti also make a low seat.

is this all correct and can I lose that 1.5 inches I'm after like this, plus lifting the forks thru the yokes?

Thanks.

Dutch

[BigOz]

Hi,

No linkage on the new style monsters I'm afraid, the upper shock mount is via a part I suppose you could describe as a clevis to the rear subframe and the lower is direct to the swingarm.

A shorter shock is the only thing I can think of to lower the rear suspension. As the 1100 is 35mm taller my guess is the lower seat should take a chunk out of that.

Andy

[Albie]

Yes they make a lower seat of around an inch. Im sure it would be ok and I recommend you try before you buy.

[LondonDutch]

Hi,

No linkage on the new style monsters I'm afraid, the upper shock mount is via a part I suppose you could describe as a clevis to the rear subframe and the lower is direct to the swingarm.

A shorter shock is the only thing I can think of to lower the rear suspension. As the 1100 is 35mm taller my guess is the lower seat should take a chunk out of that.

Andy

I read on another forum that that clevis on the 696 is different that the 796 and 1100?

http://www.ducatimonster.org/forums/general-monster-forum/194320-1100-lower-than-1100s.html

Anyone have any thoughts/confirmation, etc?

Thanks for all the replies so far.

[Albie]

All seems logical. Of course you can make a bike fit you at a cost. The 1100s definately has hard rear suspension. I ride 2 up mainly and thats part of the reason I chose the 's' model as stock are softer springs. May benefit shorter or solo riders.

Theres only one real test to go sit on both models. Dont go to buy just go to try. Then ask the questions to them if it doesnt suit you. Seats can be modded for reasonable money and you may get a more comfortable one for your money too. I got the touring seat which is 1cm taller than stock but i have long legs.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/albies4/Belgium%202009/AlbieandCarolineBelgium2009.jpg

[LondonDutch]

Cheers again Albie.

We went and sat on a 696, 796 1100 today. The 696 was definitely shorter and the spec sheet has the 696 about an inch and a half lower. We didn't try the S, but assume the stiffer springs in the Ohlins kit would make it ride even higher.

Either way, we can only get the 1100 if we lower it, as my GF is only 5'4" and felt very unstable on the bigger bikes... and she's used to riding a big Buell, so she does want the bigger power model.

[BigOz]

Interesting about the clevis, Anyone know the part number for a 1100 clevis? I'll check and post the 696 part number shortly.

Andy

[BigOz]

Ok got them all and it could well be correct

1100s 829.1.963.1A
1100 829.1.963.1A
696 829.1.970.1A

[LondonDutch]

Cheers BigOz. I'll ring my dealer and see what he says about prices.

[He11cat]

There is always a way if you find someone in the know...
I brought a bike 6 inches to high for me (yup I am a muppet) not a big bike but big enough for me I am only 5ft 1. It had been jacked up as well.

But my inside leg is 26.. so I have huge problems with bikes.
Anyway the bike came from fitting a guy who was well over 6 foot (6FT4 ) to fit little 5ft 1 me.

No garage would touch it lol..
But it got done and can be done its just how.

There always a clever bike engineer to be found .. if its a drastic drop needed .

[LondonDutch]

There is always a way if you find someone in the know...
I brought a bike 6 inches to high for me (yup I am a muppet) not a big bike but big enough for me I am only 5ft 1. It had been jacked up as well.

But my inside leg is 26.. so I have huge problems with bikes.
Anyway the bike came from fitting a guy who was well over 6 foot (6FT4 ) to fit little 5ft 1 me.

No garage would touch it lol..
But it got done and can be done its just how.

There always a clever bike engineer to be found .. if its a drastic drop needed .

Sounds like you had a major rebuild. have you got any pics of the bike after lowering?

It's not so tough on bikes with shock linkages, but loads of really modern bikes (like the new monster) don't use linkages, so lowering requires shorter shocks, springs, forks, etc...

...but in this case, all I need is 696 height on an 1100, so I think the low seat and clevis swap will do the trick.