1997 M900 forks

[rbt1548]

I am in negotiation for a 1997 M900, could somebody , if possible from pics, please identify the fork make please?, the fork to seems to have a blue adjuster on it.

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp194/rbt1548/168_zpsxiynx6bc.jpeg (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/rbt1548/media/168_zpsxiynx6bc.jpeg.html)

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp194/rbt1548/208_zpsp0kqcf78.jpeg (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/rbt1548/media/208_zpsp0kqcf78.jpeg.html)

[Mr Gazza]

Sorry I can't help with the fork make, but I would think that the blue adjuster is a modification.

I'm also not sure that the set up with the single brake line and cross-over is standard, but it could be for that year...Some SS models were like that.
Later Monsters have a Tee behind the headlamp and a line to each caliper from that.

[Albie]

They I believe are the Marzocchi from 1996 onwards.

[Sirc]

blue adjuster = Marzocchi

[Albie]

Sorry I can't help with the fork make, but I would think that the blue adjuster is a modification.

I'm also not sure that the set up with the single brake line and cross-over is standard, but it could be for that year...Some SS models were like that.
Later Monsters have a Tee behind the headlamp and a line to each caliper from that.

Like this and a short line to the master unit

http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/ukmonster/Monster%20900/20151007_190448.jpg (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/ukmonster/media/Monster%20900/20151007_190448.jpg.html)

[Mr Gazza]

That's the kiddie Albie....Clearly not just later bikes then..

[Flip]

As the others have correctly said they are indeed Marzocchi forks and one leg controls the compression and the other rebound- although I use the word 'control' rather loosely as it is asking quite a lot of what is essentially a fairly basic fork.

However don't let that alone put you off, I have had my '97 900 for seventeen years and it has been great and with a few pounds spent wisely is even better now.

Over those years I have played around a lot with various combinations of oil and springs to try and get it better (I can give you details if you want) but this year decided to splash out on the Monster after having done so on my fifty year old little race bike.

So if you plan on keeping it, Maxton do a fantastic cartridge conversion for those forks that transforms them into the sublime.

Then along with something like a Nitron rear shock you will have a very well handling Monster that is near perfect in the real world on real roads.

The brake line set up is not standard, as originally it would have had a single line from the master cylinder to a splitter on the top yoke and then single lines to each caliper.

The way it is now is the way a lot of Suzukis come from the factory and presumably was done as whoever did it thought it would a be a bit of a squeeze to run two full length lines from the master cylinder to each caliper.

Don't let some put you off the '97 models- I love mine more than ever!!
http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag329/fluke900/Ready%20for%20the%20off_zpslsxrhy8a.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/fluke900/media/Ready%20for%20the%20off_zpslsxrhy8a.jpg.html)

[rbt1548]

Thanks guys, I wasn't sure if it was Marzocchis or not, I did read some uncomplimentary things about them but I'm no Rossi and to be honest I think sometimes we can get in too deep worrying about getting the suspension to work to the nth degree. I just want decent handling without anything too complicated.

I looked at the brake set up and thought it looked a but different, it just shows what another pair of eyes can see, I'm not too bothered about the brake line run unless I need to be for any reason?, I can always change it back if necessary.

I have been looking to get another Monster for a wee while now as it transpires that I parted with my 1999 M900 when I didn't actually have too.

Is there anything else I should be aware of or look for with a 1997 M900?

Thanks again

[Albie]

Thanks guys, I wasn't sure if it was Marzocchis or not, I did read some uncomplimentary things about them but I'm no Rossi and to be honest I think sometimes we can get in too deep worrying about getting the suspension to work to the nth degree. I just want decent handling without anything too complicated.

I looked at the brake set up and thought it looked a but different, it just shows what another pair of eyes can see, I'm not too bothered about the brake line run unless I need to be for any reason?, I can always change it back if necessary.

I have been looking to get another Monster for a wee while now as it transpires that I parted with my 1999 M900 when I didn't actually have too.

Is there anything else I should be aware of or look for with a 1997 M900?

Thanks again

Yes just check things like battery has a breather hose rather than dumping the acid on the frame. I only read yesterday about allegedly they are poor shocks but surely cannot be that bad and I was simply looking at changing internals as lets face it 23 year old springs cannot be great can they. They do fit double lines on the masters on some models as I have some longer lines spare. It just needs a double union bolt which I also have but I now have the correct three lines.
Rear shocks were not that great either on my 1997 model and something else you could consider upgrading. Just make sure has reasonable servicing. Check clutch plates for wear too once you get it.

[rbt1548]

Yes, I'll give all the usual things a good check up.

I just wish now I hadn't sold on my factory manual and Remus cans. I was told due to a plate in my arm it maybe not be wise for me to ride so I sold the M900, but I since got a bit of work done on it and the arm is no problem, sods law!

I got an ST3 meantime, but the draw of the Monster is pulling me towards it.

[Flip]

As Albie says, check over the usual Ducati things and general condition.

Obviously it's getting on for nineteen years old so it'd be worth going through the electrics, especially the connector blocks and giving them a little treat of Silicone grease.

The easy way to eliminate the chances of battery leakage is to fit a Motobatt or similar AGM sealed type.

The other very worth while thing to do would be to replace and upgrade all the ground connections from the battery to solenoid and starter motor along with the battery and engine to frame links.

Other than that without spending a lump of cash would be just enjoy riding it- but you know that already :D

[rbt1548]

Hi Flip,
I've just had a look at your lovely Monster and noticed the tank decals are different from the bike I'm looking at, should the decals, for a 1997 be the same as yours?

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp194/rbt1548/53_zps5sr4jnpd.jpeg (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/rbt1548/media/53_zps5sr4jnpd.jpeg.html)

[Albie]

Hi Flip,
I've just had a look at your lovely Monster and noticed the tank decals are different from the bike I'm looking at, should the decals, for a 1997 be the same as yours?

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp194/rbt1548/53_zps5sr4jnpd.jpeg (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/rbt1548/media/53_zps5sr4jnpd.jpeg.html)

Yes they are wrong as you have the tight radius at front of seat to the tank. TBH it really personal preference if you like them but decals changed in 1998 to these style.

[Flip]

Yes as 'Oracle Albie' says they are wrong for a '97 bike which possibly suggests either a previous owner just wanted to 'modernize' the look when the font had to change due to the TGP take over as the Cagiva brothers own the copyright to the 'proper' font which is why you hardly ever see it on any Ducati merchandise; OR that the tank had to be re-sprayed for some reason.

So it might be worth having a little tap or carefully putting a magnet around it- particularly at the front as in a low speed drop they tend to get dented there from the switchgear hitting.

Personal taste again, but I would possibly look to getting it put back to as it should be.

Also looking at the photo of it, the forks look like they're too low in the yokes- I think they should have four lines showing as standard if memory serves- easily rectified but if the back is sitting with the rose joints screwed all the way in it'll feel like it wants to push wide all the time and under-steer like a chopper.

[rbt1548]

Personal taste again, but I would possibly look to getting it put back to as it should be.

Also looking at the photo of it, the forks look like they're too low in the yokes- I think they should have four lines showing as standard if memory serves- easily rectified but if the back is sitting with the rose joints screwed all the way in it'll feel like it wants to push wide all the time and under-steer like a chopper.

I was thinking of putting it back, as I like the older style markings but it's not a hurry, are they lacquered over?, it could be a rub down of the lacquer, remove old decals, apply new ones and airbrush the lacquer over them.

I had to raise the yokes on my last monster as they were a bit down the fork leg, so I'm ok with that.

Thanks for your help.