Ride height adjustment question

[Gazza620]

Hi,

Just joined the group and wanted to reach out to other Monster owners. I am returning to biking after a 30 year gap so taking it slow but enjoying my Monster
620Sie which is a real classic from 2003.

I have ridden other bikes but this is my first Ducati. It is responsive and agile but I would like to reduce the ride height. I have had other bikes and not needed to seek a lower riding position - Honda Firestorm, Honda VFR and a BMW R80, so this is the first time I have felt the need for a lower seat.

1. One option is to get a special sculptured lower seat but I don't think that gains much - any suggestions as to where to explore this option?

2. Another option is to change the ride height pin from a solid one to an adjustable one, which is an expensive after market piece of kit, unless anyone knows of a used one or can recommend a sensible work-around?

I am told this forum is the best place to get answers from other users so let's see what kind of replies come in.

.

 

[Mark64]

Hi and welcome, I'm pretty sure you can already adjust the ride height to some degree on the rear suspension, there's a long rod next to the shock absorber that has left hand thread at on end and right hand thread at the other so when you slack off the locknuts you can adjust the ride height according to your needs.
Hope this helps

 

[Gazza620]

Hi and welcome, I'm pretty sure you can already adjust the ride height to some degree on the rear suspension, there's a long rod next to the shock absorber that has left hand thread at on end and right hand thread at the other so when you slack off the locknuts you can adjust the ride height according to your needs.
Hope this helps

Thank you, this is what i had hoped, but my model does not have the twin threaded adjuster as this only appeared on later models. The aftermarket piece is available from the US so I was hoping to find something available in the UK or Europe. https://ducabikedirect.com/collecti...cabike-dbk-adr02-adr02-adjustable-linkage-sbk

 

[Mark64]

Try ebay or ask Darren69 on here, he's always got lots of bits for sale

 

[Mr Gazza]

It's odd that you feel the need to lower the Monster after those other bikes.
Monsters are popular with the diminutive for their low seats.
I thought that the Sie had the adjustable rod, but if you say not, then it hasn't!

I do however know that the seat originally supplied with the 620ie is lower than the S4 of the same model year and is perfectly interchangeable.
Sometimes you get a sticker or label on the base that gives the date of manufacture and model application... Just thinking someone may have fitted an S4 one at some point?
I know this because a member on here changed the seat on her highly modified 620ie to an S4 one to gain a bit of height.

If you look at the seat level from the side you will notice that a 620 one drops down from the tank in a subtle curve, whereas the S4 is virtually straight and level from the tank.

If you do go looking for another seat, do beware that the embossed number in the seat base is merely the part number of the seat base and not the complete seat. They all have the same base!

 

[Gazza620]

It's odd that you feel the need to lower the Monster after those other bikes.
Monsters are popular with the diminutive for their low seats.
I thought that the Sie had the adjustable rod, but if you say not, then it hasn't!

I do however know that the seat originally supplied with the 620ie is lower than the S4 of the same model year and is perfectly interchangeable.
Sometimes you get a sticker or label on the base that gives the date of manufacture and model application... Just thinking someone may have fitted an S4 one at some point?
I know this because a member on here changed the seat on her highly modified 620ie to an S4 one to gain a bit of height.

If you look at the seat level from the side you will notice that a 620 one drops down from the tank in a subtle curve, whereas the S4 is virtually straight and level from the tank.

If you do go looking for another seat, do beware that the embossed number in the seat base is merely the part number of the seat base and not the complete seat. They all have the same base!

Thanks for this suggestion about seat numbers, but I am hoping to find a replacement rod that is adjustable, preferably made in the UK or designed as a retro-fit option. It is early days for this post so let's see if anyone else has any ideas. Thanks for your comments all the same.

 

[Mr Gazza]

Since you're local to them, have you asked Moto Rapido if they can get hold of an adjustable rod?

Did the S4 or S4RS have an adjustable rod? And are the single sider arm rods the same length as double arm swingers?.. Anyone?

 

[Dukedesmo]

As above, I think adjustable rods were made for Monster/ST models, a quick search finds; https://www.ebay.com/itm/147315549346

Though they don't seem common, but do you know how long the suspension rod is?

Asking because 916/748 etc. all had adjustable rods and there are plenty of them, both OEM and aftermarket, being offered for sale. Maybe they're compatible?

FYI, a 916 rod measures 255mm at it's shortest with a usable extension of around 30mm.

 

[Gazza620]

Since you're local to them, have you asked Moto Rapido if they can get hold of an adjustable rod?

Did the S4 or S4RS have an adjustable rod? And are the single sider arm rods the same length as double arm swingers?.. Anyone?

Thanks yes they did, hence the link i posted above that sourced an aftermarket part from the US, but it seemed expensive hence asking on here.

As above, I think adjustable rods were made for Monster/ST models, a quick search finds; https://www.ebay.com/itm/147315549346

Though they don't seem common, but do you know how long the suspension rod is?

Asking because 916/748 etc. all had adjustable rods and there are plenty of them, both OEM and aftermarket, being offered for sale. Maybe they're compatible?

FYI, a 916 rod measures 255mm at it's shortest with a usable extension of around 30mm.

Thanks for this, all quite useful, I think it must be possible to find affordable adjustable rods for my Monster - appreciate your comments.

 

[Gazza620]

It's odd that you feel the need to lower the Monster after those other bikes.
Monsters are popular with the diminutive for their low seats.
I thought that the Sie had the adjustable rod, but if you say not, then it hasn't!

I do however know that the seat originally supplied with the 620ie is lower than the S4 of the same model year and is perfectly interchangeable.
Sometimes you get a sticker or label on the base that gives the date of manufacture and model application... Just thinking someone may have fitted an S4 one at some point?
I know this because a member on here changed the seat on her highly modified 620ie to an S4 one to gain a bit of height.

If you look at the seat level from the side you will notice that a 620 one drops down from the tank in a subtle curve, whereas the S4 is virtually straight and level from the tank.

If you do go looking for another seat, do beware that the embossed number in the seat base is merely the part number of the seat base and not the complete seat. They all have the same base!

I have looked at the existing rod and i think you are right and I was wrong, it is adjustable. Thank you for pointing this out and forcing me to look again.

 

[Gazza620]

Thanks yes they did, hence the link i posted above that sourced an aftermarket part from the US, but it seemed expensive hence asking on here.

Thanks for this, all quite useful, I think it must be possible to find affordable adjustable rods for my Monster - appreciate your comments.

I have looked at the link you supplied for a second hand part from the US and looked again at the rod on my bike. I now think my bike has an adjustable rod, I was just not looking carefully enough at the adjustment points. The link you sent forced me to look again. Many thanks.

 

[Mr Gazza]

The list of compatible models on the ad Dukedesmo linked to gives you a lot of scope for a search.
S4 should be on there too if it will fit those others.
Might be worth a request on one of those Partfinder sites which the breakers use?
I've found them very useful in the past.

 

[Gazza620]

The list of compatible models on the ad Dukedesmo linked to gives you a lot of scope for a search.
S4 should be on there too if it will fit those others.
Might be worth a request on one of those Partfinder sites which the breakers use?
I've found them very useful in the past.

Thank you, i will investigate this also.

 

[dacs]

I bought this (ebay) some years ago, no idea what it came from. It measures around 271mm across bolt hole centres (manual says 272) at its minimum length setting. The manual mentioned says, according to Google translate, the following
"... we strongly advise against adjusting the push rod, as doing so alters the suspension geometry and, in turn, the handling characteristics. Even a 1 or 2mm change negatively affects the Monsters handling". I never actually fitted it in the end so I have no idea what the actual effect on the handling would be.

 

[Gazza620]

I bought this (ebay) some years ago, no idea what it came from. It measures around 271mm across bolt hole centres (manual says 272) at its minimum length setting. The manual mentioned says, according to Google translate, the following
"... we strongly advise against adjusting the push rod, as doing so alters the suspension geometry and, in turn, the handling characteristics. Even a 1 or 2mm change negatively affects the Monsters handling". I never actually fitted it in the end so I have no idea what the actual effect on the handling would be.

Wow, looks remarkably like what i already have although I measured it on the bike at about 255mm but I could be wrong on that as you really need to take it off the be accurate. I will let you know if I need it but thanks for posting, this might be helpful. I am of course looking for an adjustable rod that reduces ride height not increase it! Until I get mine measured accurately I don't know whether 271mm will do the trick or not.

 

[dacs]

There is a question here that has not yet been covered in this thread, and I raise it because I am not certain of the answer (although I have an idea), but you need to know what it is before you go much further. Should be easily answered by anyone who has an adjustable rod as original equipment and the relevant owners manual - to LOWER the ride height do you EXTEND the rod or SHORTEN it? Bear in mind that when you lower the back end of the bike it will turn into a corner more slowly. If you can find a local motorcycle suspension company it might help to talk over the possibilities with them.

 

[Dukedesmo]

I measured it on the bike at about 255mm

If that's the case then you'll need a shorter rod as extending lifts the rear.

The 916 type rod is 255mm at it's shortest though you might be able to pinch a few more mm if you fitted thinner lock nuts or even cut a little off the rod itself? but, I think that later SBK models (999, 1098 etc.) used shorter rods but I couldn't tell you by how much.

 

[Gazza620]

There is a question here that has not yet been covered in this thread, and I raise it because I am not certain of the answer (although I have an idea), but you need to know what it is before you go much further. Should be easily answered by anyone who has an adjustable rod as original equipment and the relevant owners manual - to LOWER the ride height do you EXTEND the rod or SHORTEN it? Bear in mind that when you lower the back end of the bike it will turn into a corner more slowly. If you can find a local motorcycle suspension company it might help to talk over the possibilities with them.

Interesting point, I was assuming the shortening would lower but I will check out what you say. An authorised dealer has not mentioned any danger in adjusting ride height but I take on board what you say about altering the handling.

 

[Gazza620]

If that's the case then you'll need a shorter rod as extending lifts the rear.

The 916 type rod is 255mm at it's shortest though you might be able to pinch a few more mm if you fitted thinner lock nuts or even cut a little off the rod itself? but, I think that later SBK models (999, 1098 etc.) used shorter rods but I couldn't tell you by how much.

Thanks for this, I may need a shorter rod but I am looking to see how much play is in the current one. I have a feeling it is adjustable to increase height for taller riders but probably not much to lower it for shorter ones. I am sure there are many suitable ones if this doesn't work.

 

[Mr Gazza]

Dacs raises an interesting point. I wish I knew the answer!
Certainly on the hoop version of the rear suspension, lengthening to hoop does raise the rear and I don't think the suspesion link would work if it was the other way round as it would make the suspension softer as it compressed and not firmer, which is what the progressive system is supposed to do.

Regarding steering geometry: It's relatively easy to retain the geometry you start out with so long as you take measurements before you alter anything.
Retaining the former steering characteristics involves letting the forks through the yokes so you end up with the front lowered by the same amount as the rear.
The limiting factor there being when the fork tubes contact the handlebars. This is resolved with longer handlebar clamp risers.
There is a standard Ducati part for that fitted to the M900Sie for instance. I wonder if possibly your 620ie has these along with the adjustable Showa forks?

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is that the adjustable rod, if and when you have one, can be shortened.
Easier to do this on the RH threaded end than the left obviously.
Clearly something for a competent engineer to do and preferably a suspension specialist.
My recommendation would be MCT near Stowmarket. https://www.mctsuspension.uk/
Best to actually phone him for advice, he rarely answers emails.