Stabilizing the front end

[Montducati]

Has anyone had any success preventing the front end of their Monster becoming twitchy during high speed turns? I currently have an Ohlins side mount stabilizer which does help; however, I still find the front end twitchy at highway speed, specifically in turns when the conditions are windy or bumpy.

I don't understand this characteristic of the Monster as my 996 has similar geometry but is solid during the same conditions. The only thing I can attribute this to is the triple clamp and clip-ons are lower on the 996 putting more weight on the front end.

I was considering lowering the triple clamp and clip-ons on the S4rs to put more weight on the front end. Has anyone had any success with this or with any other remedies?

[JynToxic S4Rs]

I think you'd be better off with a top mount unit, I can't confirm this by experience since i'm still without one but it makes sense...clip-ons would definately help but I feel it takes away from how the hooligan should feel.

[Norm]

You're on the right track, the biggest handling problem for stock monsters is a lack of weight on the front end. Do what you can to change the weight bias including clip-ons. Turn the damper off when testing changes.

[ffkevinking]

how many lines are showing from your forks through the top triple. stock mine came flush to the stock triple when i put my speedy moto triple and risers on the stock fork height wasnt even enough to be all the way through the new triples. i'm currently showing 2 lines on the forks and have had a DRAMATIC shift in the stability of the bike. I'm going to get my bike computracked soon with the setup as well. i think you should be able to solve 90% of the problem simply by dropping your front end down.

Kev

PS dampers should not be used to solve normal stability issues only to prevent violent head shakes. take the damper off then solve the problem then re-install it.

my .02

[moto]

Raise the rear too...

[Bing]

My thoughts too. Not every front end problem is coming from the front end. (if that makes sense).

Is your bike too soft at the rear and squatting under power? Maybe more compression or even more preload (which is set before you touch anything else).

[Pete2]

I've been following this thread with great interest because I've been notising the same kind of behavor in my Monster (I've had it only for a couple of weeks so I'm not sure If it's just my imagination, though).

You said ffkevinking that you have couple of threads in front visible. So I went to see my bike (which is 800 -04). There is no adjusting in this model !. At least none in the upper end. Is there any way to increase damping or spring preload with some kind of accessory (or other way)? Or is this just waste of time and money? How important is this?

[ffkevinking]

hey pete i sent you a pm. i wasnt refering to the preload/sag. i'm speaking about the geometry. you need to loosen the triples and push the forks up. it's best to be done with 2 or more people helping. i sent you some tips let me know if you need more help

kev

[Montducati]

I've been out of town on business for the past few days and just read all of the feeback, thanks.
To answer the question regarding the fork tube exposure, I'm not exactly sure because I installed the last of the available CycleCat triple clamp and riser bars over the winter. The fork caps cover the forks above the triple clamp so I don't know how high above the clamp the the tubes are.
I'm thinking of switching to a SpeedyMoto triple clamp and clip-ons when they become available and lowering the front end as most of you suggest. My main ride before the S4RS was my 996, I almost feel that the current seat position is too relaxed for me and I might be better off lowering the clip-ons anyway.
If anyone can give me some input on the proper way to raise the rear it would be appreciated.
Rob

[ffkevinking]

first off just raising the rear if the front is already all the way up will make the bike more unstable overall. i have speedy moto triples and i'm showing 2 lines on the fork tube. I'm not sure where your tubes are in regards to your post. just seeing the cap is not enough on these bikes. I also have the s4rs. if you do in fact have the forks showing more than just the caps and i misunderstood you then to raise the rear its a simple matter of using the adjuster bar next to your shock.


kev