First Monster Trackday - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

Full Throttle · 04-17-2008, 08:33 AM

I am planning on doing my first track day with the Monster S4RS this weekend. I have previously tracked my 1098, but I know the monster will have a totally different riding experience.

Is there any specific things that I will note as a difference in terms of steering capabillity, leaning angles, pegs scraping, loose front end etc? If so, what credible riding advice can you give me to counteract the difference?

My bike suspension is set up for some aggressive streetriding (in case I need it

). Any suggestions on adjustments for the track? I am 1.6m "tall" and weigh 60kg's, so the stock suspension is dead right for me in terms of sag. I did however stiffen up the rest a bit.

How long does the Michellin Pilot Powers take to warm up on the track? Half lap / one lap? Had Pireli SC's on the 1098, and had lots of grip. Does the same go for the Michelins? Temp outside is expected to be hot...30-38 deg C...So lots of water drinking will be done.

Tires are pumped to 1.8 bar / 26psi at the moment. Front and back. OK?

Will there be a big difference in cornering abillity between the 190 tyres on the 1098 and the 180's on the S4RS?

Any other advice or precautionary advice will be much apreciated, as I dont want to dump my new Duc. Framesliders is on order, but dont think it will arrive in time

Thanks [thumbsup]
J

tufty · 04-17-2008, 10:30 AM

Your monster will turn in slower than your 1098 and will need more positive force to hold a line. The front will be sprung softer so when you open the throttle out of a corner it will probably want to run wide. Your pegs won't scrape if you hang a couple of inches of butt off the seat.

Pilot powers will take about a lap to get warm in those temperatures and they have a more triangular profile than the Pirellis so turn in will be more abrupt (some like that, some don't. I do). I run 30.5psi in the front and 29 in the rear fwiw, but whatever you're comfortable with.

S4R's are great track bikes other than the tank shape stops the rider from getting weight over the handlebars, clip ons make a monster much better for track work. Have fun surprising the hell out of some Jap I4 riders!! [laugh]

froggert · 04-17-2008, 10:32 AM

i usually run in the 30/30 range on pilot powers at the track. give them a lap to warm up and you should be good to go. no fhe on the s4rs, but my m620 has a lot less ground clearance than a sbk.

Bad V2 · 04-17-2008, 11:44 AM

Hey there........You'll have a blast on the Rs at track! I run 34F/34R psi for tire pressures. Tires warm up quick. I have asked around about the tire pressures for the Pilot Powers and 2 different Michelin reps at 2 different track days told me to run 34's front and back. Seems to work for me. Have a great time,

Lou

darylbowden · 04-17-2008, 01:07 PM

Tire pressures can vary greatly from track to track. What you need to do is contact your nearest Michelin rep (the one who services the track you're about to go to) and ask them what they recommend for that track at that temp with your tires - they'll be more than happy to tell you.

And, personally 34 sounds way too high and I would think would lead to cold-tearing quite quickly, but I also despise Michelin tires, so who cares what I think

gm2 · 04-17-2008, 01:16 PM

34 sounds too high.

Bad V2 · 04-17-2008, 01:25 PM

I felt the same way about 34. BUT.............It works in warmer temps. No problems with cold-tearing. These are for the 2-ct if that matters. Anyhoo......Use what feels good to you,

Lou

Full Throttle · 04-17-2008, 01:42 PM

Thanks for the advice so far guys.

Tufty...is there anyway I can set my bike up, to avoid running wide as I power out of a corner? ie keeping that nose down! I experienced a similiar thing on day to day riding. As I power on hard out of a corner the back squats down a bit, and the front becomes light, even with me leaning forward on the bars. I ride it motard style, seems to work the best, but not 100% foolproof to keep the nose down.

darylbowden · 04-17-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full Throttle

Thanks for the advice so far guys.

Tufty...is there anyway I can set my bike up, to avoid running wide as I power out of a corner? ie keeping that nose down! I experienced a similiar thing on day to day riding. As I power on hard out of a corner the back squats down a bit, and the front becomes light, even with me leaning forward on the bars. I ride it motard style, seems to work the best, but not 100% foolproof to keep the nose down.

Your suspension needs to be adjusted. If your backend is squatting as you leave the corner, something is wrong. Probably need more preload, maybe more compression, but that is far from a scientific certainty.

tufty · 04-17-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Full Throttle

Thanks for the advice so far guys.

Tufty...is there anyway I can set my bike up, to avoid running wide as I power out of a corner? ie keeping that nose down! I experienced a similiar thing on day to day riding. As I power on hard out of a corner the back squats down a bit, and the front becomes light, even with me leaning forward on the bars. I ride it motard style, seems to work the best, but not 100% foolproof to keep the nose down.

I had it adjusted out on mine... barely (I weigh 210lbs in leathers), I can tell you that the preload was cranked down on the back as far as it would go. They left it slightly soft in the rear at my request, to suit my riding style and also because I don't think a super hard rear setup works on a Monster chassis. Your mileage may vary, either way the stock suspension is perfectly adequate if it set up properly.

A professional suspension set up is worth its weight in gold on the track.