Sports: Re: [DucatiST] suspension work

Nate,

I did some fork work myself with the kit that you indicated, and didn't do it exactly correctly, by not snugging up the left fork lock nut on the fork cap sufficiently, so that it vibrated loose and made things somewhat dangerous in the process. My local Ducati shop (ECS) did an excellent job in getting things in the proper place. Part of my problem was that I didn't have a helper, as Jack had suggested, and I didn't have all the tools that would have made the job easy without a helper. Most specifically, the RaceTech fork compressor would have helped me take the time to deal with the forks efficiently: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/65/26912/ITEM/Race-Tech-Fork-Spring-Compressor-Tool.aspx

I say this, because I realize that I could have saved myself time, worry and some money if I had known of this very elegant device, which I watched the pros at ECS use very efficiently. Next time I deal with my forks, it will be the first tool I purchase. The difference between having it and not is night and day, in my estimation. I like to work on the ST myself whenever possible, so it will find a place in my toolkit next time I need to change fork oil or do any other kind of work.

Best of luck,
Ron

From: Jack Davidson <tdma@cs.com>
To: st2_owners@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, November 2, 2010 6:22:28 PM
Subject: Re: [DucatiST] suspension work

Nate,

If you go to the Race-Tech site, you can buy springs, seals, dust covers, gold valves (worth the high cost) and tailor a shim set to your weight and riding style. Stock oil weight is what the gold valves are designed for.

The Traxxion Dynamics service set is excellent. I've done a few sets of forks with it. Don't forget to loosen the cap before loosening the top triple clamp bolts! You will definitely need a second person for some things, such as holding the springs down while you slide the holding fork under it.

Have fun!

Jack in NY

On 11/2/2010 2:01 PM, nate_isu_2000 wrote:

Hey all!! After an uneventful riding season; due to my busted frame and constant traveling for work, I am going to be tearing the 98 st2 down and doing much needed maintenance to the suspension. Bike shows around 45K miles on her now, over 30K on current setup since i bought here a few years back. I have an ohlins on the back, and plan on sending it to their place in Hendersonville for whatever work it needs. Has anybody done this before? They have a form to fill out asking what work I would like done. But I really do not know. I guess I just want them to fix anything wrong and refresh the gas and fluids? I know I have the heaviest spring they offer for my perticular shock; I weigh around 165 now, and very rarely tour with more then myself and whatever I can fit in the side bags. I am going to ask for a different spring be put on. Any suggestions there?

Also, I want to do the forks myself. I have LT's book, but haven't read it in a while. Going to sit down tonight and go over it again to get it fresh in my mind.. Anyone recommend fluid types or such? I was going to buy this kit...

http://www.traxxion.com/forkservicetoolkit.aspx

I am not sure if the fork valves/springs have been upgraded or not; but I have read a few times that most people seem to think the gold valves are not worth the money. Any feedback on that? I remember something about progressive springs?

Thanks,

Nate
98' ST2
Charleston, SC