Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Supersports: SS / SuperSport / Supersport 950 > unstable sidestand

[Richard]

Hi,
I plan to use my 1000SS for some touring.
I have discovered that when i load up the back seat with panniers and tailpack, the bike becomes unstable on the side stand, ie it wants to topple over the sidestand.
The sidestand footprint is very tight in to the bike. Is there a mod that makes these more stable, eg fitting a stand off a ST2??
Thanks
Rich

[Richard]

Hi,
No replies!!! Doh.

Anyway, I have taken a closer look at my bike.
It looks like I have increased the front and rear ride height too much cos it does lean over a long way when unloaded on the sidestand.

Only problem is that if i lower it back to the original settings the fairing seems to make contact with the road all too easily.
I am not a heavy (10.5 stone) or particularly aggressive rider.
Any ideas???

How about if wind up the preload on the rear spring and adjust the ride height on the shock to give the bike a more normal lean. Would that help?

[psychlist]

Dunno what else to suggest but yep, reducing the ride height will bring the CofG closer to the ground making it less likely to topple, and upping the preload will make it less likely to ground out.
The only other thing is to fit a longer stand leg, take yours off and trot along to an auto jumble (your local Honda dealer should do) and see if they've got something a half-inch longer. What about carrying a piece of wood to put under it whenever you stop, or weld a thick piece of plate onto the foot of it?

[TP]

Sorry I didn't reply, just couldn't really think of anything to help - never having owned anything in the SS range.

psychlist has things in hand, maybe contact Nelly for a solution?

[scully]

Hi Richard, cant offer any help myself but have a question! Im just about to embark on a tour of France/Italy/Corsica and Sardinia on my 1000SS and am interested to know what luggage you used. I bought some Oxford soft bags a while ago and took them back just couldnt them to fit properly. Anyway any advice would be appreciated plus I'll be careful when putting the bike on the sidestand thanks to you!

[Richard]

Hi Scully,
I have a pair of Oxford humpback sports panniers and tail pack.
It is all very awkward to fit to the bike and took a lot a faffing around to get it right.
Would recommend leaving them on the bike when fitted!
+++ protect the paint!!! Duct tape etc... +++

However, they do fit my old kawasaki Z a real treat!

Sorry for not being much help
Rich