Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 999 / 749 > how do I make my 2003 749s turn in better ?

[Carbon749]

As a few of you may know I recently had the chance to put 250 odd mile on a 2004 999r .... one of the big things that I noticed, other than the speed, was how easy the bike turned in, even with the 190 back tyre.

OK, I know that the Ohlins and wheels all help, but, there must be something that I can do to make my 2003 749s turn in better and drop in to corners like the 999r.

Is it as simple as increasing the ride height or is there much more needed ? I guess there is.

Where do I start ?

In the past I've always left the suspension on the factory settings so need some basic simple guidance.

[Edited on 25-9-2005 by Carbon749]

[Edited on 25-9-2005 by Carbon749]

[TP]

Well .... more rear ride height will help. So will lighter wheels etc but more ride height is free!

I'd start just adding a little by a little, noting down your changes on a notepad or something as you go and see how it feels.

[khu996]

I know its been said on here plenty of times before, but I followed Section8's suspension guide, and althought I'm no Rossi, I find my 749 turns as quick as you like!

http://www.section8superbike.com/749-999suspension.htm

Give it a go, if you don't like it, go back to standard!

[Carbon749]

KHU996, how far did you go with the set up ?

OK, setting front and rear ride heights is simple enough, I know I can do that.

Without sounding naive, what is SAG and how do I adjust it ?

[Edited on 25-9-2005 by Carbon749]

[posiden]

hello, i followed the section 8 set up as far a raising the fork legs through the stantions (20mm up in total I think.) I also raised the ride height to max.
I reduced the preload on the front as it was hard and a bit twitchy. Since I binned the Michelin Pilot sports and fitted Pilot race Med/ soft the handling has been faultless and I'm very happy with the bike now.
I left a reply on the forum ages ago and if you have a search for it I went into a bit of detail. Its definetly worth doing as its free and can be returned to the original settings if your not happy.

[butch890]

whatever you do the very first thing BEFORE you change anything is to note down the settings that you have now.
That way if it all goes tits up you can go back to the starting point.
Butch

[khu996]

Like Butch said, make sure you note down your settings now, otherwise you'll have no reference point.

With regard to Section8's suggestions, I went as far as raising the forks through the yokes so that 4 lines are showing, and set the rear ride height to 285mm. The bike now turns far quicker, and I'm quite often surprised how quick it is. At first I thought it was a bit twitchy, but played around with tyre pressures for a bit, now set at 34F 36R on Diablo Corsa's and I couldn't be happier!

Posiden, is that you from a couple of months ago? You helped me out getting the ride height adjuster nuts unstuck, remember? Did you have to register again?

[HW]

Get 100% Bikes Suspension to set up your bike - cost £40 at a recent No Limits trackday and it turns on a sixpence now. Best £40 I ever spent n it I reckon. You get Colin's help for the day tweaking it so it's well worth it. He also tells you about what he is doing so you understand what's changed and how to control it yourself better.

[Carbon749]

Man .... just been and checked the front forks, 2 rings showing about 8.5mm of fork above the top yoke. Going to 4 rings and about 15mm seems a massive leap .... but, if you all say it's the way to go, I'll give it a try

Along with increasing the rear ride height.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[Carbon749]

Henry, any idea where I can get hold of the suspension guys apart from a track day ?

I may be doing a day at Donnington on Tuesday if the weather is OK, not sure if the suspesion guys are there or not.