Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Poor handling?

[Gaz 748]

I have a 02 748R and it handles really well, but Iam still having the suspension set up by Steve Jordan in Bookam just to see if it makes any difference (this sat.) I will let you know yhe outcome.

[ducati996dude]

My 996 is at factory settings and I found (after having a Blade) that it turned in much quicker and I'm a pretty big bloke so I would assume that it is something more than simple suspension setup I am afraid. I would do as someone else said and try and get a go on another 748 to compare before I start mucking about with suspension. At least then you will know.

Paul

[chrisw]

Here's a thread with a link for setting up the steering damper

http://www.ducatisportingclub.com/xm...6983#pid151708

Did the previous owner mess about with the steering head angle as well as the suspension?

[L3OONY]

Thank for all the comments.

From what I can gather, the previous owner had played with the suspension a bit, which I found out when putting it back to the factory settings.

The steering head angle is still in the more relaxed position (apparently the steering lock doesn't line up when at the more extreme angle(?)) although I have considered adjusting it to see wht happens.

The strange thing is that riding this bike on the same roads I road the GSXR on gives two entirely different experiences - one of smooth, tight cornering and the other of 50 pence piece style (the Duke being the latter).

I will see if I can get a go on a friends 748BP, and get him to ride mine. You never know, it might be the bike not me ()

Thanks again for all the comments and GAZ748 do let me know whether your suspension set-up makes any difference

[Frank]

I think that can be arranged!

sounds like there are plenty of variables.

Linked to a previous thread, perhaps BSD in Peterborough do set ups for ducatis?

[L3OONY]

Perhaps I should just buy the GSXR...

[desmojen]

You will never get the 748 to steer like a gixxer mate, they are chalk and cheese. You have to use good old muscle to ride a duke fast, I'm sure most will agree but we've all got used to it now so don't realise we're doing it! The trade off though is a rock solid surefootedness in faster bends that the gixxers simply don't have.

That said, you can improve things dramatically turn in wise by getting the chassis set up to suit. I wouldn't recommend doing this yourself if you don't know how but go see a specialist. Don't know where you live but Baines are a good bet, as is Sigma and maybe AJR.
The difference a good set up makes cannot be overstated, and the beauty of the R is that the suspension adjustment actually works (unlike gixxers)
Failing that, if you live anywhere near one of us on the board we may be able to help

[JPM]

I see a problem here...

If you jump on another 748 not an R it won't have Ohlins, different tyres maybe thus different profiles, it should certainly feel different but whether that should be used as a benchmark is pushing it giving the variables between the two.

[Webcore]

I had my 916 setup by Wilf at Moto Rapido - it is now utterly fantastic on track - turns in super fast, holds a line like it's on rails and I can alter a line mid-corner with ease. The downside is that on bumpy roads it is harsh, but the damping could probably be eased off to compensate for this.
Basically get it setup to suit you - you won't be sorry - they are beautiful handling bikes!

[mikecardiff]

I think one other main difference is that the Duc is essentially a race bike, not a road bike, whereas most jap bikes are set up to be easier to ride on the road.

All the Hondas and Suzukis I have had are much easier to ride on the road, and require less effort, but they do start feeling a bit loose and edgy when pushed in situations where the Duc wouldnt.

The Jap bikes do seem to have been built as much more of a compromise, which is fine if you want an easier ride, but then I dont think many of us buy a Duc thinking we're going to get an easy time of it - I would say the Duc is more of a 'riders bike' - certainly less forgiving than the GSXR, but worth the effort once you get more used to it.