Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 851 / 888 > Thoughts on progressive springs

[Jools]

As well as keeping on top of general servicing and maintenance, the plan for the 888 is to gently upgrade over a couple of years until it becomes 'my' bike. I'm starting with the brakes and suspension because I believe that's the best way to make the bike go faster - and also gives me more confidence in the handling. I sorted the brakes last year with a set of GP billets, so now I'm thinking suspension.

My mate Sparkin had Hyperpro stuff on his T8. I've just read about their springs here: http://www.hyperpro.com/cgi-bin/index.pl?p=springs and it all seems quite convincing.

Anybody had any experience of progressive springs? Thoughts?

I ride mainly quickish road miles with a couple of fast group trackdays a year (I would do more if I could afford it)

[phoenix n max]

I have Hyperpro progressives in my bike. Made a huge difference to my original set up. Never had any issues whilst racing either. Anyone who's ridden Max will tell you he handles great, but I also have an Ohlins rear shock.

[phil_h]

Progressives are good for bumpy roads, wasted for racing when they can reduce the feel. Remember that if you wind up the spring preload you are taking out all that expensive softness at the start of the springs travel
The right springing rate for you - or simply replacing old springs with new makes a bigger difference.
Even with expensive damping, the wrong spring rate will still be a problem.
Expensive damping ... one of the first things you notice is a reduction in stiction i.e. the spring is able to work sooner ... and we're back to basics again

[FiscusFish]

Are you a bit of a "Chunky Monkee"? If so as Phil says winding the preload on with HyperPro springs takes away half their travel.

Not that I'm talking from experience ('scuse me while I take this pie out of my chops...)

Darren

[Jools]

Float between 14 stone 3 pounds and 14-8 depending on how much Guiness I drink, so no lightweight but not a complete bloater...but I see what you mean about preload...hmmmmm maybe just go down the standard set-up route then.

[Rob B]

Jools,

I have dealt with Hyperpro and they are very helpful. Lent me a spring to try on the rear of my bike. No hassle at all. In the end, I didn't keep it, but it's really a case of getting the rate spot on (as Phil says) and it's a bit/lot more difficult to calculate/predict what spec or wire/wind will work with your combination of loaded weight and suspension design. With a linear wound spring it's a doddle to work out your requierd rate.

All the best as your plan to make it "your bike" is deffo the way to go.

Rgds,

Rob