| #7  10-Jun-2005, 03:13 | ||||
| ||||
| You need a stiffer spring. Two-Up Riding A number of us ride a biposto (two-seat) Ducati but are unsure about how to adjust the suspension to carry a passenger. So here’s some guidelines using a 996 as an example. The monoposto (single seat) superbike version is delivered with a stiffer spring than the monoposto to help carry the additional weight of a passenger.  The first step with any new bike is to replace the front fork springs and rear spring (if your weight is less than 155 or more than 165 pounds) and then adjust the preload on the front and rear springs to obtain the correct amount of suspension sag. This should be done preferably before it first leaves the dealership. Put on your riding gear and weigh yourself. Select the correct rear spring from the following table.  Note that in the above table, that the biposto model springs are always stiffer by two code numbers for a given rider weight.  This mismatch between rider weight and biposto spring rate means that if you’re set-up to carry a passenger, then the suspension will be too stiff for your weight when you ride alone. Notice also that as a compromise, the stiffer biposto spring only partially compensates for 10-20Kg of additional passenger weight. The rest has to be supplied by increasing spring preload before the passenger gets on. More preload (on a softer spring instead of a stiffer spring) will significantly reduce available suspension travel so you’ll bottom-out more readily. There’s really no way to set-up to carry a passenger and still have an acceptable set-up for a single rider. Two bikes is the answer. [Edited on 6-10-2005 by Shazaam!]  |
Shazaam!
Threaded Mode