[Thumper]

The front suspension is way to harsh for my liking, weight or maybe it's my age. Either way, has anyone experimented with a softer spring rate in the front end. I don't want to spend the money for new cartridges, I'm just thinking a softer spring. Tapping into the knowledge base here. There seems to be some pretty sharp guys on here. Would like to soften the rear as well. I've got the rear on the softest preload now. Is it even possible to change out just the springs?

 

[DenverDuc]

The front suspension is way to harsh for my liking, weight or maybe it's my age. Either way, has anyone experimented with a softer spring rate in the front end. I don't want to spend the money for new cartridges, I'm just thinking a softer spring. Tapping into the knowledge base here. There seems to be some pretty sharp guys on here. Would like to soften the rear as well. I've got the rear on the softest preload now. Is it even possible to change out just the springs?

I'm curious (if you don't mind of course) how much you weigh. I'm only about 135 pounds, and I feel the suspension is a bit harsh for me as well at least at low speeds.

 

[Thumper]

155 pounds and north of 50

 

[outofthebox]

Don't know how many miles on your tire but have you tried reducing the pressure in front tire by a couple of points from the recommended value? If not, give it a shot. Use as accurate a gauge as possible while doing so.

 

[Mingu]

Tuned in for solutions I'm right between you two at 145. On my test ride I found the suspension wasn't soaking up the imprefections as much as I would of liked. Far too much transfer to the steering IMO...

 

[Thumper]

I have adjusted the front to 31.5 and rear to 36 psi.

It helped a little but not all that much. I may drop it a little more.

Anyone gone any lower?

 

[Jonnyk8]

Mine was harsh also but it eases off once you put a few miles on the bike

 

[Thumper]

How many miles did it take or did your body just go numb?

 

[Jonnyk8]

Lol I felt it getting better after a few hundred miles. Either that or I am getting used to it!

 

[matty]

You're all lightweights! no wonder it feels harsh.

 

[alepplew]

Reducing tire pressure: not a good idea

I have adjusted the front to 31.5 and rear to 36 psi.

It helped a little but not all that much. I may drop it a little more.

Anyone gone any lower?

If you do care for advice from a frequent rider, I don´t think you should run those tires at a lower pressure than rated. You will heat up and ruin your tires and loose grip. See also http://www.ducatiscramblerforum.com/forum/wheels-tires-suspension/9730-tire-wear-saw-tooth-knobs-humming-noise-pressure.html#post114138

 

[Joe Bar]

Hyperpro are listing springs for the Scrambler. Not at home this weekend otherwise would have posted the link, but I'm sure a quick search will find it.

 

[Jerry Winder]

I couldn't agree more Applew. All running your tyres at lower pressures achieves is excess wear and it can lead to handling issues, it's not an answer to suspension problems but hey, if it works for you it's all good. Personally I'd only lower my pressures on a trackday and even then only by a few psi.


I agree 100% with Thumper though, the front end is set up way too hard from the factory. It's fine all the time the roads are nice smooth tarmac but as soon as you throw in potholes, overbanding and the sort of shite that some of us have to put up with it becomes a nightmare. For the record I'm 5'7" and 170 pounds.


I've ordered the Andreani cartridges but only because I had the money from my trade in on the Scrambler, I suspect that more progressive springs and different weight oil will do the trick. At the end of the day it can't make it much worse!


Jerry

 

[littleowl]

I've just ordered a Nitron shock to replace mine, no matter what I do I can't get a smooth ride on certain roads, unless I stand on the pegs lol. My farm lane is a potholed assault course and I have come to the conclusion that the suspension is a huge factor in the throttle's jerkiness. I had a go on my friend's Scrambler who has had one fitted - seemed to be a vast improvement although the road I tried it on wasn't as bumpy. Will update when I get mine!

 

[Smifff]

How many miles did it take or did your body just go numb?

Seat and suspension,


body just goes numb

 

[alepplew]

Poor man´s supension up(down?)grade

Idaka wrote elsewhere: A german oehlins dealer reworks the stock fork and rear suspension ( thinner front oil and rear oehlins spring on existing shock) for 249€.
He read in a German forum that it works very well.

http://www.ducatiscramblerforum.com/forum/wheels-tires-suspension/6945-suspension-4.html#post109618

Ducati am Ring - Willkommen bei Ducati am Ring
If you do the oil exchange and the spring mounting yourself it is probably even cheaper. In the link you find a phone number, call them up.

Personally with 90 kg I feel totally alright with stock. It is not riceburner mushy, but gives a very good grip and feedback and keeps the tires well on the road IMHO. Did you know it has only one spring in the front (right side)?

 

[alepplew]

TheGerman link translates roughly:

_______
"Suspension update for Ducati Scrambler
For all four scrambler models we have developed a small suspension update that gives the quite bony serial adjustment significantly more comfort.

With components from Öhlins, we improve the standard spring elements so much that the Scrambler clearly gains some comfort. The whole thing is even a bargain: 249 euros for the complete revision of the Scrambler . For more information just call at +49 2691 931409"

_______
Maybe they could just ship the spring and the oil for the international scrambleristas.... Just ask them