[Scraxxl]

Hi, I'm Axel from Bavaria/Germany.

So, no native English speaker. To be considered in case, please.
My red ICON came end of April. It's my 1st Ducati, and, for sure, the 1st possible Ducati for me at all. All the others I test rode before were lots too 'beasty'.
If I had not bought the Scrambler, I would own the Yamaha MT(FZ)07 now. In my opinion 2 bikes with a lot of similarities. (a lot of differencies also, of course)
I'm very happy with my Scrambler now, although I found some shortcomings quickly:
- uncomfortable suspension and seat on rough roads
- handlebar a little too high and wide
- lack of functions of the instrument (gearposition, fuel consumption,..., 24 h clock)
- side stand hardly to find without looking
Most I love is the low- and midrange power of the engine, the superb handling and the ease during manoeuvring.
My modifications so far:
- made a bracket for my Garmin
- made the seat a bit higher and softer with a sheepskin rug
- set rear suspension at lowest position (my net weight is 68kg/150lb). It helped!
- slightly reduced tire pressure to 2,4/2,4 bar (35/35 psi)
- lower and bit narrower handlebar
- reduced play between handlebar and throttle grip. This reduced the reaction of the (quiet sensitive) throttle on bumpy roads.
- self made black stripe along all red parts, from front- to rear fender.
Actually, I work on a self made suitcase carrier, so I can attach side hard cases. I go in for vacation trips with every bike! Pretty sure the Scrambler will not disappoint me.
So, I read a lot in this excellent forum till now and will go on reading. May be -now, after registration- writing too, we will see.
Just for completeness: I'm 57, riding since 41 years.
Nice to meet you all!

 

[Ed K]

Welcome Axel!

Any pics to share?

 

[Karlo]

Welcome Axel!

Any pics to share?

yes please pics

 

[dukes]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Agusta]

Hallo aus der Schweiz
Du wist sie lieben lernen


Herzlich grüsst
Agusta

 

[Zeus]

Did the changes that you made fix some of the things that you didn't like so much about the Scrambler?

Would be great to see some photos.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[Preuling]

Willkommen im Club!

 

[Scraxxl]

Thanx all for welcome

@Zeus: yes, I like the mods. Seat and handlebar give a more convenient riders position for me. I don’t like ape-hanging in the wind. As an ‚active‘ rider I prefer an adequate position.
Rear suspension setting and tire pressure reduction result in significant improved comfort on bad roads. To be honest, I do not really understand why. The reduced pre-load cannot make the spring softer, it only lowers the rear of the bike and gives more rebound travel. Nevertheless, it felt more comfy after that settings.
Small price for gaining comfort is loosing a bit of easy handling. But there’s still enough.


Pics will not be very exciting. Before I take some I will have to wash her (?, in Germany bikes are female!). I’m a little bit lazy where washing is concerned.

 

[Ed K]

Axel, I'd like to change the pre-load on mine as well, as I am less than 140 lbs.

Did you use the wrench provided in the tool kit?

Seems the shock adjustment will turn in the direction of stiffening easier than softening, and I did not want to force it to soften.

What was your (or others!) experience with adjusting the preload?

Thanks.

 

[Scraxxl]

For 140 lbs, shock adjustment to lowest position is strongly recommended!
I did it with another wrench which was laying around. Did not fit very well, but no problem.
Tipps:
-lubricate the area of the shock where friction will occur during adjustment (e.g. WD40 spray)
-extend the tool
-wear gloves
-hold the tool with your other hand to the notch so it cannot easily slip off
-be aware, it will snap over by itself as soon you have overcome the small hump

As said before: I feel it's lot more comfortable now.

 

[Slaine]

Hi Axel and welcome, we are nearly the same age

I have set the Suspension to highest possible setting and it now seems so much better, there again I weigh in at 91kg (200lbs).
The handles will stay the same, it fits my body perfectly, the Seat I am getting used to and can now drive 250km without hurting but will consider getting it Gelled or maybe get the Classic seat and Gel that.

 

[Ed K]

Thank you Axel for the advice.

There's a plastic bushing inside the shock at the top where it's bolted to the bike. I am a little concerned the twist torque might damage the bushing. Perhaps I am being overly cautious.

I tried holding the spring while twisting, but that is difficult to do.

Sounds like you just twisted it and no worries about the lateral torque on the bushing. Is that correct?

Does it take a hard twist to rotate the adjustment, or did it twist pretty easily? (Seems to twist to increase preload easier than decrease.)

 

[ducati]

Hallo Axel,


ich habe seit 2 Monaten die Classic und bin auch begeistert.
Im wesentlichen stören mich auch die ruppige Federung und die harte Sitzbank.
Die Sitzbank habe ich gleich nach Übernahme vom Spezialisten ca. 2 cm aufpolstern lassen, das geht noch in Verbindung mit Wiederverwendung des originalen Bezugs.
Sieht man kaum, verbessert (für mich =1,89m) jedoch die Sitzposition und den Komfort.
Dass Du mit Einstellung der Federvorspannung (gefühlt) den Komfort verbesserst, wundert mich jedoch (wenn ich das richtig verstanden habe).
Wie Du selber schreibst: Die Feder wird nicht weicher dadurch...
Es soll von Öhlins eine weichere Feder geben, die ohne Änderungen auf das originale Federbein passt (ansonsten bleibt das originale Federbein unverändert).
Die habe ich mir bestellt, mal sehen.
Viele Grüße aus dem Norden der Republik
Thorsten













Verstehe ich das richtig, Du hast

 

[Ed K]

Some WD40 with a little extra push, and it twisted. Thanks Axel.

 

[TuttoFumo]

Herzlich Willkommen, Axel!

 

[Ed K]

Changing the preload to softest setting helped!

It very slightly changes the angle of the bike, but not enough to affect handling. For lighter riders, I also confirm Axel's findings and recommend it. Tx Axel.

 

[Scraxxl]

Pictures, fotos

Some guys wanted to see pictures, so here you are.

 

[HJB]

Willkommen auch aus Heidelberg!

I just returned my bike from 1000km-service. I asked to lower also rear suspension. - But, I have to say, I'm not happy with it!
Well the comfort on uneven roads is better. But the bike lost its cutting sharp agility. I'll go back to original position. (male 78kg)
The agility is one of the major reasons I bought the bike!

 

[Ed K]

Willkommen auch aus Heidelberg!

I just returned my bike from 1000km-service. I asked to lower also rear suspension. - But, I have to say, I'm not happy with it!
Well the comfort on uneven roads is better. But the bike lost its cutting sharp agility. I'll go back to original position. (male 78kg)
The agility is one of the major reasons I bought the bike!

Perhaps lighter than middle (factory) pre-load setting only for riders less than approx 150 lbs...