al_roethlisberger Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Now that the '03s have been out for a while, I'm hoping it will be easier to get both some subjective and objective information on the 43mm front suspension that was delivered with all '03 V11 Sport variants. First, objective 1) I'd like to verify the dimensions of the 43mm forks, especially in regard to their dimensions as they pass through the upper and lower triple-trees. I ask because if one wanted to swap out to the '03 units, I wonder if either or both clamps must also be upgraded. 2) Similarly, are the dimensions at the crown, where the forks pass through the clip-ons(esp on a LeMans) larger, or the same as pre-03? Again, to determine if one needs to replace the bar clamps or can reuse the '02 units. 3) Finally, what other bits would be required... obviously a new axle, bearings... Is the fender the same?? Anything else? Bottom line, I'm just trying to figure out the complet parts "package" that will be required to swap them out. Second, "subjective" Has anyone had a chance to really compare the new forks with the pre-03 units? Is the ride significantly better? Even if better, I would also be interested to know how well a "properly sorted-out" pair of pre-03 forks compare with the new ones. For example, if a pair of Lindeman reworked '02 forks are basically just as good as the '03 units, then the justification for upgrading wouldn't be as pressing. Just thinking ahead I don't think I'll ever do the "Ohlins" thing for the front, for one because I don't think I want bright gold forks... honestly But, beyond that silly reason, they are pretty pricey, and I doubt I'll need the advantage they offer. However, I am interested in improving the front end, so I'm just thinking about the option to "tune" the current '02 forks, or maybe get the '03 units(and tune them as well) if they offer a significant benefit over the '02 units. ...and that's really my question. Other than seemingly improved "specs", in reality do they?? thx! al al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dkgross Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Is replacing the front springs with new ones from Progressive an option on an '02 LeMans? They sure made a huge difference on my wife's 98 Honda Magna... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest russ Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Maybe I'm just too limited in ability but I think the suspension (front and rear) is a non issue on my 02 LeMans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Minnaert Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Al, what do you want, if you have throuble with suspension, let your current forks modify by a specialist. Of if you want to have the 43 because you have the last thing, then better buy ohlins. I looked up the v11 forks price, that's 1500 euro ex vat. For that money you also can have ohlins, think about that. I can't resist so I'm going the ohlins way. If you are interested, I can make you an offer for new ohlins forks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gthyni Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Al, if you not happy with your Marzocchi fork an economic alternative would be to buy a Showa fork from a Ducati Monster. Since it was concluded that an Öhlins fork for M900 would fit our V11s, the original Showa part from a monster would probably fit too. Get one cheap from a monster owner upgrading to Öhlins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Stewart Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I am still not sure about the Monster fork fitting on the V11. My wife has a 2000 monster and the forks measure 1 inch. shorter than the 2000-2001 V11 forks. This would increase the fork rake quite abit while reducing ground clearence. I think the forks on the 2002 and 03 are longer yet due to the placement of the clipons. So who knows for sure? Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_roethlisberger Posted July 11, 2003 Author Share Posted July 11, 2003 Perhaps I wasn't clear... I'm not terribly interested in replacing the front suspension on my bike today, and would in fact prefer to be able to just have it tuned well. However, as I was sitting around, my mind wandered and wondered(as it often does) what it would take to change out to the '03 front suspension on an '02 bike... so I posed the questions to get the ball rolling for that inevitable time when someone will want to do so. And yes, I realized ahead of time that the OEM forks would be prohibitively expensive(and "uncompetitively priced), and didn't intend on buying new ones. However, over time, just as was suggested about using used Monster Showas, I'm sure someone will upgrade their '03 Marz to Ohlins, or a wrecked bike with miraculoulsly untouched front forks will show up... thus making a perfectly serviceable used pair affordably available That instead might be a very affordable option, especially if the '03s are noticeably better than the '02s... which we still haven't even touched upon in the 5 replies to this thread... ah hem... Anyway, I just thought it would be an interesting exercise to figure out... al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Minnaert Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 the v11 le mans forks are 760mm ducati does 730 mostly. I've been looking at a duc dealer, but all monsters he had, were not with the 54mm up and down mount. All with at the top a smaller mount than bottom. I have 730mm now, where my original guzzi(marzochi) was 760. So it's more on the nose, groundclearance is no issue, unless you do offroad riding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gthyni Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I have 730mm now, where my original guzzi(marzochi) was 760. So it's more on the nose, groundclearance is no issue, unless you do offroad riding. Paul, you haven't lowered the back-end then? I guess it is not a problem. With the standard rake my V11 is not "fast" in the streering department. I have loosened the steering damper and have no instability even at 160 km/h. with a steeper rake I might even get some use of the steering damper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaing Posted July 12, 2003 Share Posted July 12, 2003 Another option may be a fork brace. It looks like Guzzi may have put one on the Griso: http://www.motalia.de/assets/images/Moto_G..._Griso04www.jpg I have also seen a picture of a tubular steel fork brace that was fitted, but can no longer find it. I think it was on a pre 2000 V11S. So, a fork brace, proper oil level, oil viscosity, and the appropriate spring rate. I think the forks are thick enough, I just have a theoretical issue with the axel size combined with the unbalanced damping, which I think could be fixed with a fork brace....possibly made of carbon fiber. I can't stop imagining the axle flexing at the right angle where it mates with the forks. I have never run through front tires so quickly.... --Possibly Paranoid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_roethlisberger Posted July 12, 2003 Author Share Posted July 12, 2003 Interesting thoughts on the axle, and a brace. ...hrmmmm, anyone have any thoughts on this? al P.S. ...and still no reviews or dimensions outta all those '03 owners out there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Minnaert Posted July 12, 2003 Share Posted July 12, 2003 you haven't lowered the back-end then?I have loosened the steering damper and have no instability even at 160 km/h. with a steeper rake I might even get some use of the steering damper Göran Thyni No I didn't lower the back, but I have one degree steeper stearingheadbearings, and 30mm triple clamps to 40mm from the V11. I have the steering damper loose! Does this look like the back is lowered? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_roethlisberger Posted July 13, 2003 Author Share Posted July 13, 2003 ..so just to clarify, those are the Showas from the Monster 900 on your Sport1100 Paul? al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Minnaert Posted July 13, 2003 Share Posted July 13, 2003 No al, this is WP race forks. The color might be the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gthyni Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 A clarification, reading Öhlins product guide it seems most Ducatis has 730mm forks except Monsters 2001 and on. These have a shorter fork (700mm) which probably is getting too short for a V11 (stock fork 760mm, we think) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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