696 front suspension

[babyduc]

I recently bought a 2013 Monster 696 and I'm finding the front suspension to be quite soft. I'm not a little guy but I don't think I should bottom out the front end during braking. Does anyone know the best way to correct this?

[The Goochman]

There are so many different answers to that question, it all depends on what you are looking for, and what budget is available.

I suggest that you do some reading before you spend too much money. There are 2 good books that I know of that discuss motorcycle suspension and how the various bits and pieces work

Race Tech's Motorcycle Suspension Bible
Paul Thede and Lee Parks

Sportbike Suspension Tuning
Andrew Trevitt

I had to read both of these books twice to begin to understand what suspension is doing and the adjustments that can be made to make things work. I am finally beginning to figure out what the various adjusters do and how to make the suspension better.

For example to prevent the fork from bottoming, any of these ideas could help.
- make sure that the "sag" is properly adjusted (this will determine if you need different springs to suit your weight.)
- add more oil to the forks to raise the level of the oil and decrease the air apace in the fork (which increases the effective spring rate)
- change the fork oil for something of a higher weight (viscosity) which will increase the compression damping and reduce the tendency of the fork to bottom
- swap the forks
- change the fork cartridge for an aftermarket unit
- send the forks off to a suspension specialist.

If none of this makes any sense, then it is worth the time to spend some time on education before you spend money on upgrades.

Dave G

[fmcd92]

Two clicks of springs preload, add compression and slightly less dollop of rebound per your clickers. Just use the fork's adjusters before resorting to spending money. There will be enough range of adjustment to suit your needs unless you actually are Mr. Sasquatch which I doubt. Let us know what you find, also come to our Mosport weekend and talk to us, there's useful experience to be found there.

Cheers,



FMcD

[fmcd92]

[babyduc]

Thanks for the tips. Adjustable forks would have been nice, surprised they chose these. I've ordered a set of springs and will see how that works out for now. I'm 225 so not too abnormal just much heavier than design weight.