I was all ready to fit the rear shock from a 2003 SS to my 96SL, (to quicken up the steering), on the understanding that post 99 shocks are longer. However, I've found that old (Showa) and new (Sachs) shocks are the same length, at 330mm c/c. Am I wrong in thinking that all post 99 shocks are longer?
Whether this helps or not, probably worth mentioning...... As far as I'm aware, the carbed SS shocks are shorter than the IE shocks. Regarding the carbed SS, the Showa shock (and I think the Ohlins for a while) should only be fitted to the ally swingarm; whereas the Sachs Boge should be fitted to the steel swingarm....This is evident from Ducati's Owners Handbook and parts lists. This is because the eye of the Sachs shock is larger diameter than the Showa eye; which means the outer edges of the Sachs eye can come into contact with the ally swingarm lugs - hard suspension and a pothole could well result in a lug breaking off. I can't say that this also applies to the IE shocks, but it is sensible to check the eye diameter on both those that you have. However, if you can't find a longer rear shock, you would only have to bring the front forks through the yokes a bit more, by say 3mm - 6mm max; to get the same result by dropping the nose instead of raising the rear. Because I'm such a short**se, when I fitted a 70 profile front tyre, it raised the front by so much I not only found that my leg length deficiency was worse, but the bike was leaning over far too dangerously on the stand and the 70 profile tyre also slowed the steering quite a bit. So, instead of the 18mm of fork leg showing above the top yoke, I increased it to 24mm........It steers so damn fast now, I have to lift it up in fast bends rather than clambering all over the tank to get it down more. Although I don't mind that effect too much, it is a bit too wobbly moving off until I get to about 20mph. AL.
Thanks All - I came across your thread last night, whilst searching for more info in the length thing. Putting the two units side by side makes the difference obvious, and would have been a consideration, had the IE unit proved to be longer. As it is, despite the perceived wisdom (urban myth?) that IE units are longer, the one I have is not, so unless anyone else can throw any light in the issue, I'm inclined to refit the original - its got a Maxton spring (better suited to my weight), and is a tad lighter (1/2 kg) than the Sachs unit anyway.
Are you sure what you have are IE shocks?...... The IEs are definitely longer than the carbed ones, but I have known some people change the IE shock for the carbed SS shock to lower the rear rather than raise it. Also the stroke length for the IE shock is 71mm whereas the stroke length for the carbed shocks is 65mm.
Well, the shock was sold to me as being from a 2003 SS. I've no other way of knowing, unless someone could absolutely confirm the length. I'd be pissed if I'd been sold the wrong item.
Just. Both shocks have a stroke of 65 mm, so the inference must be that I've been sold a shock from a carbie. Issue then is whether the vendor knew that, as it was described as being from an 03 bike, which should automatically make it the longer one.
The answer is: You should ask someone to check the stroke length of an IE one to confirm what we think - before you buy another. I found this on the Ducati Up North forum: Carb shock should be 330mm from mounting bolt centres and the SSie should be 340mm. and (if it makes sense....mind you, he posted it before the quote above): Standard 600SS shock is about 330mm with the later SSie shocks being 335mm long, my Hagon shock is 7mm longer than my original 600SS shock the Ohlins DU235 shock for the 900SS is 328mm +12mm, when fitted to a 900SSie its +5mm and -7mm as the standard injection shock is 335mm between mounting centres.
My 400 has got a Sachs shock on it, but I think that my alloy swing arm is diffrent to yours. I have a Quadrent shock on my 750, which is 20mm longer than stock, hate it because it is so far over on the side stand, think its going to fall over, I put a piece of wood under it just in case!
Extend the stand...........S'wot I did....... To check the 400 shock, jack the rear end up, take the mudguard off and then, twist the whole shock from side to side paying close attention to the lower eye in the swingarm lugs..........It shouldn't touch the lugs at all.
Al is correct with those lengths, I measured the 200mile SSie shock I fitted to my '93 as 10mm longer between centres than the standard original. It does quicken the steering without any stability issues that I've encountered. Mike
Yep those sizes are correct. You can also get an extended eyebolt for the Ohlins giving upto 25mm (Plus a longer main body +25mm) really quick steering.
