On the fence

RoadChick · Apr 27, 2015

Totally on the fence with my 2014 LOW version HYper. Very disappointed in the suspension and not interested in dumping $2k to get the front and rear setup for my weight. Has anyone swapped out the rear shock for a non-progressive shock?

Ducati really cheaped out on this bikes suspension.

Rutter · Apr 27, 2015

At 6'5 and best part of 18 stone i'd imagine that the suspension would be terrible for me but I can't say I've ever found any real issue with it other than when smashing into some very deep pot holes.

What specifically is wrong with it?

gatdammit · Apr 27, 2015

I think it was just a compromise suspension for that little bit of offroad they advertise. Plus, it's an upright bike with a windscreen. The Motards have better suspension models but you don't get all the other items that interested me: bags, alternator, power ports, centerstand, windscreen.

Still a good package, in my opinion. Suspension is something many riders modify or replace, anyway. I do wish they had at least put some adjustability up front but so many other things shine about the bike that I'm still happy overall.

zippy49 · Apr 27, 2015

I'm not sure why you think the rear shock is progressive. It has no linkage, which makes the action linear. Once you fix the forks, you may change your mind about the rear. Or you could swap the spring for a lot less than what you mention...

gatdammit · Apr 27, 2015

At least try heavier fork oil first. I think it took some of the abrupt brake dive out but was so long ago I can't remember.

RoadChick · Apr 27, 2015

zippy49 said:
I'm not sure why you think the rear shock is progressive. It has no linkage, which makes the action linear. Once you fix the forks, you may change your mind about the rear. Or you could swap the spring for a lot less than what you mention...

I took the bike to a suspension expert Sunday and he spent 2.5 hours analyzing the bike's suspension.

And maybe I am a lot pickier about suspension on my bikes? I think that could be a lot of it...

RoadChick · Apr 27, 2015

Rutter said:
At 6'5 and best part of 18 stone i'd imagine that the suspension would be terrible for me but I can't say I've ever found any real issue with it other than when smashing into some very deep pot holes.

What specifically is wrong with it?

Do you have the LOW versions? I think I would be a lot happier if I bought the non-lowered version. With my weight I'm not in the right part of the stroke for the front or rear.

RoadChick · Apr 27, 2015

Rutter said:
At 6'5 and best part of 18 stone i'd imagine that the suspension would be terrible for me but I can't say I've ever found any real issue with it other than when smashing into some very deep pot holes.

What specifically is wrong with it?

There is a constant choppiness in the bike when I am not hammering it in the twisties.

markog · Apr 27, 2015

I put a wiburs on the back of mine, rode it yesterday much better overall, however I still think the front isn't what it should be, i'm going to start playing with springs to try and get it more compliant.

kuksul08 · Apr 27, 2015

zippy49 said:
I'm not sure why you think the rear shock is progressive. It has no linkage, which makes the action linear. Once you fix the forks, you may change your mind about the rear. Or you could swap the spring for a lot less than what you mention...

Pretty sure the spring is progressively wound on the strada?

RoadChick said:
Do you have the LOW versions? I think I would be a lot happier if I bought the non-lowered version. With my weight I'm not in the right part of the stroke for the front or rear.

I've heard nothing but complaints about the strada, tard, and even the SP.You aren't alone.

RoadChick · Apr 27, 2015

markog said:
I put a wiburs on the back of mine, rode it yesterday much better overall, however I still think the front isn't what it should be, i'm going to start playing with springs to try and get it more compliant.

Is wiburs a type of shock??

RoadChick · Apr 27, 2015

I'm leaning towards changing the front springs and rear shock to a linear shock and seeing how much that helps out....

markog · Apr 27, 2015

RoadChick said:
Is wiburs a type of shock??

It's a brand like ohlins made in Germany

kuksul08 · Apr 27, 2015

RoadChick said:
I'm leaning towards changing the front springs and rear shock to a linear shock and seeing how much that helps out....

Don't bother. Save up and get a cartridge kit for the front end. I particularly like the Traxxion AK-20 on paper (but have not used it). With the time and money spent on springs, oil, and valving the cheapo stock setup, you'll wish you just went with a cartridge to begin with.

Paab · Apr 27, 2015

I think this is a classic case of internet dissatisfaction. I'm a professional riding instructor, expert racer, blah, blah, and I don't have any real complaints about the bike yet. Can it be better? yes, can every bike be better? yes.

That said, Lowered bikes almost never handle right. In fact, it is so consistently bad across the board that we don't allow them at our track events. The 'strada is already a lowered hyper, then they lowered it more?

RoadChick · Apr 27, 2015

Paab said:
I think this is a classic case of internet dissatisfaction. I'm a professional riding instructor, expert racer, blah, blah, and I don't have any real complaints about the bike yet. Can it be better? yes, can every bike be better? yes.

That said, Lowered bikes almost never handle right. In fact, it is so consistently bad across the board that we don't allow them at our track events. The 'strada is already a lowered hyper, then they lowered it more?

This is why I am not happy with it. My bike is lowered from the factory. In order for me to ever be happy I need to put back what was taken away. I am thinking I should buy the regular one and sell this lowered one.

RoadChick · Apr 27, 2015

kuksul08 said:
Don't bother. Save up and get a cartridge kit for the front end. I particularly like the Traxxion AK-20 on paper (but have not used it). With the time and money spent on springs, oil, and valving the cheapo stock setup, you'll wish you just went with a cartridge to begin with.

Ya are right for sure....

Bruder · Apr 27, 2015

Second try,

Wilbers Suspension Manufaktur | Hyperstrada 821 | purchase online

Gruss Steffen

Paab · Apr 27, 2015

I don't really thing you want a linear rate shock on a bike with no linkage. I can work for competition use, but it will be even MORE harsh on the street.

Look, unless you are racing, any tuner can get your lowered hyper to work more than goo enough on the street. But I wouldn't ask or listen much on the web. Find local tuners who will stand behind their work and just get started. It is not uncommon for it to take a couple of tries to get it dialed for you.

Most of my bikes go back to the suspension guy multiple times.

pazzo · Apr 27, 2015

RoadChick, sorry you haven't got it sorted out. I bought my 13 a little after you got yours and while I had some of the initial concerns it has sorted itself out. I do not have a lowered bike like you and I backed out the rear preload slightly and it got much better. Part of my issue was coming off the very compliant R1200GS.

On the fence

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