Shock and Fork Lengths

1-3-2-4 · Jun 10, 2022

I’ve spent way too much time researching, and frankly, I’m still not sure what I learned. I’m nearly positive that my 2016 model is a low model, as discussed on here countless times. I’m going to fix that, but like others who’ve come before me, and those who will come after me, there’s the question of what we should be aiming for. My hope is that this thread can serve as a measurement baseline for once and all.

So if anyone has actual measurements, please share. No guessing.

FORKS (top of fork tube outer to axle center)
Low Hyperstrada: 775 mm
Standard Hyperstrada: 800 mm?
Hypermotard:
Hypermotard SP:

SHOCK (eye to eye)
Low Hyperstrada:
Standard Hyperstrada:
Hypermotard: 285 mm?
Hypermotard SP:

I’m likely going to end up with a Penske rear, but want to ensure I pick the right cartridges to match the rear ride height to maintain proper geometry. I know the Andreanis work, but I’m not interested.

nickwst4 · Jun 11, 2022

I haven't any measurements for you as yet, but perhaps you need to specify the condition of measuring, i.e. on side-stand or centre-stand or wheels otherwise free of the ground? Then of course there's the question of seat spec to complicate the effective riding height.

Nick

1-3-2-4 · Jun 11, 2022

Good point. These measurements need to be made with no weight on the wheel (as if the fork or shock were removed from the bike). So, measure on the center stand if they are installed.

Araitim · Jun 11, 2022

285mm is correct for the base motard 821. I have one in hand and verified.

1-3-2-4 · Jun 11, 2022

Awesome, thanks!

uncle brad · Jun 11, 2022

Just curious. If yours is a low version, are you just going to install carts for a standard height model? I've never found any info that identifies the difference between the forks for the standard and low version and could use some enlightenment. Thanks in advance.

1-3-2-4 · Jun 12, 2022

uncle brad said:
Just curious. If yours is a low version, are you just going to install carts for a standard height model? I've never found any info that identifies the difference between the forks for the standard and low version and could use some enlightenment. Thanks in advance.

That’s my tentative plan. As I said, I’m 99% sure my bike is a low model. No swingarm sticker to identify the chain slack, and it seems like measurements off the web are qualitative at best. The bike rides like crap though and I know that cornering clearance will be an issue at the track. The big question is what parts I need.

I’ve read so many conflicting reports of the Hypermotard vs Hyperstrada heights that I’m lost. I am a dealer for Penske, Ohlins, Traxxion, GP Suspension, and Race Tech. None of their specs really delineate which specs belong to which machine and I’d hate to have one end of the bike not match the other.

uncle brad · Jun 13, 2022

I made aware of these specs a few days ago. It seems to identify the difference in foot peg height between the models. My apologies if this is redundant. These are from a 2016 manual.

I created a thread on another site when this one wasn't functional. I was looking for info to suss out the differences between the low and standard version.

1-3-2-4 · Jun 13, 2022

That’s awesome! My bike didn’t come with an owners manual, so first I’m seeing this. It confirms, beyond a shadow of doubt, that I’m in possession of a low model.

nickwst4 · Jun 13, 2022

Given the chassis is exactly the same, are we to assume that the difference lies in the available suspension travel, and might that mean the low model needs stronger springs to compensate? It'll be interesting to get my measuring stick out tomorrow...

Nick, UK

1-3-2-4 · Jun 13, 2022

Typically these sorts of changes are done with either internal spacers or shorter shaft/cartridge. From what I’ve researched on this bike, I can’t say what was done in the shock; the fork cartridge appears to be shorter based on the Andreani cartridge swap. But to your point, shorter travel is usually accompanied with higher spring rates to limit bottoming.

uncle brad · Jun 13, 2022

nickwst4 said:
Given the chassis is exactly the same, are we to assume that the difference lies in the available suspension travel, and might that mean the low model needs stronger springs to compensate? It'll be interesting to get my measuring stick out tomorrow...

Nick, UK

I think you'd find that the shock length is dictated by the rod length and the spring length is constructed to suit. I'm not sure about the forks. The damper rod may be shorter but i'm not sure about the fork inner tube. My understanding is that the spring rate is dependant upon rider weight.

uncle brad · Jun 13, 2022

1-3-2-4 said:
That’s awesome! My bike didn’t come with an owners manual, so first I’m seeing this. It confirms, beyond a shadow of doubt, that I’m in possession of a low model.

You can get the manual from the Ducati website. Ducati All-in-One | All the information about your Ducati | Services and Maintenance

The factory service manual can be gotten from the Facebook group.

uncle brad · Jun 13, 2022

1-3-2-4 said:
Typically these sorts of changes are done with either internal spacers or shorter shaft/cartridge. From what I’ve researched on this bike, I can’t say what was done in the shock; the fork cartridge appears to be shorter based on the Andreani cartridge swap. But to your point, shorter travel is usually accompanied with higher spring rates to limit bottoming.

I believe i've read somewhere in this forum that someone with a low version has put the Andreani carts for the standard height in his forks. I specified the low version carts when i ordered them from Fast Bike Industries. They were really helpful. I spoke to and conversed via email with Burch Wadewitz .

Shock and Fork Lengths

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