question, upgrading monster 695 suspension

[ruinedmind]

I recently purchased a ducati monster 695 and the suspension is too weak in stock form.  What is the best way to upgrade the suspension for a bigger guy (~200lbs) without going the route of putting ohlins forks and shock in for over 2 grand.  Is installing the showa forks and shock from a 998 or 999 the best way to improve the bike?  I commute on the bike and need the suspension to be solid but not so much for track day racing. 

thanks for any insight out there!

[stopintime]

Welcome here 

Showa fork from a larger Monster will be good (and can be improved later).
Shock will have to fit your double sided swing arm, but that's not hard to find.

This is the easiest and most fool proof way, but there are quite a few options which will be better.

Wait until the experts chime in..... (more precise answers will follow)

[Speeddog]

Proper rate springs will get you nearly all the way there.

[Scotzman]

Welcome.

If you're in the tech section and search "695 suspension", a bunch of stuff comes up on what other people have done. I think there's some tutorials about it as well.

[suzyj]

Here's what I did to mine:

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=41414.0

In short, I replaced the monoshock with a Showa from a 999, with a new spring, and replaced the forks with Showas from a 998, again with new springs to suit my weight.

The difference is enormous.  My little duc handles absolutely beautifully now.  No more nosedive under braking, no more wallowing.  Total cost was ~$1200 (400 for forks, 200 for shock, 300 for springs, 200 for clipons, plus bits and bobs).

I highly recommend this mod.

[Wonked]

I have a 695 and replaced stock suspension with shocks from an S2R (fully adjustable Showa). Had 'em resprung for my size (180lbs) for under $500 all in.

Great change.

[junior varsity]

Proper rate springs will get you nearly all the way there.

+1.

You can use the calculator at RaceTech to find out what you need.   You don't have to "change" anything but springs to get it into the working range (setting proper street sag)

[devimau]

Proper rate springs will get you nearly all the way there.

+1, then play with oil level to get an specific feel for the front....also replace the oil front and rear since suspension fluid usually starts to break down (losses it's damping feature) after 60 hrs.

[jsanford]

+1.

You can use the calculator at RaceTech to find out what you need.   You don't have to "change" anything but springs to get it into the working range (setting proper street sag)

They don't have the 695 listed and when I used the S4R and plugged in the bike's wet weight, it told me to call.