Australia, Brisbane, suspension

Smiff - I like what you are doing - bringing and collecting all the info on suspension upgrades that are available in Australia.
I appreciate the info you have made available (Nitron etc).
I am going to have to do something soon because I do not like the harshness of my Scrambler. If I hit a sharp bump (e.g. a tree root under the bitumen) the shock wave up through the bike and my body is like there is no suspension at all. I am not a suspension expert but I would guess its the compression damping - there isn't any - its like a hydraulic lock.
I have some info that you may want to add to your data base.
Shock Treatment -02 4773 9115 - Grant - has been very helpful. He has never seen a Scramblers suspension, but he was very happy when I told him it was KYB Kayaba. He said he can do wonders with KYB. He has had great success with the lousy suspension on the MT 09 and says he can do wonders for ours. He actually used the word "compliant" which of course is a completely foreign word and concept to Ducati. He cuts open the rear shock and does his mods then welds it back up. He modifies the front forks as well. Its amiss of me to not know exactly what he does - cartridges, emulators, just springs and fluid, I don't know - if I go ahead I will get all the facts first. He has said you wont believe the difference. Cost $1200 maximum - I have to post the 3 parts to him. You may want to give him a ring - he is so easy to talk to and a wealth of info.
Once again - thanks for what you are doing.
Let The good Times Roll - Ray.

Thanks Ray,

Some good info, I'll give Grant a call, I'm keen to get a few opinions before I spend the money, my forks aren't too bad, probably due to my weight, around 105 kg's in riding gear.

I tend to agree with Feli re sending parts away, my issue is more around transport damage though.

Feli,

Thanks for the info on Suspension Improvents, l'm going to try him again to see if I can catch him at a better time, I'd much rather get the work done locally, ride in ride out is appealing.

I know a lot of people are happy with the standard suspension and that's great, I also think there are enough people unhappy that the after market companies will do very well.

I have now done a bit of riding on the M Shock,

Fitted up as delivered, lifted the rear quite a bit, shock seemed good but the extra height put more pressure on the front. I have been reasonably happy with the front but with the taller rear it felt terrible, particularly over sharp bumps.
So some good some not so good.

That was during the week, I've spent a bit more time riding adjusting and riding some more.
With the height set closer to standard and softening the damping from the delivered setting, it's fantastic, smoother, much easier to ride and confidence inspiring.
The damping adjustment is very effective, you can soften it up like a lounge chair, firm it up for corners and a few more clicks makes it great with the extra weight of a passenger.

All in all a huge improvement. I'm very happy with the investment.

I've got my Andreani cartridges arriving tomorrow, any suggestions on where to get them installed?

I received my Ohlins shock and Andreani cartridges this week, I ordered through Omnia Racing, they have put a heavier spring on due to the info provided. Standard "off the shelf" is 110nm mine has a 120nm fitted.

I've done nothing but unwrap them so far.

Observations M Shock v Ohlins,

1/ M Shock looks hand built, machine marks in the body and mounts. Ohlins more mass produced smoother more cast looking finish.
Both look great, very well made and presented, neither better than the other, just different.
2/ M Shock adjustability is easier with an external knob, the ohlins requires an allen key.
Small win to m shock.
3/ m shock adjusts compression and rebound with the single adjuster, ohlins only adjusts rebound.
Time will tell if this makes any difference.

I see there is an Ohlins on ebay Aus for $899 plus post. I paid about $750 delivered, this will of course move around with the exchange rate.