[dkaplun]

Guys,

I am looking for some feedback for a potential rebuilt of a an UE into a genuine dual sport/dirt/medium scrambler and obviously one of the issues is the shock that comes on the bike. Now, this is my second scrambler and on my Italia I put the Ohlins DU 505 to deal with the softness, but I am afraid that if I want a bike for more off-road and dirt, that shock may not be as flexible. So those of us who ride this thing off-road, which shock do you use? I am about 220 pounds, so about 230 with gear, and I am trying to figure out a decent build. Any ideas welcome, and thank you in advance.

 

[vincelp]

Hello

Get in touch with Ohlins, tell them which usage you plan for your bike, your weight and they will adapt a DU505 for your case. At least, they do it here in France, so I'm pretty sure they can do it in your own country.

 

[dkaplun]

Ahh, good point. Just figured this Ohlins to be more for pure street riding, and wanted to know if there is a more dirt based alternative.

 

[pfmtrumpy]

Yep, the one on a WR450....
Comes with an offroad bike included.

 

[greer]

You might put in a call to SB Ken; he specializes in race bikes I believe, but if he can't set you up he'll point you in the right direction.

SB Suspension

Sarah

 

[Joooooooosh]

You're probably going to want something with as much adjust-ability as possible. That kind of rules out the Ohlins, as it has just Spring pre-load and rebound adjustments.

It's likely not as easy to have Ohlins custom build you a shock.

SBken, Maxton, Nitron and Shock Factory all make to order. So can do pretty much anything you want.
My research has been Europe focused, so might be more options in the US.

If you're going nuts, go for a fully adjustable setup with remote reservoir:
SB Ducati Scrambler Shock - SB Suspension

Height adjustment will probably be very useful! Coupled with a raised front fork upgrade, gaining much needed ground clearance. If I get a shock, I'm having it 10mm longer anyway, because I'm tall and I'm interested to see if it makes the bike a bit more aggressive.

 

[dkaplun]

That looks really useful, I will be researching that in detail as my modifications to the bike finally began. As far as extra ground clearance, I am fairly short so at first I will try to keep it more or less standard, as at least at first I will focus on gravel, light jumps, and sand...but may increase the height as well. I also believe I read on some forums that I can fit a 21 inch front rim onto the bike, which would also bring up ground clearance, but not sure if that is the case.

 

[Joooooooosh]

If you're keeping the bike fairly low, I'd look at a serious bash plate for the underside of the bike. Maybe something like this...
Engine Guard Givi Ducati Scrambler 15 16 Silver Skid Plate | eBay

I've only ever done light off-road and I'm so glad I got the Ducati engine guard, because I've heard it take a couple knocks. If it hadn't been for that, it would have been the exhaust or oil filter making first contact...

Interesting about the 21" wheel. I've not seen anyone do that. the 18" seems pretty capable if you just stick some better off-road tyres on!
This guy does alright, even though he moans a bit but I suspect the suspension is the biggest issue off road. No way near soft/quick enough to react.

 

[dkaplun]

Oh, cool plate! The dealer I took my bike to is a former award winning racer and pit crew manager. When he saw the race exhaust and the current skid plate do not mesh (I am starting with the UE which has a skid plate), he demanded to keep the bike overnight and he will try to machine the skid plate to fit. Will see what he will come up with, if anything, but I am hopeful. What boneheaded managerial decision was it to not make an aftermarket part for an aftermarket part that was something that many people would likely put on their bike. Sorry, rant over.

The 21" wheel is something my dirt buddies suggested. I will first take the bike out with stock wheels but with 80/20 Meltzers and see how the bike does. Around where I live are decent off-road places that are primarily woods, sand, light gravel and rocks, and some streams and light (under 1 foot) swamp conditions. This bike isn't being built to take on anything too crazy, so I hope it will be good enough for those conditions.

 

[dkaplun]

Phase 1 completed.

1. Removed the evap cannister
2. Attached the exhaust pipe and reflashed it
3. Modified the skid plate to fit. BUT will need an additional piece to cover the exposed pipe

Starting photos are here:

Album: Project rebuild

 

[Joooooooosh]

I reckon changing to the subframe mounted tail tidy would be a good idea. The swingarm mounted one might be more likely to break if you're off road a lot. That rear mudgard does catch a lot though.
From what I understand, it's a pain to relocate though, the wiring for the light needs extending, in order to make it past the rear seat.

Looking good so far! I think the Scrambler will make an awesome adventure tool, with the right mods.

 

[dkaplun]

The tail tidy is ordered and is next to go (that is Phase 2, along with possibly putting in the rectifier guard and the sliders). I ordered this one, and hope it will do the trick--I actually wanted it a bit longer so as to keep more mud off my back.

2015 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon Urban Enduro Fender Eliminator Tail Tidy

Stay tuned for more

 

[Numbercruncher]

Regarding shock factory I have one of their shocks with the red coil on my UE and it looks awesome. I'd at least speak with them.

And since I may be buying a second scrambler and building it up I may need another new shock as well. I'd get the same specs but with a black coil as me second scrambler will be a yellow icon and the red coil won't work on a yellow bike.

The dilemma is that shock factory won't ship to the us any longer. Would any of you from across the pond be willing to order one for me which of course I'll pay for and ship it to me in the US? It is kind of a hassle so it may not be worth it. My other plan is to just get an ohlins with a yellow coil that will look really cool on a yellow icon.

NC

 

[TC3]

Regarding shock factory I have one of their shocks with the red coil on my UE and it looks awesome. I'd at least speak with them.

And since I may be buying a second scrambler and building it up I may need another new shock as well. I'd get the same specs but with a black coil as me second scrambler will be a yellow icon and the red coil won't work on a yellow bike.

The dilemma is that shock factory won't ship to the us any longer. Would any of you from across the pond be willing to order one for me which of course I'll pay for and ship it to me in the US? It is kind of a hassle so it may not be worth it. My other plan is to just get an ohlins with a yellow coil that will look really cool on a yellow icon.

NC

If you paid Shock Factory or Winding Roads direct I could do that for you if you shipped to my place. I got mine from Winding Roads .... find out the boxed weight and I will get shipping quotes for you

 

[Numbercruncher]

I'll email them and see what they say.

Thanks.

NC

If you paid Shock Factory or Winding Roads direct I could do that for you if you shipped to my place. I got mine from Winding Roads .... find out the boxed weight and I will get shipping quotes for you

 

[EDAHL71]

If you do not want to go crazy $ wise. Look into a Fox shock. They make them for scrambler's and for off road use the are undeniably one of the best. Titanium spring. Way cheaper than an Ohlin's and descent performance. Tell them your riding weight and they will set you up with the perfect Pound spring. Did not realize the post was so old...