DIY Monster Scrambler

[koko64]

Thanks for the info fellas. It will be all about finding a compromised and balanced setting. I'll start with MX bars, ergos and dual sport tyres and get a baseline on local dirt roads. Step 2 will be suspension tuning.
Cheers

[koko64]

Rear wheel travel on the hooped Monsters is 110mm and later ST framed at 140-148mm?  
41mm fork travel is 120mm and 43mm fork 130mm?
I have read conflicting figures in various sources. Was there any change to the 888 style linkage in the late 90's that increased rear wheel travel on the hooped Monsters? Or just inconsistent info?

I'm considering if a 620 may be a better starting point with suspension travel at 148/130.  If I can get 20 mm more travel out of the forks then aside from normal suspension tuning the job would be done. The issue for me is that low tech and carburettors is a preference, so the 750 appeals, but maybe a 620 is a better starting point regarding rear wheel travel. I'm not trying to build an off road bike but a dirt road capable road bike. In perspective the 620 has the same rear wheel travel as a Hypermotard. If the rear seat/frame/tank sections of the Hyper and MTS were not so wide I would have grabbed a Hyper, fitted a big tank and thrown some dual sport tyres on it. My pillion's ergonomic requirements are unique.

[Howie]

Probably inconsistent info, but the 620 does have notably more suspension travel and, IMO, more compliant rear suspension.  I also think the front geometry is better for what you want to do.  As far as carbs go, I don't mind not having needle jet replacement as a regular maintenance procedure.   

[koko64]

You got me looking at 620's
Maybe a rare 750ie.

[Speeddog]

800 motor. Just Do It. They're awesome. 

Gen2/ST frame is bigger and beefier, and guaranteed 12mm engine bolts.

The Gen2/ST documentation claims shock travel as if the snubber were gone.
So it's misleading as can be.
A metal-to-metal bottoming out on the shock would be very unpleasant, and it really tears suspension parts up.
So there's got to be something there.
The question becomes ... how much.

I think the effective rear suspension travel is pretty similar between Gen1 and Gen2 bikes.

I found my info, Monster forks + SBK cartridges = 145mm.
Check the length and installation carefully, you don't want the cartridge bottoming.

[koko64]

That's dissapointing that actual real world, rear wheel travel is about the same, but it does open up my options.
I think the right bike will be the one at the right price.