Why are there different swingarms on DSS Monsters?

[Travman]

What is this part of the swingarm shown in the picture below?  Why do the newer DSS monsters like mine not have this?  I noticed this piece on a 1999 City Monster this weekend.  My 2006 620 doesn't have this?



BobsPapa, I hope you don't mind me using your picture for this example.  Thank you.

[superjohn]

That's the suspension linkage fork that's characteristic of the pre-2001 Monsters. The switch to the ST based frame and suspension ditched it for a single rod.

[Scottish]

Nevermind answered at the same time. 

[Travman]

That's the suspension linkage fork that's characteristic of the pre-2001 Monsters. The switch to the ST based frame and suspension ditched it for a single rod.

So the upsidedown "U" shaped linkage was replaced by the rod that runs next to the shock?  Is one better than the other? 

Why do we need a linkage anyways?  I believe I read that the 696 & 1100 Monsters have direct (linkage-less) rear suspension.

[superjohn]

So the upsidedown "U" shaped linkage was replaced by the rod that runs next to the shock?  Is one better than the other? 

Why do we need a linkage anyways?  I believe I read that the 696 & 1100 Monsters have direct (linkage-less) rear suspension.

Now you're getting a bit beyond my knowledge base, but with the the later set up, you can put in an adjustable rod to affect ride height. I assume there are other benefits as well (weight, etc) but I'm not really qualified to speculate. I've still not actually seen a stock 696 or 1100 to comment on their set-up, but it wouldn't surprise me since they've got, yet again, a completely new frame/chassis/suspension design.

I think the linkage ultimately controls rear sag, but I may be wrong.

[Speeddog]

The ST style pushrod/rocker takes up a bit less space than the 851 style hoop/rocker, and is a bit lighter.

The new 696/1100 style is simpler, cheaper, probably about the same weight.
Downside is that ride height adjustment isn't easy, and there's very little progression to that geometry.

Whether any of that is significant (other than ride height adjustment) for a streetbike is debatable.

[Spidey]

My M1000SS is a bastard in that it has a ST-based frame but with a direct SS suspension.  It's hard to exactly pinpoint the difference between the two except that my bike feels more . . . uh . . . direct than the stock monster linkage.  That might be more of spring-rate issue than the difference between direct v. linkage.  On the M1100, I don't remember getting noticeably different feel from the rear than on a stock monster.

[ducpainter]

Ducati superbikes use a linkage style rear.

Technology always makes things better...

right?

[Capo]

Ducati superbikes use a linkage style rear.

Technology always makes things better...

right?

And cheaper