[Ad_raz]

Does anyone know if the seat height can be lowered? Reason I ask is I'm a bit of short arse. I test rode an 899 today & although I loved it & didn't have any issues I just wondered if it was possible? Seams higher than my old gsxr even with my boots I'm on tip toes lol


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[jarelj]

As delivered the rear ride height is not adjustable on the 899. You can put a lower seat on (or modify your stock seat by cutting it down). You can also switch to a ride-height adjustable rear shock or rear linkage and have adjustability that way.

 

[Ad_raz]

That's great, thanks for the update. is the adjustable rear leakage something most dealers could do o


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[Ad_raz]

& would it affect performance such as traction control etc. As I would rather just live with it, don't want to mess any of that up


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[899Rider]

Does anyone know if the seat height can be lowered? Reason I ask is I'm a bit of short arse. I test rode an 899 today & although I loved it & didn't have any issues I just wondered if it was possible? Seams higher than my old gsxr even with my boots I'm on tip toes lol


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How tall are you @Ad_raz?

The alternative options that @jarelj is something to consider. you can always take off the seat cover and shave the foam down or even for long term you can switch to an adjustable damper both for adjustability in the ride and solve your seat height issue.

 

[Ad_raz]

I'm 5.4 I didn't have an issue whilst riding or stopping. It was just for peace of mind of getting a firm foot down when stationary. Thanks for the advice I will speak to my dealer tomorrow & see what they can do about the adjustable shock option


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[jarelj]

You have a few options if you want to make it adjustable, and your dealer should be able to fit any of these up for you, no problem:
1) Fit an 1199 Panigale standard model shock on there (they can be had for a reasonable price used on eBay or forums)
2) Fit the 1199 adjustable rear linkage setup, which gives you not only the ability to adjust ride height but switch between Progressive and Flat linkage ratios (Progressive for street, Flat for track or aggressive solo street riding) - We actually have several of these that we've been accumulating to use on 899 track bikes, let me know if you need one and I'll see how much they're going for.
3) Pretty sure that Sato is going to release and 899 version of their 1199 rear lowering linkage rod, you just might have to wait another month or two.

 

[rjjr]

I had the same problem. I shaved my seat down which lowered the height by a solid inch. The 899 seat is actually a bit taller than the 1199. I also had Ducati of Omaha install the 1199 linkage with an adjustable link bar by Sato. I haven't changed anything yet but by raising or lowering only the back you will change the geometry of the bike. To maintain the same geometry you'll have to lower the front end by an equal amount.

 

[Ad_raz]

Thanks guys for the help really useful stuff I'm going to speak to the dealer today will keep you all posted


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[Ad_raz]

Quick update went go my dealers today. They are going to fit an Ohlins adjustable rear shock for me. Apparently it's a new product that they've just fitted to their 899 race bikes. It's a little pricey though but think it'l be worth it in the end
Thanks for all the advice guys


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[jarelj]

Ok, don't know who your dealer is, so not intending to 2nd guess their expertise, just pointing you and others in the right direction. Ohlins makes 2 shocks for the Panigale, the older TTXMKII for the 1199 which are being discontinued (some distributors might still have some in stock, but unless it's on sale there's no reason not to get the new one) and the new TTXGP which is being released now. The TTXGP has two different versions for the Panigale, one spec'd for the 899 and one for the 1199. The difference is the spring rate and valving, with the 899 version being designed for the progressive-rate linkage that is stock on the 899 (with softer spring rate and valving), and the 1199 version being designed for the flat-rate setting for the track on the 1199. They are identical in dimensions and components, it's only the valving and spring that are different, so either will mount up the same way. Make sure that if you're not changing the linkage to the adjustable setup from the 1199 that you're getting the 899 version of the TTXGP so it's valved correctly and has the right spring rate for your bike. I know many dealers (not sure about yours) are not very familiar with all of the new Ohlins stuff and will just order a "Panigale" shock from Ohlins, which will probably result in the 1199 Panigale model shock being installed. Just worth a 2nd ask with your dealer to make sure they are aware of the 2 different models now and are getting you the correct shock. If they do racing/track stuff they probably do know, but just in case!

 

[rjjr]

Ok, don't know who your dealer is, so not intending to 2nd guess their expertise, just pointing you and others in the right direction. Ohlins makes 2 shocks for the Panigale, the older TTXMKII for the 1199 which are being discontinued (some distributors might still have some in stock, but unless it's on sale there's no reason not to get the new one) and the new TTXGP which is being released now. The TTXGP has two different versions for the Panigale, one spec'd for the 899 and one for the 1199. The difference is the spring rate and valving, with the 899 version being designed for the progressive-rate linkage that is stock on the 899 (with softer spring rate and valving), and the 1199 version being designed for the flat-rate setting for the track on the 1199. They are identical in dimensions and components, it's only the valving and spring that are different, so either will mount up the same way. Make sure that if you're not changing the linkage to the adjustable setup from the 1199 that you're getting the 899 version of the TTXGP so it's valved correctly and has the right spring rate for your bike. I know many dealers (not sure about yours) are not very familiar with all of the new Ohlins stuff and will just order a "Panigale" shock from Ohlins, which will probably result in the 1199 Panigale model shock being installed. Just worth a 2nd ask with your dealer to make sure they are aware of the 2 different models now and are getting you the correct shock. If they do racing/track stuff they probably do know, but just in case!

If you upgrade to the lineal 1199 linkage do you need to change the factory shock to the Ohlins 1199 shock?

 

[Ad_raz]

Wow great info & much appreciated. I will relay this info to them & see what they say. Once again many many thanks


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[jarelj]

If you upgrade to the lineal 1199 linkage do you need to change the factory shock to the Ohlins 1199 shock?

If you haven't changed the spring rate then it's a little bit of a toss-up, you can see how it works first and if the rear is too soft in the flat-rate setup then you can put on a stiffer spring and have it revalved for a little firmer setup. Switching to an 1199 shock along will get you a little firmer spring rate but the valving on the 1199 shock is a compromise because it has to operate in both flat and progressive modes, depending on how the linkage is set.

 

[supersport]

Quick update went go my dealers today. They are going to fit an Ohlins adjustable rear shock for me. Apparently it's a new product that they've just fitted to their 899 race bikes. It's a little pricey though but think it'l be worth it in the end
Thanks for all the advice guys


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Did you get the ohlin's installed? How much does the ohlins drop the seat height compare to the stock shocks?

I also want to get the seat height lowered but i wont use lowering links - i just dont feel safe when the geometry is altered

 

[rjjr]

I don't think the Ohlins will lower the seat height. The only way to do that and maintain the geometry is to shave the seat. I lowered the front and rear of my bike 1/2" and shaved the seat. At 5'6" I'm very comfortable.

 

[supersport]

A suspension guy from the dealer sag my 1199 base on my weight with gear. The seat height was lowered and made a significant difference. I'm curious if the ohlins will sag more while maintaining the handling. On my next tune up i'm going to have them sag the suspension on the 899 - should drop some height. I also try the 1199 seat on the 899 and it was lower very little but not as comfortable and slippery.

 

[Ad_raz]

Yeah I got the Ohlins installed. It does drop the seat height not sure by how much. But I'm 5"4 & can now get both feet flat on the floor. I'm having it set up properly, to my weight etc at the first service by the Ohlins guys

 

[jarelj]

Guys, installing an Ohlins shock does not automatically "drop seat height". If the stock rear spring is too stiff for your weight, and you put the correct spring on for your weight and set the preload appropriately, then your seat height will likely be lower just becasue there's less static preload on the spring and the spring is lighter. The Ohlins does have a ride-height adjuster on it as well, and you can use that to lower the rear ride height if you choose to. The default setting would be the same height as the stock shock. If you're doing it just to get an easier reach to the ground and won't be pushing the bike hard, then you can drop it an inch or so using the ride height adjuster and the bike will still be funtional. However it will not be set up for the optimal handling if you ride it hard. If you're going to be pushing it, in that case you'd want to drop the front the same amount you dropped the rear so the front/rear weight bias is correct. The bike at that point will handle fine, but you may have ground clearance issues if you go to the track and get up to a pace where you're leaning past 45 degrees. Then you'd want to raise the bike back up. It will also flick side-to-side just a tad bit slower if you've lowered the bike.

 

[supersport]

Guys, installing an Ohlins shock does not automatically "drop seat height". If the stock rear spring is too stiff for your weight, and you put the correct spring on for your weight and set the preload appropriately, then your seat height will likely be lower just becasue there's less static preload on the spring and the spring is lighter. The Ohlins does have a ride-height adjuster on it as well, and you can use that to lower the rear ride height if you choose to. The default setting would be the same height as the stock shock. If you're doing it just to get an easier reach to the ground and won't be pushing the bike hard, then you can drop it an inch or so using the ride height adjuster and the bike will still be funtional. However it will not be set up for the optimal handling if you ride it hard. If you're going to be pushing it, in that case you'd want to drop the front the same amount you dropped the rear so the front/rear weight bias is correct. The bike at that point will handle fine, but you may have ground clearance issues if you go to the track and get up to a pace where you're leaning past 45 degrees. Then you'd want to raise the bike back up. It will also flick side-to-side just a tad bit slower if you've lowered the bike.

I'm 5"7 and right now i can flat foot one side and the other side is tippy toe. It is not too bad but pretty annoying when i'm on a hill or constantly looking for the right spot to stop the bike on uneven pavements. I choose handling over flat footing both my feet.

So would the suspension sag be detrimental to the handling?

Also, why would ohlins include a height adjustment if it kills the handling of the bike?