Rear suspension of motorcycle Ducati ST2 (1997-2003)

Adjusting the rear shock absorber
The rear shock absorber has an external adjuster for setting the damping action to match load conditions. The adjuster (A) is on the left side at the bottom where the shock absorber is fixed to the swinging arm. This adjuster sets extension damping...

Rear suspension — design description
The rear suspension has a fully adjustable, hydraulic monoshock absorber (1) with progressive linkage. The linkage consists of a rocker arm (2), an adjustable tie rod (3) fixed at the bottom end to the swing arm (4) The steel swinging arm pivots on...

Removing and overhauling the swinging arm
Raise the bike onto the centre stand. Remove all components which might obstruct removal and overhaul of the swinging arm. Remove the rear wheel as described in "Removing the rear wheel". Remove the vertical cylinder exhaust pipe as described in...

Removing the rear shock absorber
Unscrew the two bolts (A and B) and disconnect the monoshock from the swinging arm and the upper rocker arm. Remove the lower bolt (A) and disconnect the tie rod from the swinging arm. Recover the threaded bush (1) and the bushes (2) at the sides of...

Changing the damper spring and checking the monoshock
Before you remove the spring, measure the preloaded length (L) of the spring. This setting must be used at reassembly: Preloaded spring standard length: 165 mm/6.49 in. Monoshock with fixed-position ring nut Using the C-spanner, rotate the ring nut...

Removing the rear suspension rocker and swinging arm
Unscrew the bolt (A) and separate the rocker from the swinging arm. Recover the bushes (1) at the sides of the ball joint. Before you disconnect the rocker from the frame, check the play of the roller bearing casings inside the rocker. Push and pull...

Rear suspension rocker arm overhaul
The rear suspension rocker arm is mounted on roller bearings (1) holding an internal spacer (2). The outer ends of the bearings have two oils seals (3) to hold the lubricant inside the bearing cages. Remove the inner spacer, remove the seal rings...

Monoshock tie rod overhaul
The monoshock tie rod consists of a central rod (A), two nuts (B and C) and two ball joints (D). The ball joints at the pivot hole have two bushes (E). Remove the bushes and turn the inner rings by hand to check the play in the ball joints. Change...

Refitting the rear suspension
Using the recommended grease, grease the pin shank (1) and the contact surfaces of the spring washer (2). Using the recommended grease, grease the pin thread and the underside of the nut (3). Insert the complete rocker arm between the frame supports...