1200 DVT Setting The Preload By Measuring Static Sag

I'd imagine you have to have it running and operating for the rear. Its locked solid when ignition off or not started for a minute of so

Another useful thread, about bikes

 

If it ain't broke then don't fix it @bradders . I may have a glance but since doing the pre-load, am more than happy

 

0 is erm zero preload , 24 is max preload

 

The range is 12mm - each setting adds 0.5 mm

 

the more the load the higher the number

 

Inspired by this thread I have just adjusted my front forks. Firstly I weighed myself with my biking gear, and for reference for others a two piece leather suit, boots, helmet gloves etc added up to 10kg, so use that as a rule of thumb.

On unwinding the RH fork nut I found it was only 1/2 turn in! That's a bit upsetting as I consider myself mechanically sensitive and I thought my suspension felt OK - that's hubris for you. I wound the nut down 6.3 turns for 95kg weight at 15kg/turn. I wonder if my insensitive arse will register any difference on my next ride..........................

 

My money is on "yes, it will"?

I started at 6.5 turns (me 90kg stark bollock) and initially thought great, but it was a little too 'chattery' on ripples etc. Backed out to 5.25 turns now and doubt I will mess with it again?

 

You should really measure the sag rather than applying the 15kg/mm suggested here -
if the rear preload is too high /low this will impact the front sag

I weigh a little less , but found the preload required was nothing like the 6 turns suggested

 

After trying mine on different front preloads this is what i found. 1st am i correct that the ideal suspension will use 2/3 of its full travel in ideal circumstances. Tell me if you know differently. 2nd I have had quite a few conversations about this with Ducati LEEDS. They still maintain the front preload is left at 1/2 turn in from factory & if you want a firmer ride than your getting, then alter the skyhook settings.
Standard 1/2 turn in= 44mm depression sat on bike with ign on. 125mm max depression after same road ride with all tests.
2 1/2 turns in = 43mm sat on bike 115mm max depression.
6 turns in = 40mm sat on bike. 103mm max depression.
1= Total travel 81mm
2= Total travel 72mm
3= Total travel 63mm
Using the 2/3 travel rule then at 6 turns is way over the top & on a rough road could be uncomfortable for most.
Technically you are looking for 100mm of full fork travel. Even at 1/2 turn in it is not meeting that, but remember skyhook is doing its thing as well. After a longish 90 mile ride today i found for me 6 turns in is far too much. I,m 88KG wet through. Some of the younger guys & gals may prefer this. I,ve just wound mine back to 2 1/2 turns. Forgot to say this was in touring mode default settings other than full power.

 

therefore that what works for you

I set mine when I was around 110 and iirc it's about 5 turns that works for me

 

Remember too it's your compression calving that will stop for travel. Preload simply puts you in the right static zone and is sometimes (wrongly) used to compensate for too light springs

 

I think your right there as i guess the heavier you are, the more turns. We all ride differently as some folk load there weight to the front bars when cornering & some bias to rear. some neautral. Guess thats why so many settings to play with. Toys eh.

 

Interesting.......I used to do a lot of mountain bike endurance racing which is when the 2/3rd rule applied. You still had to set up the preload for 1/3 static sag. The off road element seems important to you based on your focussed observations on depression, suspension travel, rough roads etc but you do not mention how the bike handled at the various settings, such as steering, was it twitchy? difficult to turn? High speed stability? That's the feedback I would expect. you shouldn't be thinking what travel am I getting at this setting, it should be is this bike handling well? My observation on your feedback are:
A) Interesting from a off-road viewpoint. I'm glad I didn't buy the Multi DVT for the rough.
B) You need to speak to some other Ducati dealers.
C) Have you bought the right bike for your purposes?
D) I'm glad that you have found the right set-up for you.

No offence meant

 

...... missed something E) Given your broad requirement I really recommend you get the suspension set-up by a professional

 

Yes I bought the bike specifically for both touring & rough roads. Over the moors with sheep. It's works perfectly for me. Had a z1000sx for 8 weeks but changed for this. I find the handling just fine. Had 1 wag while wheel was airborne but probably my fault .did find rear preload needed to be stiffish but my riding style is crap at best. Rode all my life but still crap.

 

I knew it.........I've offended

 

Feck me Ian, just back off a bit eh !!!