Hi I brought my first Ducati a month ago and so far been well impressed with my 2013 standard model multistrada, did a 400 mile blast to Wales on fri/sat with a mate who just picked up his new Grantourismo and we are both well impressed with the bikes. So far I have not touched the suspension and probably wouldn't but I am off to Spain in one month for a 9 day tour with luggage and a pillion, does anyone have any recommendations for simple suspension settings for two up touring or should I leave everything standard?
Most important thing is the rear preload. Reduce it so that fully loaded, the sag is the same when solo. Damping, not so sure. Always a bit tricky. The progressive spring on the Sachs will address many of the issues. My friend's Diavel only needed adjusting of the preload. I would try increasing front and rear compression damping by 1-2 notches and see how it goes. Increase rebound after sorting out compression. I would imagine rebound would be less than compression. You have a month to trial it out, so make use of it. Most important thing is you have a good base setting to compare with. O, make sure you note down your base solo setting!
I increased my front compression by about 1/2 turn (clockwise) on each side to reduce diving - although probably worth trying 1/4 turn each to begin with. I was surprised that such a small amount of adjustment made such a big difference....
Been a while since I owned a bike with adjustable compression, can't remember exactly, but I think full range of adjustment is 2 full turns or 720 degrees. So a quarter or even half turn is quite a lot. I remember always going by quarter turns because its easy to remember! Also as the Multi's weight is more rearwards, and the pillion is more aft, the effect on fork dive I imagine would be less dramatic.
I agree with Bob the front needs more compression even for solo riding and for two up the rear spring pre load needs to be increased in order to take the extra weight of pillion and luggage.
Guys, thank you for your responses, I will try the preload settings first and check the solo sag (how do I do that? Do you measure the seat height from the ground when sitting solo then adjust so height is the same two up/luggage?) I will also adjust the compression front end to reduce the dive, as I have noticed it quite a bit especially after a GS! Just one more question, if I adjust the compression at the front do you need to adjust the rear the same? As you can tell I know jack about suspension!
Sinbad I didn't bother - I just adjust rear preload according to weight being carried - there again I have messed with front preload a tad too but that's another story....
