Suspension settings - F or P (what's the difference??)

F - flat
P - progressive

http://ducati1299.com/mechanical-technical/1230-how-change-f-p-rear-shock.html

You need to look at the linkage and see what it is set at.

There is an arrow pointing to the F or P.

By using the search function I found this, with thanks to the original poster, doctorj I think it was.



Lets clear up what this does.

Linear (F) vs progressive (P)

Linear is a 1:1 ratio, so if the "swing arm" moves 1" then then the shock moves an equal amount. ( not 1' ) If you broke down the movement of the rear shock into 4 1" movements you will always get the same movement at the shock shaft every inch.

Progressive is just that progressive. Rising rate or falling Rate

So if we move the swing arm 1' every additional inch we move the rear swing arm the shock shaft will not move relationally.

So the first inch of swing arm movement lets say the shock moves 1', then the next inch of swing arm travel it may move .5'. (2:1)

This is a bit tough for me to explain, hopefully that makes some since.

So how does this effect your bike in the real world.

If your going along and hit a bump with a passenger in flat ( F = Linear ) then your shock cannot move as much as you may need based on the spring.

If the same bump came along and your in progressive ratio then the shock is allowed to move more for the same swing arm deflection. Hence softening the ride.

A flat curve is always better in controled environments and properly setup for the bike load. However the motorcycle is sold and its anyone's guess what load it will be put under, by load I mean weight it has to carry. So a progressive ratio is best.

Regarding your concern, Ducati is worried the bike will get very upset if the swing arm is not dampened properly causing rider to loose control.

The rear spring is calculated for a 200lb rider, now what happens when you throw another 150 lbs or more at it, the spring can no longer work as expected so leverage must be used to accommodate the extra load.

Wow!!!
A fantastic reply, well done

In leymans terms:

Flat = firm and generally for track use. The user manual also states something like this and that taking a passenger while in flat setting is dangerous.

Progressive = softer, everyday and more forgiving. For taking passengers.

if you are 150lbs, consider getting a new spring, only costs $100.

Progressive - softer during initial travel, and stiffen later. So you are less like to fully use the full travel. This is good with a passenger because you don't want to bottom out

Flat is the way to go for most people, it's the original designed usage.

All the 1299's I've seen at the dealers came in the Flat setting from the factory.

Hi can somebody help me I'm looking for the bolt sizes for the bracket that holds the flat and progressive settings not the big bottom one but the other 2 that look the same but one has a nut at the end I was going to change them with titanium .

CARBONDAVE said:

Hi can somebody help me I'm looking for the bolt sizes for the bracket that holds the flat and progressive settings not the big bottom one but the other 2 that look the same but one has a nut at the end I was going to change them with titanium .

Click to expand...

They are both M10 and you'll need to torque them up to 45Nm

Thanks
Would you happen to know the length