Suspension settings for noobs

Just sharing for those new to suspension stuff....

So I know there's a lot of talk about the DES settings but I've found that as a heavier than average ride I've had to make some more fundamental changes using pre-load at the front and an entirely new spring at the rear.

The hype about DES made me think that that would be all I ever needed to get the bike set up for me.....so this is for anyone he thought that and isn't an 'average' weight.

When I rode the BMW s1000rr I was struck by how planted it felt, and nothing I seemed to do with DES made the Panigale feel as good but I refuse to believe that this beautiful machine can't feel even better...so the hunt is on!

I changed the rear spring from 0.9 to 1.0 and there was a definite improvement, minimal squat under hard acceleration and good tracking in corners but something was still bugging me and affecting my confidence.

Anyway playing with the preload on the front this weekend has revealed part of the solution. Stiffening up the front with preload made a big difference, especially on longer sweepers and when coming of the gas in any sort of turn, the bike generally feels more planted.

I'm going to try just dropping the forks by 3mm next week, which will slow the turn in a little but I think it will add to the planted feel. Certainly worth a go and I'll report on the effect but playing with preload has certainly been worth while.

NB carefully unclip the DES connectors to the forks before adjusting preload. Be careful the little white clip is fairly delicate.

Mind me asking a) is a 1.0 spring the highest you can get for the Ohlins? and b) how heavy are we talking here?

I don't think it's the heaviest by any means, there are at least a couple of heavier I believe. My specialist picked the spring particularly for my weight 107kg. Apparently stock is set up for 85kg or thereabouts. Hope that helps.

It does - thanks

I'm about 18 Kg heavier than you so I'll probably have to change out the spring(s)

Thanks for the info

-Marco

If its any consolation the tech seemed very sure we could get the front sorted without replacing anything

I am 118kg without kit and also had my bike set up professionally. In my case there was a lot of change in ride height, preload, rebound etc, but I still have the stock springs.

I've got a history of wanting my bikes to ride pretty firm, I reckon I could have got away without changing the rear spring but It was making the rear stiff rather than firm, the new spring gave me more flexibility. Ultimately I guess it's how and where you ride, and personal preference! The roads here in country Oz are pretty crap so you don't want the suspension to be at the limits of its adjustment. I wish we had a few alpine roads like the ones I used to take through from France to Italy! I guess the point that we've both made, and what comes through in most magazine reviews (as the journos ride the bike for the 2nd or 3rd time are generally acknowledging) is that the bike really needs a careful setup to get the best out of it.

WAfatboy said:

I've got a history of wanting my bikes to ride pretty firm, I reckon I could have got away without changing the rear spring but It was making the rear stiff rather than firm, the new spring gave me more flexibility. Ultimately I guess it's how and where you ride, and personal preference!

I guess the point that we've both made, and what comes through in most magazine reviews (as the journos ride the bike for the 2nd or 3rd time are generally acknowledging) is that the bike really needs a careful setup to get the best out of it.

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+1

Yeah, I'm in Oz now so I can sympathize. When I move back to the CA canyons at Xmas tho..... Those roads are like a racetrack! Good to know I should be able to get decent suspension out of the stock system.

My son has an R6 that I love to ride - it's all stock (suspension) and works great for me, even at the track....

I am the same weight as you. I am noticing the bike beginning to squat under launch in the back as well. What size spring are you ordering?

Marcoma said:

It does - thanks

I'm about 18 Kg heavier than you so I'll probably have to change out the spring(s)

Thanks for the info

-Marco

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I think I remember you had a 1098 as well before. Did it feel more stable? My 1199 felt amazing the first 2000 miles now its beginning to loose its composure! What did you setting is your preload, ride height, rebound now?

Marcbc said:

I am 118kg without kit and also had my bike set up professionally. In my case there was a lot of change in ride height, preload, rebound etc, but I still have the stock springs.

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I reckon the bikes the same as it always was but now you're riding it harder! I didn't notice the issues until I passed the run in period and got my confidence up out of town!

Vicious said:

I think I remember you had a 1098 as well before. Did it feel more stable? My 1199 felt amazing the first 2000 miles now its beginning to loose its composure! What did you setting is your preload, ride height, rebound now?

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Nope, never had a 1098. Other than 2 Monsters for about 9 months in 2004, this is my first Ducati.

I will post my settings when I get home and have access to the records etc.

Thought some of you might find this useful. I am a noob at suspension set up. Figured I would take my bike this weekend to have it dynoe'd and set up, but this video helped if you have a friend handy to help measure. Seems straight forward: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9yQylk1heI&feature=plcp

Vicious said:

I am the same weight as you. I am noticing the bike beginning to squat under launch in the back as well. What size spring are you ordering?

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Dunno yet - haven't even taken delivery of the bike yet. I'm just trying to get all my ducks in a row for when I do.

I looked into it for my MV and 1.1 or 1.2 was the recommended rate....

elitesoldier357 said:

Thought some of you might find this useful. I am a noob at suspension set up. Figured I would take my bike this weekend to have it dynoe'd and set up, but this video helped if you have a friend handy to help measure. Seems straight forward: Motorcycle Suspension- Setting Sag - YouTube

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Yep, I know Dave Moss personally and he knows his stuff. He knows the 1199 well too as he's set up a few at the track including a couple race ones so hit him up via email and he's usually pretty responsive if he's not at the track. He's also a solid and active racer so what he preaches actually gets put to practice.
Cheers

I'm out of ideas to get front (and the bike overall) to feel how I want.

I turned the blue 1 1/4 nut 6 full rotations clockwise, which I understood from another thread meant that it would make the front firmer but even so it still doesn't feel completely planted. I've played with every DES setting and variation therein.

I am booked in for a ground up suspension setting soon so hopefully ill get it sorted by a professional. Don't really want to valve the front having already replaced the rear spring.

WAfatboy said:

I'm out of ideas to get front (and the bike overall) to feel how I want.

I turned the blue 1 1/4 nut 6 full rotations clockwise, which I understood from another thread meant that it would make the front firmer but even so it still doesn't feel completely planted. I've played with every DES setting and variation therein.

I am booked in for a ground up suspension setting soon so hopefully ill get it sorted by a professional. Don't really want to valve the front having already replaced the rear spring.

Click to expand...

What are your sag numbers currently front and rear, both unloaded and loaded? That's always the first place to start with a suspension setup, nothing else matters until the sag is in the ballpark, you can chase damping and ride height settings until the cows come in without solving anything.

Hey Jarel - not sure what the numbers are currently. I did have the rear sag set and that's what I'm going in to do soon for front and rear (again). - I agree DES is really just for fine tuning not solving fundamental problems.

I'm 107kg without gear - do you have a magic formula?

Very informative video, I too am a noob at suspension, thanks.