Suspension wires - yuck

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Alf

Joined
Oct 21, 2012
Messages
234
Location
Los Angeles
i don't suppose that on future models there would be a way to eliminate the need for ugly wires to stick out from the tops of fork tubes? most things can be made wireless nowadays but sticking a transceiver inside a fork tube may be a bit of a stretch.
 
im sure that could be done, but the S cost $23k, not $32k for a reason. they have to make it cost effective for mass production
 
+1. And I've already heard one story locally here of a malfunction with the DES that caused a crash (minor). Having a wireless system just complicates things unnecessarily. If the Tri had an option for non-DES I would've gone that route personally.
 
+1. And I've already heard one story locally here of a malfunction with the DES that caused a crash (minor). Having a wireless system just complicates things unnecessarily. If the Tri had an option for non-DES I would've gone that route personally.

it's unlikely that malfunction DES is the cause of crash, as far as i understand, when it malfunctions, you just cant adjust it, but the damping/rebounce should not be affected
and if i remember correctly, there is already a conversion kit for change the rear shock to non-DES
 
i don't suppose that on future models there would be a way to eliminate the need for ugly wires to stick out from the tops of fork tubes? most things can be made wireless nowadays but sticking a transceiver inside a fork tube may be a bit of a stretch.

Wireless information transfer is one thing - but we are still some way from sorting wifi electricity distribution.
The wires to the fork tubes supply electrical current to stepper motors which turn the clickers (sans click), but if we crack that then we can work on the wireless starter motor !

;)
Cheers,
P
 
While the DES may make suspension adjustments slightly "easier" and is quite "blingy" ultimately it is kind of pointless in my book, just technology for the sake of technology really. Ducati realized that many that buy these bikes aren't really comfortable messing with the clickers, and they cater to that customer.. The BMW HP4 active damping is another thing as that makes its adjustments without rider direction, but the DES is just a slightly easier way of adjusting your own suspension.. The funny thing is I can adjust the shock on my 1199 base far quicker than you can with the DES. I bet its the same with the forks too, by the time you get through all the menus you haven't really saved much time at all. I personally like making my own adjustments, its satisfying when you make a change and the bike feel and corners better. Also yes the wires are hideous looking!
 
Yes but you can't change setting on the go! Wait till you try it, it's brilliant.
 
Yes but you can't change setting on the go! Wait till you try it, it's brilliant.

x2. It's actually pretty groundbreaking when you realise what it let's you do with bike setup.
 
The wires to the fork tubes supply electrical current to stepper motors ...

excellent point! i totally didn't even think about that aspect of it. i guess the ugly wires are here to stay then.
 
Wires that stick out dont bother me at all. The ease of suspension adjustment is simply awesome. Those who have the "S" and "Tri" know...show how the system works to a Base 1199 model owner and he will agree on the simplicity of the DES system.

Its a brilliant move...really!
 
I've ridden the S and whilst DES is good I'm not sure I'd really use it. From memory I believe you can have a different setup for each riding mode, (Race/Sport/Wet) which means you could change it quite quickly if you hit a particularly bumpy piece of road. The other advantage is you know exactly how many clicks are wound in, doesn't rely on memory! For road riding though I tend to get a good setup and leave it alone.

DES will soon be obscelete anyway with the introduction of semi active suspension, in Ducati's case Skyhook which is being rolled out on the Multistrada, I believe we'll see it on the Panigale in 2014.
 
Well with the diverse range of roads we have, it is a god send, I scroll through my suspension maps constantly. Compared to my 1098R which I have set for nice smooth roads the 1199 is simply a revelation.

If you don't like the current simple DES system, then you won't embrace the skyhook system.

Personally I cannot understand anyone who would not go with this on an 1199, but I guess that is why we have choices.

Oh, and I love explaining what those "ugly" little wires are to the never ending inquisitive types who want to ask questions, tell them they are electronic suspension and they all go....cool. So who cares what they look like. It works.
 
Some guy looking at my bike told me the "ugly" wires would get in the way of the spanner if I adjusted the suspension :D:D
 
SPJDES said:
DES will soon be obscelete anyway with the introduction of semi active suspension, in Ducati's case Skyhook which is being rolled out on the Multistrada, I believe we'll see it on the Panigale in 2014.

ah, something to look forward to.
 
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While the DES may make suspension adjustments slightly "easier" and is quite "blingy" ultimately it is kind of pointless in my book, just technology for the sake of technology really. Ducati realized that many that buy these bikes aren't really comfortable messing with the clickers, and they cater to that customer.. The BMW HP4 active damping is another thing as that makes its adjustments without rider direction, but the DES is just a slightly easier way of adjusting your own suspension.. The funny thing is I can adjust the shock on my 1199 base far quicker than you can with the DES. I bet its the same with the forks too, by the time you get through all the menus you haven't really saved much time at all. I personally like making my own adjustments, its satisfying when you make a change and the bike feel and corners better. Also yes the wires are hideous looking!


Well you have not convinced me. I agree the wires are not pretty and I noticed it for about 5 mnutes and now do not give it a second thought.

I disagree that you can adjust stuff quicker than I can using a menu. Once you know the menu it only literally takes 30 seconds to change.

Our electronic adjustments are just as satisfying on a test ride. Its just easier and quikcer than on a base model.
 
I think the BMW HP4 electronics cover on the left fork leg is better looking than the rubber boots, but the Duc version is not that bad.
13-bmw-hp4-s1000rr-13.jpg
 

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