Hi I currently have a 1200s DVT. Great bike, but still not sure about the Skyhook suspension. My Monster 1200s has Ohlins. My previous Multi 1200 has standard suspension, but I had it set up which made the handling much better. Now I know the Multi isn't a sports bike with that type of handling, but this is my first bike with Skyhook and I'm not convinced when riding in a slightly spirited way. So, Ohlins Pikes Peak owners. Have you noticed the handling and suspension is much improved over the Skyhook? Have thought about the V4, but has Skyhook, so also may look to change for a 1260 PP. Any views welcomed!!
Have you looked at setting up your preload? Lots of us recently discovered how much of an improvement this made.
I have firmed up the rear a bit, but I may have as play around with it. Only a slip of a lad at 12st, 10lb
Humour me. I have a first generation 1200 Multistrada with electronic Ohlins fitted with the Ohlins mechatronic SCU. I have the choice of letting the mechatronic ecu do its thing or I can choose my own settings. Does the Skyhook suspension have a similar capability ? Andy
Not tried the skyhook, but have had 2 bmw gs one S1r and a ktm with electronic suspension. Also 1098s and now 1200r monster both with ohlins. Ohlins is the one imo asit just works. Electric packages always seem to be a compromise. Switching between settings trying to find a seeet spot. Why is the Ohlins more expensive considering the extra sensors and electronic adjusters on the others? Quality of components and manufacture imo. If you dont notice it doing its stuff..it must be working. It is not difficult to increase preliad if needed on the manual suspension to carry a passenger. It can be surprisingly long winded navigating suspension menus for the others.
If my memory is correct & If the mechatronic unit is fitted with everything zeroed, as per how the mech unit instruction states, you shouldn’t be adjusting anything other front spring pre-load & possibly rear spring preload. When I had mech unit on my 11 plate, I zeroed it and that was that. Im sure other members will chime in with assistance.
You missed my point. If you choose, you can set the mechatronic unit to your own settings. I’m perfectly happy to let the unit do its own thing but if the Skyhook has the same ability, the OP doesn’t have to rely on it, he can enter his own settings. Andy
This thread may help if you’ve not already seen it https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threa...d-the-handling-comfort-and-rideability.84972/
The Ohlins gives scalpel like precision over the Skyhook. The latter being something of a jack of all trades but with the clever twist of being semi active, adjusting within parameters on the fly. Additionally you can adjust in a broad stroke by changing riding modes whilst on the road and also finely tune each if these via the menus at a stand still. If you want near sports bike precision and are mainly a solo rider then get the Pikes Peak. If you want versatility and convenience while riding to suit conditions and your mood as well as easy adjustment for pillion, luggage etc. then Skyhook makes sense. I had Sachs Skyhook on my MV Turismo Veloce Lusso and it was very different to that on my 1260s. Far more sports orientated but with the Skyhook convenience. Possibly down to the bike being considerably lighter?
You’re right... I missed that completely.. Age, drugs and a hedonistic lifestyle plays havoc with my ...er, what was I saying.?.
I had the same discussions with KTM and several suspension specialists in the UK about the early 1290 gt. The suspension was always “restless” Felt like every time I hit a bump the suspension setting was different. Not nice mid corner. S1r was ok, probably more because the chassis was sound. But damping characteristics could have been much better. Even the GS, (17 version now but had a 14) it s difficult to find a sweet spot. Either a bit soft or a bit hard. Back to the ktm, it always felt like the ktm was a nearly bike, if it came with quality manually adjustable suspension, it would have been superb. Instead of compromised. Had a 2013 Multi with standard suspension, was able to fit cartridge inserts. Electronics just complicate things but not in a good way. Often think that the bike I wanted was another 2013 Multi, but with improved quality and Ohlins back and front.
@mrH I have both a Monster 1200R and a MTS 1260 Pikes Peak. Both with manual Ohlins and light forged Marchesini wheels. I would say the Multi Pikes Peak handles slightly better than the Monster but I may have to attribute that to the leverage offered by the wider handlebars. When the Multi is in for service, I'm offered a MTS 1200S courtesy bike. Consequently I have ridden a 1200S demo and my Multi 1260 Pikes Peak back to back several times. The Pikes Peak's handling is on another level. When counter-steering from side to side. It feels 100lb lighter. It could be the Ohlins but most likely the lighter forged wheels. Maybe both.
I’ve written this up for people a few times on the forum now. You can get a lot out of the skyhook suspension, the fantastic thing about it is push button adjustment. Before heading down the Ohlins route I suggest you read the thread I posted regarding adjusting suspension etc. West Cork Paul posted a link above. I have to say I haven’t ridden a PP with Ohlins but I do have a Monster S with Ohlins and a Panigale with Ohlins + Marchesini light weight wheels. All of them were weaving slightly when pushed in long sweeping bends. The Multistrada was worst. Even going round a tight roundabout could be like going round a 50pence piece, if you get my description. Now it is definitely like a sports bike. I was going to sell it but now it’s sorted combined with the new V4 looking like Ugly Betty, I’ve decided to hang onto it and spend the money Ducati could have had on modding it. I’m very, very happy with it now, it goes round bends like it’s on rails. I don’t feel the need to upgrade to a PP ( which I was considering). The thing I like about the skyhook is I can reset it really easily if I decide to take my Mrs on the pillion. Then when I’m solo again it’s back to being a sports bike. Here’s a short round up of my findings: By the sounds of it you’ve already set the forks pre-load but here’s what I suggest you try. 1. Check the pre-load again. It’ll literally take 5 mins. Wind it out all the way counter clockwise. Then, for your weight, wind it clockwise 5.5 turns. 2. Electronically set your load to 2 up no luggage, not solo. 3. Check your tyre pressures, V important, most people never do it regularly enough. 4. Ride it and flick between sport and touring on the fly. General consensus of opinion seems to be sport is a bit firm for British bumpy roads but touring mode is good for most of the time. When you’re putting on the pace, up it to sport. Mine now handles like it’s on rails and weave is a thing of the past. Other things I’ve done: Fit Metzeler M9RR’s. Flicking side to side is now a real joy. I put an Akra full system on, it transformed the engine. Now it breathes and I can do 20,30, or ‘excuse me sir’ with ease... in fact too easily. Also the weight improvement slightly helps handing. Drop the forks through the yokes a few mm. Lastly, put one of my comfort seats on. All day comfort and the contact with the bike talks to you more.You’re just more in touch with the bike. If you don’t believe me, come and see me and try my seat. It’s better, otherwise I wouldn’t rave about it on here. Good luck and enjoy it but let us know how you get on.
My first Multi was a 2008 1100s with full Ohlins, which I still have. Having had every Multi in between, I now ride a 1260 PP. My ideal Multi would be a 2014 PP with full manual Ohlins. If anyone knows how to disable the Sachs Skyhook, and which Ohlins will fit in the forks, I would be VERY interested.
Ok, so obviously not having read the owners manual, I am now enlightened. I didn't realise I could adjust the front fork. I wrongly thought both adjusted were via Skyhook. The setting was on 0.5 turns!! No wonder I was unhappy with the jittery front end. Now adjusted to 5.5 turn and firmed up the settings and solo plus bag. Rear set to 18 preload. A few miles to test it out resulted in the bike feeling very different in a positive way. You have saved me several £1000s because it feels much more like I was hoping for and the PP may have to wait! Much less dive on the front and the rear feels firmer. Thanks for the advice and the link to the other thread, which was excellent!
Glad it helps. Play around with the skyhook, you can feel the difference quite easily. Drop it into urban mode and it lowers the back end...making it easier to get on and off.
Skyhook v Ohlins In a nutshell, the main features can be summarized as follows: Skyhook: Convenient, easy to understand, adjustable on-the-fly. Ohlins: Independent three-way adjustments ( compression, rebound and preload), superior dampening components and serviceability.
