Skyhook - What's the verdict?

I thought it was a good film, nice to see the DB5 back in action... :biggrin:

 

Overall its an improvement, there is less dive when braking and its more stable, the local bypass has ridges every 100yds or so and on the 10 it used to bounce you around quite a bit on the on the 13 skyhook the ridges are barely noticeable, the front end is a lot firmer but this can be tweaked to your own preference. Haven't tried it with a pillion but with full luggage its a lot smoother. I was going to Portugal in October but domestics screwed that up otherwise I could have given a long run resume.
The riding modes still the same just the wording has changed, it used to say, close throttle, it now says, close throttle and release brakes, can still get weave when into three figures but that could be the way I ride it.
Overall yes its an improvement whether its worth the extra only time will tell, probably the best test is to test ride one on routes you are familiar with and that will give you a better indication.

 

I have only ridden the skyhooked multi so can not compare to previous versions. No horror stories here, coming from a sports bike background I am v impressed with the feel when braking, tipping into corners etc.

As for the four riding modes, never seen a reason to use the lower two, pretty much always in Touring apart from when out with bro on his R6, then put in Sports to really rub it in ........

 

I've had a 2012 Ohlins and now have a 2013 Skyhook and would take the Skyhook every time.

 

Now have 11+K miles on a 2013 Touring S with Skyhook and have had no problems at all. No Gears on the Sachs its all valve gizmos so seems more reliable, the mode setups are the same as Ohlins and it cant be turned off but when in Sports mode solo (i.e. Track) it does not use the Skyhook sensors, it just stiffens the whole set up and IMHO is then better than the Ohlins. Not found the "lag" factor an issue on either bike - if you have time to switch modes when riding then a couple of seconds delay should not be a problem. It pays to play with the Pre-load settings to get it set up right, especially when riding solo. Skyhook seems to come into its own when 2 up or with luggage. I think that solo it is as good as the Ohlins set up. When I first had the 2013 bike I found I was going into corners a little bit faster than before due to the fact that it takes the feel out of the road and hence you go quicker. The pre-load helped, I run mine on +10 on the front and that gives me more feel from the road. In Sports Mode it is great on track, very good feedback and almost no braking dive, huge fun. Is it worth it? Overall yes - but a well set up Ohlins bike would be just as good for solo riding, for 2 up and / or luggage go with the Skyhook.
Hope that helps

 

skyhook is 2013 model with Sachs semi active suspension, the a Ohlins kit was dropped for 2013.

however, Ohlins have since released an aftermarket upgrade that works in line with everything on the Multi S (2010-2012)

read here - Öhlins Releases a Semi-Active Suspension Upgrade for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S – But, What’s Next?

 

2013 Touring S Multi went from Ohlins to Sachs Suspension for the Skyhook System, so change of supplier. Later on Ohlins came out with an ECU upgrade to make the Ohlins "Semi-Active". Others on here have experience with the "upgraded" Ohlins but I can comment on how that is standing up to everyday use.

 

TBH I think the biggest gain on the Skyhook bikes is the Twin Spark engine with the improved injection also

 

I have a 2010 ABS with suspension set up for solo by Baines Racing. I managed to take a GT Skyhook down to Portugal in June and the Skyhook does work very well. It felt a little dead but at the same time just dealt with everything thrown at it. I think like ABS and traction control, it is a further safety feature that will probably be on the shopping list next time.

BUT when I got back on my much lighter (exhaust changed also) 2010, I still loved it and gladly did not feel the justification to change right now and will run it for maybe another 2-3 years. In time for the next upgrade?

2013 - The brakes, engine (low end smoothness) and headlight are also much improved. Another big advantage over mine is that it's probably 48-50mpg VS mines 39-41mpg. Good luck with your choice.

 

im looking at 2010/2011/2012 abs models so to steer clear of the electronic stuff , I'd feel happier having good old fashioned suspension and set up for my style.

have you had the internals changed out on the abs forks or rear spring upgraded?

i can't seem to find much online for fork upgrades for them that's all

 

I have a 2010s with the ohlins ECU update, and a CJS remap, I may be slightly biased here but having ridden the skyhook version against mine I felt my bike had a smoother throttle response than the twin spark engine, Chris has done a great job, money well spent, as regards to the Skyhook system I haven't really ridden the bike long enough to figure out the improvement over my ohlins bike. All I can say is the ECU update is a definite improvement and I like Kirky am very happy with mine and wouldn't consider upgrading for quite a while yet.

Hope this helps.

 

ECU upgrade is a simple plug in upgrade to the suspension ECU to convert the standard ohlins suspension to semi active suspension, sort of a half way house to the Skyhook system. Not as sophisticated as the Skyhook but to me it is a definite improvement over the original and only costs around £250.