Still reading all I can before I commit to a new shape multistrada - still don't know if I should get an S or a base? my point being is that after riding various bikes over the years including Ducatis none of them had skyhook suspension so If I buy a base will I really be missing out and is Skyhook just something else to possibly go wrong - all that I've researched points to the fun of an S model but the base is just as good if not better than the old Multistrada already without skyhook - what do you think - base model is for experienced riders and the S is for less so? Paul
Skyhook is not really necessary, obviously. We have all managed without it for all these years ... ... but it is a great thing to have, so if you can afford it - go for it. I don't regret getting it.
I still love my old model ohlins semi active suspension with Ohlins upgrade ECU, and really glad I went for this option over base when I bought it However a real benefit of the electronic suspension I find is when taking a passenger or luggage where you can just change settings to suit and it really does make a difference to the handling and ride I think if you are going to take a pillion, tour, but still want to chase sports bikes. I think I would go for it and get the S model, im sure you will appreciate the benefits over base model If its just for you and you stay to a similar riding style im sure the base would be fine
I don't know how you are measuring reliabilty but my S Ohlins with upgraded SCU have been faultless in all modes since the SCU was launched. My advice to the OP is that be it Sachs active or Ohlins semi active suspension it is a major improvement over the base model if and it is a big if, you ride a variety of styles and engine modes. If you only ever ride one particular style, you may be better off spending the money on a profession suspension set up with the original. Andy
I would not get a Multi if it did not have skyhook, it makes a huge difference when you are really short. It is ideal for touring, and if you go 2 up to just change everything at a flick of a switch. The New system has many variations you can set, to adjust to suit the roads etc. I find it excellent as well on rough bumpy roads like we have in many places in the UK.
The multistrada in the S version is a vanguard in technologies fused in a motorcycle. And skyhook is a very important part of the quick transformation of the bike to four completely different bikes with the press of a button. So not having it is like cropping a piece out of the technology integration. And the price difference is not a real problem since the base MTS is one of the most expensive motorcycles anyway.
The old expression about spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar springs to mind. The unique selling proposition of the MTS DVT is all the latest and fanciest technology going. That's what you pay for, that's what you get, and it works. If you were going for the vanilla version, surely you might as well get something else.
Even my wife can tell when I adjust the ohlins & mechatronic, on the fly. That's how good these systems are. We get to bumpy roads and changing it into another mode makes the world of difference. I live in sport mode, except in the rain (more confidence if the suspension is more forgiving) and with the wife. Being able to do that on the fly with no tools is worth the bikes weight in gold.
Agreed. Whilst the benefits of the Mechatronics are marginal for a well set-up bike running solo, it makes adapting to pillion and varying loads and roads etc trivial, which is a godsend. I have Sport, Touring and Enduro modes set to use Mechatronics damping and Urban set to my manual settings for Fast Road, bleedin' bumpy Road and Wet Track. I will say (and about to post separately on this) that, having just ridden a DVT Skyhook machine, I did not feel that I was getting the same feedback from the road that I do from my Öhlins-equipped '10. Anyone else made the same comparison and reached similar or differing conclusions?
I test rode both the ohlins and skyhook versions. The ohlins was such a supple ride, and seemed to offer great feedback and road holding . The skyhook seems very harsh in comparison , although when pushing, offers a tauter ride with less bar movement or weaving. The bit of weaving on the ohlins never worried me at all, whereas I tend to back off a tad when the skyhook has a little weave. This only happens when making very good progress. In short, the ohlins offers a far more comfortable ride, but skyhook can change settings in an instant.
I reckon most still don't know how to set up a skyhook The dvt is like a carpet of air in comparison, although I find it has more dive but in terms of plush, boy its plush
I had both bikes for a year and the ohlin with Mechatronic was awesome, but the the PP 13 with skyhook was a huge step forward*. *subject to the correct manual front spring pre-load being applied to both bikes. You need to identify the front spring preload range which is 15 complete turns approximately on the electronic Ohlins and 10 complete turns on skyhook? Then adjust for your weight. The compression and rebound is electronic, however the front preload requires a spanner.....ON ALL Multistrada. 2010 to 2015. To be fair I must add that I did uprate both the rear and front springs on the 2010 MTS1200S to allow my slim 18.5 stone frame to sit nicely with the preload set low, then wound it up for luggage and pillion.
where I think most have an issue is that the bike is designed to work within a range if travel. So, if it runs too soft, it will add compression to keep it in the range under load and use. So, it makes the ride firm. If you ip the preload so the sag is in the right range, or the spring if you cant get there std, then the suspension can work properly and maintain its composure Ironically, I think most soften it as its a harsh ride that then accentuates the issue
First thing I do on a bike is set the sag properly - gets the suspension into its proper working range so that you can use just the right amount of compression and rebound. When someone complains to me about their bike riding like a plank, I can usually cash in a small bet that they've been playing with damping settings but not preload (or they've just wound preload up the max and then had to push damping up to match). What I'm not yet sure of is how much manual override of base settings is possible on the DVT - I think you've just partially answered that. What then about the rear preload on the DVT?
