With things hopefully looking up on the job front I may finally start looking for a low mileage 1200 ABS multistrada over winter in the hope of picking up a good deal. Obviously budget dictates buying 2nd hand, although I've seen decent priced S & Touring versions I think I'd rather stay away from the electronic ohlins as quite simply it'd put me off the road if I had to pay to fix any problems with it. It's simply not worth the risk to me what with enough things like porous heads and the like to worry about. With that said I wondered what options there are for upgrades to the ABS models forks and rear shock and what existing owners had done. i presume you can buy upgraded internals for the forks and of course rear springs set for weight and adjustability etc, but what have you guys done and what's been the cost? replacing the forks for a full Set of ohlins is out of the question, I'd be looking for the best options for setting up fast road riding and best bang for buck on upgraded cartridges/ springs. am I looking £500? £750? Less, more?
Hi damodici, I bought an abs 2013 bike ,and having test ridden the skyhook model i find the suspension ok , its a similar all up weight to the pikes peak due to less gismos, for an average weight rider a pro setting up is probably enough, unless you can sort it yourself, and it depends how fast and what roads, the rear will show its limits first but at that point your licence will be the biggest concern,, forest
Hi I have had the suspension setup for me and my preferred riding style, which is more weekend twisty stuff than touring. Total cost - £65. All of the settings were changed and firmed up and it feels good on the original suspension. Replacing the suspension is obviously a different option, but for info.
Cheers both. You see I've only ever ridden an S model as not many dealers had abs versions on demo, I can't even really find an online review about the abs model as everybody went wild for the electronic versions to start with. Ill be going on another test ride before making my mind up but even that's likely to be on a skyhook so it's not a like for like comparison. if the stock stuff is ok and adjustable enough then I'd give that a go first and probably have it set up by ktech as they're not that far from me. I just wondered if there was a popular upgrade that's all. anything else I need to know about 2011/2012 abs models?
I've not felt the need to upgrade mine so far. Its supple without being too soft. The only thing i would like to change if its possible, is to stop the long dive on the forks when braking very hard. Its not a big issue as you shouldn't need to brake that hard except in an emergency.
Its a fine balance isn't it, keeping it comfortable but getting rid of the dive etc i guess that's why I wondered about new internals and the like as I'm quite heavy at 16st but I guess being a ducati they're set up harder are they?
I think i would say its firm but compliant. Certainly not hard. I had to have my 748 forks revalved as it felt they were way too harsh for road use and it works a treat. But whatever you do there is a compromise somewhere. I reckon a quality specialist could make the forks dive a lilttle less.
Damo, I used to think the suspension on my S4Rs was terrible, despite my suspension guy saying that it was one of the best that Ducati had put together straight out of the box. Then I lost a couple of stone. The difference in the bike is incredible. Less dive, more feedback, more control. The more Ducatis I ride, the more I'm convinced that they're pretty good right out of the box. If you're in the correct weight window. Not trying to be rude or provocative, just providing my opinion based on my experience!
Front and rear resprung & revalved by MCT, because I'd have to have limbs removed and a foot width taken out of my upper torso for Jerry's method to be of any use. Cost me about £400-ish IIRC.
damodici you have 4st on me! I have a 2013 model and the chap at Peak Performance, Exeter, stated they don't get the Multi setup right from the factory. Front still dives a bit, but overall the suspension is firmer, which i prefer. All down to riding style and what you want to use the bike for I guess. Apparently the suspension is good but needs tweaking. Either way, i did 1700 miles before getting the suspension done and IT IS A GREAT MACHINE in standard setup! Enjoy.
I'd like to point out here I'm 6ft 3 and pretty broad, still only a 34" waist and 46" chest.... Eg, I'm not a huge tubber im just a big bloke... Honestly guvnor
I have put 11,000km so far on my 2013 Multi ABS. The standard suspension is fantastic. I weigh 100kg, and I have been able to set the sag properly with just preload adjustment, no other changes made, and the ride is really very good. I would definitely see how you find it first for a few months before even considering changing anything.
Would everybody say the abs models are more reliable by default? In other words because they don't have the electronic suspension and associated problems?
Yes I agree that the Ohlins electronics can be an issue (one that has cost me dearly), however I believe that the suspension is superb when it works (which is 99.999% of the time). With the electronic Mechatronics it's really good. Just google Skyhook vs Ohlins. I'm 7000miles in now on the updated module and with the new rear shock, no concerns. Well one, FTR still haven't fixed the original rear failed shock' despite arranging the parts last August. I've called a few times today, but not managed to speak to who I need to chase. I've upgraded the springs back and front on mine by 3 increaments. I now ride it with no pre-load...and this keeps my much lighter brother off the machine :biggrin:
If you can manage the budget there is a bargain in the bikes for sale section, £11K for an S-model with Ohlins and only a few miles.
Hi Damodici, the abs model standard setting has front pre load backed off to the stop, so loads of room to take up extra weight, there is plenty left at the rear to allow for passenger so you should be able to get the correct loaded sag, using a bit of back brake stops the sudden dive, travel is compliance which is good for bumpy rough roads, for me quite a capable set up,,as allready mentioned, Forest
It's well worth getting suspension set up by a professional , had mine done recently and the difference was noticeable straight away, if set up correct they will dial out any diving , I had to have a beefed up rear spring fitted to suit my weight & touring set up, ie two up and full luggage weight, total cost £145. Mines a non abs std bike.
I had the stiffer rear spri g fitted to the ohlins. It has been to e with no issues over 20k+ miles, until August when the hydraulic preload ate one of its o rings. the cost to rebuild this was 100 quid by Steve Jordans. you can also adjust the spring perch position, so you can easily(ish) add an extra mm or two.
