Hi all, I'm looking for feedback on the basic (non Ohlins) suspension. Is there a big difference in handling, somehow I doubt it....but better to ask those in the know! Being able to adjust the suspension from the dash/switches doesnt interest me. Once the bike is set up for sag/rebound etc it will be left well alone. Unless the 'cheaper' suspension is under damped or undersprung I assume it performs well. I do like to push on a bit when the mood takes me though, (and have been told the Ohlins spring is a bit soft.) Any problems with fork seals, this used to be a an issue on Ohlins equiped Aprillia.. Feedback welcome, I may go for a 2013 basic model. Skyhook sounds like lots to go wrong and I dont like the idea of suspension that 'feels' different from one corner to the next just because electronic sensors send a signal and change the settings! From what I can gather 2013 has all the abs/traction control etc with better fueling from injection mods and dual spark. So by the time I add heated grips and panniers it leaves close to 2k. Plenty for a proper set up, drop the forks or 'what ever'.
I like your thinking! Hardly ever adjust the suspension on my mutley, except when riding two up! Could have saved a lot of money and used it for refinements! Ohlins front forks have issues (some of them) with clunking noise and need shimming, rear spring a bit soft apparently.
I have the standard suspension and I find it's great - front compression needs cranking up a tad to get rid of too much dive when I first got it and I have firmed up the preload and rebound slightly on the front. Some people upgrade the rear spring which I'm guessing is the same on both models to 100Nm rating - depends on your size I guess. Interesting to hear the spring on the new model has a progressive rating from 80-125Nm I think - something like that anyway. I have ridden an 'S' model and the settings had been tinkered with somewhat but I think the standard suspension handles better than fine.
Having tried both types a few times now the difference is marginal for 1 up riding, i did notice a difference between 1098s and 848 with/without ohlins, the 848 was harsh in comparison, but not a noticeable difference on the multistrada imo.
Ditto Bob's comments. Had my standard suspension set up for me by Alpha Suspension in Leeds and can't fault the handling.
Thanks for the replies. Base 1200 looks like the one for me then. As Ohlins is no longer an option for 2013 anyway (and a dubious 'upgrade' from what I can see as it seems to come with problems) then the difference in cost would pay for any amount of real world suspension tweaking and decent tyres.... As a side. If Skyhook constantly adjusts and levels(?) the suspension, what would be the result of dropping the forks 5mm....would Skyhook then try to adjust back up? Just a thought. Maybe I dont understand the mechanics of it.
I have std model, and as others have said no issues here either, no expensive servos,parts, sensors to go wrong !
I originally ordered the base model with ABS, but took the S due to delivery issues (first batch back in 2010). Having had the Ohlins ECU replaced (thankfully under warranty) at 2 years old and I believe at about £800 (?), it doesn't bode too well for the future as I intended to keep this one for a long time/big miles. As I covered over 4k miles with the failed ECU and the suspension stuck in Sport, I know I would have managed with a single suspension set up (as I did with 11 previous bikes) and could have saved over £2k to boot.
+1 Very happy with STD suspension and have not even had it set-up by a tuner yet. It worked so well out of the crate I just left alone. As I ride 99% 1 up I couldn't see the need and never had any regrets after riding a few S versions. It's interesting that the mood is swinging away from the S on the long term outlook as the possibility of expense outside warranty starts to come into play.
Thats certainly how I view the S, both in Ohlins form and Skyhook. In fact its odds on that resale will swing in favour of the more basic bike as years go on. Just my view, but once its common knowledge about the problems and cost associated without major gains in any area it may become more of a liability for future resales...certainly beyond the 1st 3-4 years anyway.
Hmm not convinced totally with your arguments with regards to the quality - cost and reliability yes but having ridden the diavel using basic suspension and tried a mts with basic, the ohlins has a definitive better smooth feel, whether this factor alone is enough to offset the 2 negatives is subjective....I dont think ducati is the particularly more un-reliable than other makes and things like fuel injection/remote throttle, tracking control, elec. suspension are becoming more and more common, the jury I would say is still out... If you buying a 13-15k machine you must be able to afford to maintain it/keep it, I think thats a bigger more important decision ie. get a jap bike/been out for ages/reliable for commutting etc..not a ducati....just like I would get a nissan instead of a porsche to stop kidding myself, thats just the way the world is, bleeding edge is great, reasonable is ok but boring, and anything lower is just shite but lifes a bitch (ie. getting some cheap ass car for example). bugs
If I go with a 2013 then Ohlins is out anyway. So once set up there would be no difference in 'quality' of suspension as its basically the same, ie valving, springs, fork tubes, seals etc. Its only how it is adjusted. I like feel through the front as well, something I dont think Skyhook will offer in spades from what initial road tests have indicated. So if I decide on improvements, which would only be to improve handling anyway then upgrading the suspension internals would be the way forward? TBH I dont hold Ohlins in awe like some folks as they have a rep for blowing seals,leaking and needing frequent rebuilds. Okay when set up (with correct springs) they work well, but so do Maxton, WP and a host of others that can be built bespoke for a fraction of the cost. Gold and shiney doesnt mean better. As the MTS has long travel suspension compared to my previous bikes (all sports) Im thinking it will be like a magic carpet ride no matter what...
Well, my two pence worth, I've got an 'S' never ridden a standard Multi, BUT the ride quality was one of the reasons I sold my Diavel........I just loved it in most ways but on some of the roads round here I was literally getting thrown out of the seat, bit my tongue twice and felt like my spine was going to pop out through the back of my head. (it's a little harsh)..:wink: Plus one with the above comment as well. i've had a few KTM's, their WP suspension is excellent. But its not Gold. I do like gold forks............
Proper starting to sway towards the standard bike now rather than the S, I will however be doing a lot of mixed one up and two up riding though, will it be a pain on the standard bike to adjust to 2 up suspension?
It'll be no more of a pain than it is on any other bike without electronic suspension and a lot easier than most because the rear adjuster is easy to get at. Seriously; it's dead easy to do and once you've got it sussed regarding what you want to change it'll take a couple of minutes.
from what i hear the last MTS with ohlins have flown out of the door as noones knows what the new system will be like.. personallyn changing regularly from 1 up to 2up fully laden, i must say i like the adjustability.. being on the heavy side i also chenged front and rear internals... and am very happy with it ... this said there cant't be that much difference it a well set up fixed system.
