I like to share, and thought a step by step might help others in the future. But without all your advice I’d be sat in the garage sobbing
Just to help, on the Multisrada main page under Accessory Manuals and in the folder on a Google Drive page. Manual 10 (Multistrada 1200 Workshop Manual) on page 78 tells Front fork adjustment The front fork used on this motorcycle has rebound, compression and spring preload adjustment. This adjustment is done using the outer screw adjusters: 1 For rebound adjustment (both legs); 2 for internal spring preload adjustment (on both legs); 3 For compression adjustment (both legs). REBOUND Put the motorcycle on the side stand and make sure it is stable. Use a slit screwdriver to rotate the adjuster (1). Rotate clockwise (H) to increase the hydraulic damping or counter clockwise (S) to decrease it. The forks must be adjusted in the same way. Each setting on the right leg must be performed also on the left one and vice versa. COMPRESSION Put the motorcycle on the side stand and make sure it is stable. Use a slit screwdriver to rotate the adjuster (2). Rotate clockwise (H) to increase the hydraulic damping or counter clockwise (S) to decrease it. PRELOAD To modify the spring preload work on the hexagon head adjuster (3). Rotate clockwise to increase the spring preload or counter clockwise to decrease it. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS Compression: 1 and a half turns; Rebound: 2 turns; Spring preload: Fully open (counter clockwise). RH.
Thanks for all the help, after finally finding and using the standard settings I’ve decided they’re a little soft for me (even commuting on the crappy roads in Liverpool). After setting the preload for sag (I’m 85kg plus kit), and tweaking the other settings, this is where I’ve ended up (in case anyone else wants to try it). Front Preload 7 full turns out from fully closed Rebound 6 clicks out from fully in Comp 8 clicks out from fully closed Rear Preload 18 clicks from fully closed Comp 1.5 turns out from closed Rebound 8 clicks out from fully closed
Slight thread resurrection but thought I’d share my settings for 2017 1200 DVT Base model. I’m about 85 kg in riding kit and these seem to work for me. Note: stating the bleeding obvious, “closed” means fully wound in clockwise and corresponds to “stiffest”.... Front Rebound (Top screw) Factory = 12 clicks out from closed I’ve settled on 8 clicks Front Compression (Bottom leg screw) Factory = 12 clicks out from closed I’ve settled on 8 clicks Front Preload (14mm Top nut) (NOT the 22mm stated in handbook) Factory setting not specified but mine was 7 full turns out. I settled on 9, ie a little less preload. This still only gave me 40mm static sag, not the 50mm that maths dictates (30% of 170mm travel) but I figure I don’t ever get full travel and there must be some stiction. To be honest, this one’s a guess but seems to work. Rear Rebound (screw on shock) Factory = 9 clicks from closed I’ve settled on 6 Rear Compression (under riders seat) Factory = 1.5 full turns from closed I’ve settled on 1.2 Rear Preload (big knob !) Manual says “18mm”. I believe this is the length of the scale on the knob’s shaft (ooooh errr missus). Per a previous poster, mine was set a full 48 clicks from closed and a mere 7 from fully open (1 click is half a turn). I’ve settled on 24 clicks from closed, giving 42mm (25% of 170mm) static sag. I’ll wind on another few clicks for pillion or luggage. Some of this is a bit trial and error, especially Front Preload but it’s based on numbers posted by other helpful souls, a bit of a web search and how it feels on the road. There’s no substitution for a professional setup but it’s a starter for me. And with exception of Rear Preload, not too far from standard to really screw things up. Final comment - for such an expensive bike from a supposedly sporting brand like Ducati, the manual is really poor. No recommended settings based on rider weight/style, several inaccuracies, and more pages devoted to USB ports than suspension. ‘C’est la vie’ as they say in Italy, probably.
