Adjusting rear ride height....

[DesmoBob]

Can anyone tell me how difficult this is? Seems near impossible to get a wrench into the area where the adjuster locknuts are; is some disassembly required? I'd appreciate any help here...

[sideways]

This is where it helps to have a few mechanics with assorted tools to choose from. I have adjusted these at the track but don't remember what tools I was using. If you have the means, get it out and disassemble it, then pack the threads with anti-sieze, you will be glad you did in the future.

[DesmoBob]

Yeah, it was a bit tricky, but I got it. Just had to remove the remote preload adjuster and then exercise a little patience. I screwed the adjuster rod out 1 full turn, and saw an improvement in handling and steering response right away...

[Le Kiwi]

Bob, try going up a bit more, I've just modded a Multistrada today, and took her up a full 5mm on the rod length (about 4 turns ?)

I put on a bit more front pre-load after the guy came back smiling, and opened up a bit the rebound on the front, closed it down a touch on the rear, and bumped up the compression damping front and rear.
I am going to drop by 4mm the forks through the yokes, but want him to test it as it is now on roads he's familiar with before I do this, but think this will make it even better. It's only a normal MTS, and doesn't have the öhlins, but I think yours would feel better being a bit higher.
How much rear sag do you have ? (The bike, not the rider... )

[DesmoBob]

Kiwi, haven't measured rear sag yet, but the spring seems surprisingly soft considering my linebacker-like (that's football, BTW ) 150 pound weight, with gear. Right now I have the preload dialed in about 1/3, and the increase in sag with me on board seems, if I was guessing, about 15mm. I did pull the forks up maybe 5mm, and that combined w/ the increase in rear ride height had a good effect on steering.


I agree, I think I could go up a bit more in back; most of the people I've talked to who actually fool around w/ their suspension indicate that the Multi does ride a bit low in back at stock ride height.

I'll have to measure my static and rider sag in the rear; I'll post it when I get an opportunity to do so. The bike's going to the dealer Monday for my Termi/ECU install, so it'll be a while...

BTW, this is the second response from you to my requests for help or advice, and while I hate your politics, I do like the way you write, and it's nice to have guys like you on this board who chime in w/ good advice (when you're not too busy Bush-bashing!).

Thanks for your help. And as an aside, I hope you don't smoke; I hear you're socialist government is very close to telling when you can and can't poop, let alone where you can or can't smoke! (I makey the leetle jokey, oui?)

Cheers,

Bob