DDC adjusted for your weight

[richy170]

Hi I take delivery of my 2015 bike in a few weeks and have been reading through the forum threads in preparation. A big thumbs up for the way you guys and gals help each other.
i have read in several threads that the DDC is set for someone of 85 Kilos. I weigh 102 kilos without ank kit on so that's going to add on another 10 at least. Do I need the dealer to adjust it to my weight at the very start?

 

[fast_ryan]

Dynamic Damping Control

To get the most from the DDC system you need to accurately set front and rear preload to compensate for weight. You can do this yourself by following the instructions in the Owner's Manual which describes the process rather aptly. Setting preload is required as a starting point for any further suspension adjustments so getting this aspect right is very important. That said do not be to overly concerned with the relationship between weight and suspension setup. For perspective two riders on the same bike who are the same height and weight will need different spring rates and valving based on their riding style. A rider who is much stronger on the brakes will require a greater spring rate and will have a stiffer setup. A rider who is better at carrying higher corner speed will usually have a softer setup and a lighter spring but may require increased ride height to maximise mechanical grip at full lean angle. Suspension set-up therefore varies significantly from one rider to another due to a whole host of variables. The key to understanding suspension set-up is being able to identify what the bike is doing beneath you and more importantly what it is preventing you from doing. Setting preload is a good starting point but note that suspension set-up is all about trial and error particularly with DDC so the best advice is to get out and experiment to find what works best for you.

 

[oldwobbler]

Plus 1 to that. Also give the suspension a few hundred miles to bed in before making any adjustments..

 

[cally1066]

I'm the same weight as you and I now run +1 all round for fast road after lots of messing

 

[GixxerChuck]

Kind of agree with the above .... but ..... Spring preload is about setting the suspension "start point". This would be roughly the same for everyone I.e the sag. This then places the fork (or shock) in its mid point allowing it to operate effectively. The heavier you are the more preload needed, and may require a stronger spring to achieve it. Going to speak to my dealer next weekend about the sag settings in the manual and also get the Calib fail sorted.

 

[soofsayer]

Hi I take delivery of my 2015 bike in a few weeks and have been reading through the forum threads in preparation. A big thumbs up for the way you guys and gals help each other.
i have read in several threads that the DDC is set for someone of 85 Kilos. I weigh 102 kilos without ank kit on so that's going to add on another 10 at least. Do I need the dealer to adjust it to my weight at the very start?

Yes, from factory it is set for 85kgs rider with kit on.

As per other comments, you can set up the preload yourself (or with a friend helping it is easier) by following the simple steps in the manual. I would strongly recommend setting up the preload correctly based on your weight with your kit on (including helmet), the DDC will work better if you do.

 

[mibridger]

Have you tried the calibration with the bike on the side stand ?

Although in the manual it states using sidestand or accessory (paddock) stand, on mine it fails on the paddock stand but calibrates correctly on the side stand.

Cheers,

Mark.

Kind of agree with the above .... but ..... Spring preload is about setting the suspension "start point". This would be roughly the same for everyone I.e the sag. This then places the fork (or shock) in its mid point allowing it to operate effectively. The heavier you are the more preload needed, and may require a stronger spring to achieve it. Going to speak to my dealer next weekend about the sag settings in the manual and also get the Calib fail sorted.

 

[cally1066]

I just hold my bike up straight and calabrate it

 

[bananaman]

Just had my sags etc set, apparently once it's done you take the weight of the bike when calibrating and then let it settle

 

[fast_ryan]

DDC System Calibration

For calibration just leaving it on the sidestand is more than sufficient. I've calibrated mine numerous times now having made quite a few adjustments to front and rear preload. Each time I've calibrated the system the bike has been on the sidestand and I've not had any issues to date.

 

[bananaman]

If, IF, the right way is too take the weight off the bike to allow natural settlement then leaving it on the side stand will not give a correct reading as is the sag etc is not set on the side stand but with the bike upright. Probably being a bit picky....Maybe that's why calibration is failing in some instances?

 

[GixxerChuck]

I've tried paddock stand, side stand, holding it up, sitting on it, engine running and engine off and always get calib fail

 

[fast_ryan]

DDC System Calibration

I just followed the instructions in the manual and I've have never had any issues with calibration. Each time it displays 'CALIB DONE' almost immediately.

 

[soofsayer]

It might be different with the HP4, in my manual the ddc recalibration is only referred to as being required when the suspension linkage is changed, nothing about doing it when the preload/sag is set.

My manual also states to use the side stand or any other suitable auxiliary stand when doing the ddc re-alignment. Bit vague tbh, as a paddock stand lifting up the rear would interfere...

 

[TheFlymo]

Was everyone's rear preload set on absolute minimum from the factory (i.e. you can't back the adjuster out any further)? Mine was, which I suspect is a build oversight. With another 4.5 turns on the adjuster the sag is about right, and the bike feels much better for my 90-odd Kg.

Might be worth checking first anyway. Can't see a "default" adjuster setting in the manual anywhere.

 

[mibridger]

Yes, mine had less than half a turn from fully soft both front and rear.

i think mine is too hard as it seems to be more compliant with a passenger, will see as we are going to the TT tomorrow.

with 1600 miles I still think the suspension is settling in, should be done when we get back from the island.