Suspension help please!

Most Italian bikes tend to come from the Factory preloaded at the rear for 2 up riding (it's popular in Italy to ride 2 up). Ducati's are so firm as delivered at the rear it's like there is no suspension. By having so much rear preload it will pitch you forward on the brakes and generally load the front as that is where all of your weight transfer is going to. Your weight goes in the direction of least resistance.

First thing is to set the rider sag (you on bike in gear). You may need some help to sit on it whilst taking a measurement. You are generally looking to balance the sag front to rear on the bike so it rides level and the suspension preload is matched at both ends. As the front has more travel you will have more sag on the front to keep the bike level and balanced compared to the rear. Set for about 25 - 30 mm rear sag and 35 - 40mm front sag for road riding. If you cannot acheive those or similar sag figures wutout extreme preload adjustments then your spring rates are wrong for your weight but the standard spring should cater for 75% of riders. Once you have the sag correct your bike will be balanced as far as sag goes. The damping rates are personal preference but i would set everything back to the base settings in the owners manual (except the preload). Then adjust it from there until it feels comfortable but under control.

Just remember to test on a road that has some variation (bumps etc). If you set it on a billiard table smooth road you will tend to set it too firm as you are not allowing for rough surfaces. There is no perfect setting for every road so you are looking for the best all round compromise. The manual damping settings in my experience are not far off for most people.

+1 on setting the sag but be sure to undo all damping first so the bike settles properly just on its springs alone.

I'm a short arse so need to remove rear preload by default..otherwise rear is on stock +/- 1-2 clicks.....up front I add 1-2 clicks of rebound and 1 turn of preload whilst dropping the yokes by 1 ring.

I only need 12mm of thread showing above the adjuster nuts on the Ohlins shock....5'6" and 85kg in kit....suits me for fast road use.