On my first ride on the Multistrada I noticed major buffeting from the windscreen. The screen has height adjustment – I tried it all the way up, down and settled at mid-height. The buffeting was reduced but still unpleasant. I could not hear the engine over the wind noise.
I had a similar issue on my Suzuki V-Strom 1000. I think the manufacturers are designing stylish windscreens over functional windscreens.
I solved the problem on the Suzuki by installing a Madstad bracket. The Madstad adjusts the height and rake. By making the windscreen more vertical the buffeting was reduced.
After a search I found Aztec screen mounts and ordered a set from England. They are nicely designed, very simple and well-engineered, and took three minutes to install. They still allow height adjustment and the rake, while not adjustable, is more vertical.
The bike is transformed. I can hear the engine and ride for hours comfortably.
If you look at the suspension summary chart I published earlier you can see the majority of the spring preload default settings are at “16” – the max available. I don’t know if the rumor that the bike is designed for a 170 pound rider is true, but I found I had to ride with the preload on 16 to get the bike close to horizontal. With the bike squatting in the rear, I always felt I was about to wheelie.
I found an article describing an uprated spring – 100 kn from the stock 85 – and found that the local Ducati dealer had ordered three of the uprated springs. I got my name on one and at the 600 mile “break-in” service had the new spring installed.
I am now riding with the preload set for one rider instead of two. The bike is horizontal for the first time and I am getting the full suspension travel. I still need to tweak the front and rear preload to get them perfect, but the new rear spring has now given me the capability to adjust the bike appropriately. I can now carry a full set of luggage and not have the bike squatting – an amazing improvement.
I heartily recommend both these upgrades!