I have been told that blown fork seals on a 1200 s Multistrada is a common... does anyone have any knowledge of this ?
I'm not sure its really common, but I've just had one of my fork seals replaced after 15k miles. The ohlins on my ST4S didn't leak in 6 years / 40k+ miles.
If you do a search on Google you will find more on Ohlins fork seals. It is a common problem on the Factory Aprillia bikes fitted with Ohlins as standard. (I lusted after a Tuono for a while so did some research a while back) There seem to be some measures you can take to prevent problems, along with replacing the seals to an alternative brand if they fail. I believe the Ohlins are a single seal (low sticktion) where traditional forks are double seal (more sticktion) so less likely to leak. Not sure how this will affect performance if changed to this type. I spoke to the dealer where I am buying my MTS from about this very issue and tbh he says it does happen, but not that often. Also, its partly down to the seals drying out, his words.
I had to have them replaced on my Tuono after 6000 miles. Leaving the bike standing for a while will make it more likely to happen.
It's much less of a problem than it used to be........ at least for Ducatis anyhow. The seal design has been changed in the past few years, since about 2007. In the 996/999 era they'd leak thru just being parked up too long. A useful tip for all forks is that if they're parked up for a while or over winter, just give the front end a bounce or two every now and then. It'll stop the seals drying out and sticking. The newer seals can be used in the early bikes to, giving much better longevity. I've got customer bikes still going strong after 4/5 years now....
Had a seal go on the M1100S at just under 3 years old fixed by Ducati Glasgow under extended warranty (great service), did not know there was an Ohlins problem....will take advice and pump the forks on a weekly basis......
Hi Shuttle Along with all my other problems this was one of the earliest , both mine went at exactly the same time pre 3k , weirdly enough I hadnt even noticed as id been riding the bike mainly in the dark around the time they went , The dealer noticed when I sent the bike in on a AA truck for my engine cutting out issues , both had blown spectaculary and oil was everywhere ! , they did of course replace them under warranty , took nearly a fortnight as they said Ducati had sent the wrong seals , I suspect the dealer probably ordered the wrong seals! , prob got Marzocchi ones , I assumed they would blow at regular 3k intervals but they have been fine ever since , up to 10 k now
The Cost of replacing the seals is £240.00 inc VAT luckily mine will be done under warranty so happy days... I can see the Multistrada becoming a money pit later on, I might keep it for a year then get a BMW GS LOL
Seals are easy to do, out of Warranty I would do them myself. I really can't see the Multistrada being worse than any other high end bike to be honest. Plus what other bike will give you the buzz the Multi does? A KTM maybe? Deffo not a Beemer!
The Gs is not cheap to service or repair. And it will need repairs. I know a few who have run BMs and the problems are various.
