Hello there. Hope everyone is well! A week ago I became the proud owner of a Multistrada 1200 S (2017 make with 3000 KM on the dash). I bought it from some very nice chaps in Ducati Manchester so a big shout out to them. Since them I'm enjoying every moment. Previous bikes were all straight 4 Japanese bikes so the difference is very noticeable. I do have a couple of questions and I would appreciate if you guys could enlighten me with your knowledge and experience . I do apologies if the questions seem stupid but its my first Ducati and I just want to get your inputs on a few matters. 1. Clutch and gearbox. I have read a few forum threads regarding false gears and the clutch + gearbox acting up but most people agreed that its either because of the driving style (many of them/us coming from a straight for engine type) or because the bike is new and the gearbox hasn't "given in" yet. Now I must confess I had a few miss shifts on my way back from Manchester to Dublin (in Touring mode mostly) but I believe I've adapted. My only concern is that, and this will be a bugger to explain, I can feel the clutch cable vibration/recoil in the leaver (and my hand) when I change downwards 4-3-2 and sometimes upwards as well. Anyone ever had that feeling? Hope I explained it to everyone's understanding. 2. Breaks. This again is just a feeling but I cant shake it yet. Coming from a smaller bike without ABS, it feels like the back break is not really doing much. Are there some settings I can do, maybe lifting the break pedal a bit or something or, again, i might not be used to it and because of the ABS i am not applying enough pressure. The front is the same, don't get me wrong, it would stop the bike with no problems but I just feel that my old bikes had better breaks. Can it be because I am not used to breaking with ABS and I actually don't pull the leaver with enough force? 3. Some bolts and screws. This is a funny one because when I got the bike I was too hyped to look at it carefully and ask the guys from the dealership it that's normal. I have attached a couple of photos to show you what I am talking about. First ones are on the front of the bike where the ABS sensor is I believe. Only 2 screws that are oxidized and I can't figure out why. The guys from Ducati told me it might be some cleaning product that did that but why only those 2 then. Could something have spilled on them (suspension oil, break fluid or anything) that might have caused that? I would hope its nothing serious and in case it isn't anyone can suggest some cleaning product for them or should I just replace them? Second thing is a screw that's driving me crazy haha. Any chance anyone can take a look at his bike and tell me if its the same? I know Italians are a bit sloppy and stuff but it would bring me comfort if other bikes are the same. The screw under the steering wheel seems crooked so does the whole thing. Might be just my imagination Many thanks for any replies and keep safe! All the best, Andrei
Welcome. 1. Likely you are feeling the slipper action, often can at the bar 2. You only really need the front anyway, not like it’s goimg off-road 3. Ducati bolts are shocking
Any point I should be worried about? 1. Is there any clutch adjustment I can make so it gets better? 2. Reading everywhere that the rear break is non-existent. Found this on YouTube, anyone tried it? 3. I'll probably change the oxidized bolts during my first service but the one up top locking the steering is really annoying me. Looks as it would fall off at any moment.
The wonky pinch bolt in the top triple clamp is the same on my brand new 1260, I guess that's standard. Welcome
On this bit, to set your mind at rest, go look on ebay. You will see plenty of multi's on there and pretty much all will be at different directions rather than 12 o clock and 6 o clock, just seems to be the way they are and personally don't see it as an issue. Even pics in here will show slight differences.
Appreciate the feedback. I have just recently moved to Dublin and have no access to any sort of tools. Although I would be comfortable doing it I'd rather take it to a garage or the dealership. Any idea on the price of bleeding the front/rear breaks + clutch? Thanks!
You are right. I might have over reacted before looking at some pics of other bikes. Its just that all my Japanese ones were...well "perfect" from this POV
If you are in need of a Ducati Tech in Dublin most go here to Robbie and not the current Main Dealer: http://mototechnic.ie/ Top man is Robbie
Welcome Andrei. Firstly, I’ve never encountered a steering wheel on a bike but then I’ve never had a Multistrada. Although, I have to admit I am sorely tempted Secondly, if you want to see corrosion on bolts see above. Your bike is pristine. Don’t worry. Just change them as they fade. I left mine for 7 years and this is what happens !
Oh, I meant to say, fair play for going to the UK to get it. There are so few of us here in a Ireland and so few bikes.
Looks like the bike saw a little salt or alkaline cleaning fluid - because you see the white marks on the ABS disc too. Ducati bolts are rubbish... - change them - titanium or stainless if you can. The steering head - isn't that the adjuster to adjust the bearings - so on a screw - so it sort of stops at the right clearance - then they lock it with the cross pinch bolt... so it will be different on ALL bikes. Lastly have a go at bleeding the clutch and rear brake using nipples at cylinders and other end - a vacuum bleeder helps. Back brake should be OK on DVT - the earlier Multistradas back brake was bad - the current since 2015 is OK not great but enough. Welcome...
