I have owned my 2014 Multi 1200 S GT for around 3 weeks now and I am pleased. Only covered around 300 miles, but what a bike! I’ve not yet had the guts to switch off the DTC and ABS, as I am still becoming accustomed to the power and ease of riding this bike (previously rode big Harleys). Couple of questions about the bike. It’s snatchy at low speeds and in traffic (first or second gear). This is regardless of engine mode. Is this a known thing, or is it me? The bike had a dealer service 300 miles ago, so I guess any necessary software updates would have been made. The other question is “what’s up with the quality of the finish?” I was surprised by the amount of corrosion/wear on brake banjos, anodised parts and on the underside of the seat (luggage rack). None of it is insurmountable, but I can see a trip to the powder coater happening this winter. Can anyone recommend any common mods or improvements to the bike?
I have the 2014 twin spark and agree with your comments about it being snatchy at low revs. I took mine to Hilltop, Hinckly for some ECU work and the low down manners have now improved 300%, its now the bike it should always have been. TB
The clue is in your introduction, “previously rode big Harleys”. Nothing wrong with Harleys BUT they make their torque at much low revs so your experience hasn’t prepared you for the high revving Ducati. Without remapping or adding an aftermarket module, you’ll just have to get used to being in 2nd at 30/35mph and not engaging 3rd until you are in the 40s. At the other end of the box, unless you are on a dead flat road cruising at a steady high (legal) speed, I would not advise using 6th until you are doing 80mph. In 6 years and 30,000 miles I can’t remember using 6th more than a handful of times. Enjoy your Multistrada, I know I enjoy mine. Andy
Thanks for the sanity check everyone! If I were to have the remap, would it be overwritten if I were to take the bike into Ducati for a service and they flashed an update onto the ECU? Also, has anyone had issues with fifth gear not engaging, or is this more of a technique issue? (I have seen some stuff about this on the forum).
As to the snatchy at low speeds, do you mean from no throttle to then picking it up? Just for a read https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/throttle-spacers.65094/
It is true that many of the screws etc are poorly plated. It's worth replacing them with stainless steel - kits are available. Don't think of turning off the traction control/anti-lock brakes - they work well and might save your skin one day. There is a flapper valve in the exhaust system which is prone to seize, stunting performance. It is advisable to eliminate this valve before it seizes, and a Ducati dealer can help you with this. The clutch slave cylinder is not great. Oberon make a replacement which is far better. Rear wheel is held on by a single big nut on the right. Get a good 55 mm bi-hex socket, which you will surely need one day. The right handlebar mirror is held on by a screw with a left hand thread. Undo it clockwise. There is an electrical switch in the side-stand pivot. If this switch fails open circuit, the ignition is killed and the bike will not run. It is easy to by-pass this switch, so find out how. This might get you going one day. Use lots of revs - a Ducati is not a Harley.
Check to see if the flappy valve in the exhaust hasn't already been removed, if not remove asap. Quite a few people on here think a remap by CJS is well worth the money and as I think your warranty has run out by now I wouldn't be to worried about it. Mods I did to my Twinspark were keyless fuel cap, an Ilmberger front mudguard as the Ducati one although pretty is as much use as a chocolate tea pot in my opinion, Ilmberger handguards (more robust than originals). My TS behaved exactly the same as yours, so was a bit of a bind riding in towns and such like. Still a great bike though, and I never switched off any of the electronics.
If you go to Hilltop the only people that will know you've had work done is you and Hilltop. So all good if bike goes to a Ducati dealer, check out their website. TB
I have a 2013 twin spark. I can ride in 3rd gear at around 18mph and find it smooth enough, The only time I started to notice snatchy response is when I had to replace the chain which was goosed. 15000 miles is about as good as it gets for chain and sprockets. Worth checking if your chain needs adjusting.
I contacted Hilltop, it is as you say, they write to an unused part of the ECU and it won’t be overwritten when Ducati perform an update. The update apparently offers more mid-range improvement.
