I'm currently riding a 675 Street Triple R and I've also got a VFR800x which I use for 2 up and touring. Looking at getting just 1 bike instead and really like the look of the MTS1200 What do folk consider high mileage? My budget means I'm looking at bikes 2011 - 2014 with mileage of 20-30,000. If I buy a 1200S with high mileage am I looking at electrical problems down the road? Any buying advice would be appreciated Thanks Nige
My 1200 has got 31k miles and I am not looking to make a change as the engine is absolutely in it's sweet spot. My bike is a Summer touring toy, so it's still in great condition. There are good examples around if you take your time. So in my opinion, don't be scared of higher mileage as these bikes are used for long tours. Find one that's been lovingly looked after, full service record with all updates (new heads) and preferably not used as a daily commuter through winter. Big service at 15k/30k is the expensive one so do factor that into the price. Ohlins with ECU and decatted with replacement exhaust would be my recommendation.
I would advise to buy the newest you can afford (with the lowest milage you find) I did 30,000 on my original 2010 bike (but I did need the cylinder heads replacing)
If you get one with 30,000+ miles, check to see if the recent service has been done. Mine is on about 26,000 miles now, runs brilliant
I'd recommend one owner who's used the same dealership for all the servicing & the booklet is filled with stamps. Make sure the second big desmo service has been done.
62 plate 2013MY s touring with just <15k mikes on it here - used daily to commute all year round - 3rd winter coming up. Cleaned and re-ACF50’d several times per winter and so far/fingers x’d no electrical issues that I haven’t caused myself by dicking around. Clutch slave appears to be on its last legs, but I’m in traffic constantly and keep clutch in at lights so I don’t get jacked. Big service coming up....looking at ~£1k but my god do I love this bike.
the big service cost is the only thing thats putting me off keeping my dvt pp past the initial pcp term. i think if the servicing on a v4 multi is just as high i'll look seriously at a GS for my next bike
Pre twin spark had plenty of issues which can make second hand purchasing a bit of a minefield. Issues did seem to get resolved from twin spark onwards so that’d be where I’d look. Yes, there’s pre twin sparks out there running fine, but those parts were improved upon in the later bikes for a reason so why run the risk.
Well, I've traded the Honda in for a 2013 twinspark model with around 10k miles on the clock with a full set of luggage. Gets delivered next Wednesday. Its not the 1200S model. This old man is very very excited!
Once it's out of warranty, even a second hand bike one, find yourself a good independent ducati specialist, they are worth their weight in gold, even more so if you are not too familiar. Here is the independent map but it's also worth asking in the forum is there a good independent close to where you are https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/independent-workshop-map.46916/
2013 onwards safer bet for lack of engine woes! Full Ducati history and go lowest miles rather than bells and whistles
