Had the new Mutley delivered today and after I had looked at the sky for a good 3 hours I just couldn't resist and away I went. It's bloody fantastic, really bloody fantastic. You notice the difference as soon as you start to release the clutch for the first time. In all honesty, the new engine is light years better than the previous model and I had 2 of those so I do know. What it isn't is a typical V twin, not exactly like an inline 4 you understand but it is so smooth it really shows the last engine up. I have had these bikes for 3 years and the other engine didn't bother me that much because I was used to it and I don't do much town or slow speed driving but god knows what I would think of it now. Anything just above 2000 revs is smooth as silk, in any gear. Must backtrack a little. Firstly, the dealership have been fabulous. I would recommend Paul at Ducati Leeds(Cobb and Jagger) to anybody including the Pope. Great bloke, great deal and service. The finish on the bike is top drawer, paintwork, new pronounced lettering, seat design, screen adjuster, all of it. Really good. Now the bad news( for some ). Hands up who has spent 4 grand extra on the Skyhook?......LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSERS. WHY? Only kidding guys but the new basic set up on the standard ABS is an absolute peach, it's incredible. If the Skyhook is 4 grand better than that I will eat my own knob, all 3 glorious inches of it. The new screen is much better, not perfect but a massive improvement. Dead easy to adjust on the go and unlike the last one it makes a huge difference depending on what height you set it. I think a decent quiet helmet and they will get away with it. On my previous bike I got fed up with trying to protect my head and fitted a carbon sport screen but this is worth persevering with. Headlights are great. Not dark enough for me to tell as a rider but from a safety point of you they are like a lighthouse and cars certainly see you from miles away. The clocks are better, more info on tap and the switchgear seems to be different, hopefully better quality. Having said that a little squirt of WD40 through the switches every so often and you won't get any problems anyway( just a tip ). On a personal note to me and a few others out there the QD system went on a treat and it sounds fabulous. To conclude for now I just have to say that I'm well and truly delighted. It's my third one I had a good look round at the opposition including test rides on the Aprilia and the new KTM. WOULDN'T drop so low as to look at the GS cos I'm only 48, maybe in 20 years time eh. Well done Ducati for taking the best all round bike in the world a little bit further away from the opposition. It's going to be a great summer. Sorry guys I forgot to mention the back brake, it didn't have one. Just about starting to work as I neared home. They assure me it will work as it beds in and the pads are supposed to be a lot softer. Here's hopin!!!
Ojobear I'm with you on this, test rode one today and ordered the 1200abs......free panniers as well result. Regards the new suspension I personally couldn't tell the difference, I like my standard set up and I'm not that skilled a rider and a bit of a flyweight to exploit all it's functions. Another thing as I'm fast approaching retirement I thought standard suspension would be easier on the pocket if anything went wrong.
Don't wish to come across as being disrespectful Mr Phantom. Just very pleased with the base setup. I'm sure the Skyhook is the dogs. If I had the money I would have gone that way myself. Enjoy.
I was making a funny! You said Fabulous twice in your post! Can you make a youtube clip of your zorst please!
Unless its a professional mic'/mixer setup no camera mic can capture the sound of the QD's accurately. Hope to get mine (sound) captured in the not too distant future (when she's dynoed) by a mate in a band with all the good sound gear. In the meantime see what Ojo can capture.
Hi, just joined this forum, in fact my first forum. Great review on the 1200ABS. I am dithering whether or not to venture to my first Ducati and the 1200 ABS is my preferred option at the moment. It is good to read a view on this model and not the usual S. I cannot justify the Skyhook as a weekend toy, but really impressed with the test rides. I would get the suspension set up for my use, but would i be disappointed with the standard version? I dop have concerns over reliability, but I am fairly reassured by this forum (in the main).
Well i have just put a holding deposit down on a 1200ABS model, subject to agreeing and signing all the paperwork.
You won't be disappointed by the ABS model and the saving over the Skyhook equipped version will pay for a good suspension set up along with a lot of toys.
I think the Skyhook would be worthwhile if you carried a pillion much of the time. (or of course if you could justify the extra). But with the free panniers and very low finance offered on the 1200ABS currently, it makes the base bike look exceptionally good value.
Skyhook?......LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSER S. WHY? Only kidding guys but the new basic set up on the standard ABS is an absolute peach, it's incredible. If the Skyhook is 4 grand better than that I will eat my own knob, all 3 glorious inches of it. Multistrada 1200 £12750 Multistrada 1200s touring £15550 So a little maths makes the touring £2800 more expensive,factor in heated grips,stand,panniers and the skyhook costs approx 2k more and you will not get ohlins/ktec fitted and set up for 2K. congratulations on the new bike
I got a standard ABS model in 2011 as I couldn`t justify extra 3k for electric suspension. I have never thought" Oh shit should have got the fancy one!" My riding is 99% solo or with luggage. If you get the standard MTS you will not be worried as you`ll have a blast. Really is an awesome bike. Had no issues with mine(touch wood)! usual recalls from the `old` bike:wink: Also free panniers and finance deal etc. Go for it
Thanks all for the advice. I thought I would end it before simmytt has to consider eating a part of his anatomy!
