Goodbye and thanks for all the fish (Douglas Adams - Hitchhikers Guide)

Well, that's it - my Multistrada is sold. Principal reason was the increasing difficulty of the Kung Fu kick needed to get on and off due to arthritic hips from decades old hip injuries caused by racing. Thanks to all the stalwarts of this and the previous forum who provided much needed information when Ducati couldn't or wouldn't. You were lifesavers all. After a first year of extreme disatisfaction with the bike and all its warranty and unsorted ills, the last year has been trouble free and magical riding (and track days). Moral is - don't ever buy a bike in its first year of manufacture, especially something as radical and complicated as a Multistrada. I dare say that a new Multistrada now is a better sorted bike. Would I ever buy another Ducati? Very unlikely. I am unimpressed by the company's lack of concern for its customers, its reluctance to accept that there are problems and its dismal communications record when it finally admits them. Rossi is apparently suffering from the same situation. Another drawback that has become apparent on selling is the huge depreciation - way more than other makes. Part of this is due to my habit of piling on the miles which is not what a typical buyer wants to see on a Ducati. Besides, I don't see anything else in the Ducati range that would interest me.
To all who remain faithful, enjoy your riding and remember that everyone else is out there trying to get you so ride accordingly and stay safe.
Regards
David Bexley

 

1200S Touring. 13000 miles, Aug 2010 immaculate condition, full 4 piece crash protectors, Fat Ducs, stronger spring, baglux tank cover Offered for £10250 sold for cash £9800. Several interested buyers - might have held out for £10,000 but a bird (or a big bag of cash) in the hand and all that. Approx £5000 depreciation in 20 months. By my reckoning, my ST1300 will have lost £3000 over the same period. Ouch! At least I saved the £600 cost of the 15000 mile service plus chain and sprockets in the foreseeable future.
Likely replacement candidates are Triumph 1200 Explorer, Versys 1000 (doubtful but a real bargain), or just maybe a Super Tenere. Not till next year though. I'm never buying this years new model again. Still got the boring but reliable ST1300.

 

As requested, an update on my Multistrada replacement. I decided that, after the Ducati riding position, I couldn't settle for anything but an "adventure" style riding position. That left a number of choices. BMW - no because I have personal experience of leading tours where it has ALWAYS been the BMW that breaks down. Triumph Explorer - nice bike with all the gadgets and a brilliant engine but back to the Kung Fu kick over the elevated pillion seat to get aboard plus it has a very sudden fly by wire throttle response - enough to cause a control problem over bumps. And the switchgear is impossible to reach so no. Versys 1000 - cheap and effective but has a question over the front forks and no possibility of a centre stand so no. Honda Crosstourer - too heavy and the suspension (basically unadjustable) is not as good as it should be on rough roads plus the price .... so no. KTM - very tempting. The Adventure ticks most boxes except that it is so off-road orientated that the tyre sizes are only available from two manufacturers and only in semi-knobblies - not ideal for my 100% road use. The alternative SMT has proper 17 inch wheels and is REALLY light but just too small for two up comfort. Apparently KTM are aware of the problem and are bringing out a more road focused 1200 Adventure this winter. Hmmm. That left the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere. Silly price new but plenty of 1-2 year old low mileage ones at a little over 9K. Just about quick enough with a lowish seat, flexible engine and light handling and road tyres available to fit. It has most of the electronic goodies including ABS and traction control, shaft drive plus a decent rider AND passenger seat. I found one with every available add-on, including top box and tank bag (not shown) and 3000 miles for £9400 and that included a sat-nav. I like the blue colour of the launch models and am in two minds about the tank cover hiding the pretty tank. Anyway, I figure that I shouldn't lose too much by running it for a couple oof years and it's got to be easier to handle on Alpine hairpins than my ST1300. Yes, I miss the Multistrada and I can't see anything out there that could equal it in performance but old age and creaking joints are terrible things. I hope you all survive to find out for yourselves!!!! See the for sale section for my Ducati rear socket and torque wrench.

 

Yeah, I used that trick to get on but there was an equal problem getting off which led to some embarrassing/painful hop/stagger moments. Did you find a way to get it on the centre stand from aboard? Otherwise, how about the dismount with your hip problem.
Note: Shows the increasing age demographic of motorcyclists when there is a discussion on arthritic hips on the forum!!!!!!! Times they are a-changing.