From this account I can only assume the new Skyhook ones are worse than the Ohlins. Ok my chain is rusty but that's it, discs are a bit pitted but not that bad really. Everything else on mine is fine. I don't wash it with anything other than what's on offer at asda, currently turtle wax car shampoo. I give it a half assed chamois , leave it on the side stand and let any water drain. When dry I whizz round it with a bit of wd40 and spray polish. Job done and it looks mint, showroom mint. I guess the trick is don't buy new, buy used and see how the bike has faired, if it's good then it's good. If it's bad then maybe it's just one of the unlucky few
I've voted no. I bought mine as an ex-demonstrator in June 2011. It was registered in March 2011, so the extended warranty ended in March this year. In the time I've had the bike, I have had the following faulty parts replaced under warranty: Radiator Right-hand switchgear Left-hand switchgear Sidestand switch Clutch-fluid reservoir Front brake-fluid reservoir Exhaust compensator (section incorporating exhaust valve) Rear brake caliper Tail-light bracket Water pump cover Clutch-side crankcase cover Generator cover Instrument panel Steering lock mechanism I have lavished the bike with more TLC than I have ever spent on any previously, but have encountered horrendous corrosion issues - see Ducati aftercare - shocking | Page 3 | Ducati Forum I have paid premium Ducati service costs totalling around £1300, and have not thrashed the bike, covering around 22500 miles, mostly on the motorway. Despite sticking to the service schedule religiously, I have just had to pay £1300 in labour charges to cover the cost of fitting new engine internals after the main bearing failed. Ducati were only willing to cover the parts, out of 'goodwill'. I contacted Ducati UK to point out that engine internals should not be failing after 22500 miles of mostly motorway riding. but they wouldn't budge. I'm now riding in constant fear of the next thing that might fail. If you're planning on keeping the bike for 5 years, don't do it, unless you've got a huge pile of cash burning a hole in your pocket.
I bought a 6 month old Multi in 2011. I ride it into London every weekday from March to November. I was initially disappointed with odd bits of corrosion on fastenings, but they haven't really got any worse. The chain is rubbish and rusts really fast. I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to my bikes, they are to be used, they get dirty, you clean them (and it cleans up pretty well). I do think Ducati could have used slightly better quality materials and fixings in some cases but overall I'm happy with the quality. I've had a few Warranty issues: Both switches Clocks (although to be fair the fault was very minor and the dealer suggested changing them) Heated grips wore quickly Clutch slave cylinder (but I ride in town a lot, and the new one is a different design) The main issue is that it looks like I have the 'porous' cylinder head problem. If Ducati are prepared to repair the bike (the extended Warranty ran out about 3 months ago) then I can accept this. If I end up having to pay I will be very upset. I owned a couple of Aprilia's in the past and had many similar issues, BUT Aprilia would not stand by their products, in every case I had to pay for repairs myself. That's the downside. The upside is a great bike that does everything you want. I did the EMM trip to the Dolomites this year and it was the best bike I've ever used for a trip like this. Plenty of power, good handling (for an adventure bike), comfortable for long days in the saddle, really enjoyable on the mountain roads and plenty of space for the crap you end up carrying. It's a cracking bike but it's not for everyone. Get the test ride and then try a few alternatives. All I can say is tat the end of the day go with your heart not your head. When you go with your head you can often regret your choice for years afterwards... I'd still buy another one.
Just voted 'Yes'. I was a sports bike rider for 30+ years but, after my off, can only last race distance on a circuit before the arms/wrists etc call it a day. Completely converted to the sit up style now but only because Ducati brought out the 1200. It's a great bike which does everything I want from it - touring, cruising and spirited riding on/off track when the mood takes me. Perfect in every way? Nope - but then nothing ever is. I haven't seen anything else out there that comes as close to ticking so many boxes.
Yes. I've had mine just over 4 years, and there's still nothing I would change it for. It's been reliable (unlike my previous BMW), it hasn't suffered hideous corrosion (unlike my previous BMW) and has done everything I have asked of it. It's only a lack of riding time over the next couple of years that has caused me to decide to sell, might as well let someone else enjoy it than have it sit in the garage gathering dust.
I voted yes too. Like Mark H I have come from a Sports background and still ride with the Sportsbike lads too. He difference is that after 200 miles I am still fresh whist they are moaning about sore backs, necks ect. I got a 2011 Touring and other than a faulty keyless cap which is nothing to do with the bike the ONLY issue I have had a the common sticking exhaust valve. I got around this by spending a massive £30.00 in an exhaust valve eliminator. I have ridden since I was 16 (26 years) and always has sports bikes (TZR250, RD350, GSXR6 and thou, CBR600 and Blade) but can honestly say that I would not go back. If I was to replace my Multi now it would just be for another, I can't speak highly enough of it. As for all the 'little issues' that people report like not finding a gear or the bike cutting out ect....it is just (in my opinion) the character of the bike. Personally for me, I like the Ohlins shod bike and don't really want to change for Skyhook....but then I like Windows 7 and not windows 8.
DO IT! I,m 61 and have a 2011 base model no abs, sachs suspension which i bought 18 months ago. I commute on mine as well as tour the uk and sometimes 2up with my wife. Its the most comfortable bike i've ever ridden over distance and the wife finds it comfortable on the back too. The power oh the power! its just never fails to bring a smile on, sometimes i start a ride thinking i'll just go for a bimble but that never lasts long before i'm full on. Problems? not many a few niggling things its lost a few fastners on the way, indicator light glows when in neutral, the indicator switch needs regular attention (contact cleaner/oil), the orginal chain wore out quickly and was rusty. The finish on mine has held up really well for 3 1/2 year bike no real corrosion even though i don't clean it that often and use washing up liquid (oh the shame of it!) oh and the back brake works but not very well. I used to ride triumphs but my next bike will be another multi ,so my vote is yes.
I bought mine last August , a brand new gt , absolutely loved riding it, but.....sorry ,BUT, Terrible build quality, so many things went wrong, it was forever in the dealers, last month I had enough!! Traded in for the best price I could get, which was a terrible price as no one wants them!! Dealers want them really cheap as they have to put a warranty on them which costs them a fortune! This was my first ducati, and I'm sorry to say definetly my last, shit service from the dealers was the nail in the coffin!
I had an early 10 and it was very reliable and no real issues, No corrosion and i rode it all year round through rock salt and cowshit until i wrote it off the other week!
My May '10 is still going ok, but only at 22k miles. It doesn't get overly TLC'd but then it isn't a daily or even a regular winter hack. Still the condition isn't too bad, bar a corroded brake fluid cover? My biggest concern would be getting a single sparker, that hadn't had the heads replaced, but other than that, you takes your chances. All things from dishwashers, to plasma TV's to cars/bikes can break nowadays.
AND a whole lot of other stuff you don't want on your bike or car or van. You should see what it does to car windscreen washer motors....
I voted yes. I have had my new 2014 GT only a few months, it does everything and I have had no issues. I just paid £60 to get it treated by All Year Biker as I will be using it in the winter. I never buy the early versions of new bikes or cars for that matter as the number of recalls, repairs etc would be too much aggro. BMW have had just as many if not more issues with the new liquid cooled GS as Ducati have had with the MTS. Not to mention the RT fiasco. I have two friends who rate their Yamaha XT1200 Super Teneres, but I wouldn't swap my MTS for them. The only negative point for me is the chain drive, I like shaft drive, but even they are not perfect and BMW have had a lot of failures. I had new bearings fitted on my K1300S under warranty. The MTS is the best available in the sector assuming you don't want off roading. My opinion is buy one now before a new unreliable model is launched.
Seem to be in the same predicament as you mark ,except i've had a test ride on a 14 touring s.Must say it was brilliant ,loved it took the other half on as well no problems.Now this is where the problem starts,i've had hondas for 20 odd years ,my current bike a 04 blackbird which i've had for 9 yrs,never missed a beat ,no corrosion, nothing, put away in october on a optimate and started up first time in march BUT i want a change of riding style and it seems the looks and comfort of the multi seem to be winning me over ,dont mind the servicing costs but i dont want to feel every trip out something could blow ,seize etc.Not sure if i'm being abit paranoid but surely the reliability cant be as bad as its sometimes made out on the forum , any advice would be helpful though .
Oh yes it is ! 3000 on the clock, don't use it in the rain and I'm already getting moisture in the clock and the damned thing is starting to rust.
