Yep, I used to own a BMW R1200RT (and the day after I rode my mate's Multi I was down the Ducati dealer) and recently tried a K1300S. My points about shaft drive are that: a) on the road it's not going to make enough difference to the handling to be that noticeable (within non-licence threatening limits). I was nearly as quick from Crossgates to Newtown on the A483 on the RT as I am on the Multi - and that's pretty 'kin rapid, before you say I must be really slow on both. It's down to the rider, not the bike. You wouldn't believe how many knee-down heroes I've gone around the outside of, sitting bolt upright on the RT with a topbox on, on Fish Hill. It used to be my favourite thing b) the average Multi owner is older than the average sports bike owner and would probably appreciate not having the pain in the arse that is chain maintenance and cleaning. Chains are so last century. Even a belt drive option would be preferable, if done as well as BMW do it. c) I appreciate we all have our own tastes. I just wish Ducati would do an additional shaft drive version for those who want it. I bet you'd get a lot of GS defectors buying them then. I've ridden JOG to LE on the Multi and it's simply the ultimate sports touring bike. Let's not pretend it's a real sports bike, please - it's just the most sports bike-like sports tourer and, admittedly, in a different league from the rest of them. Adding a shaft drive version would only bring more into the Ducati family and even that one would still be better than the rest of the class. Just my 2p.
My rear brake (2013 PP) can operate the abs in dry conditions with a bootfull, so I have to admit that it is adequate.
Mine (2014 PP) is apparently good as they go, it is compared to the diavel I took out whilst it was in for service, that was a joke, I've not tried stamping on it to activate the ABS but seeing how spongy it is the pedal would be pointing at the fookin road.
Indeed, there are shaft drive bikes from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph, and Piaggio to choose from, and loads of customers choosing them. You seem to be keen for Ducati to exclude itself from that large part of the market for ever. Is that because you want Ducati to remain a small, niche manufacturer?
I think the primary aim is that the Multistrada remains a chain drive i.e. sporty/smooth/better fuel consumption and free from the extra weight and torque reaction of a shaft.
They could always try toothed belt final drive, like some H-D and BMW models - it's not as if Ducati are unaware of the potential of belts ...
How many times has he said brand? :Banghead:......he should save it for all the internal marketing bullshit meetings
