OK chaps In a few weeks I'm attending the official press launch of the 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT for MCN and I want to know what you would be asking the people from Ducati as owners of the current (and previous generation) of Multistrada 1200 please. I was lucky enough to have a 2013 model year Multistrada 1200 loaned to me on long term test for MCN so I do have more experience of the bike than many others who will be attending the press launch but I would still value input from real owners. So, fire away. Either on here or directly to my work email at [email protected] Ideas might include fixes that should have been done in the revamp, annoyances that bug owners, why does Ducati keep on with the 'off road' ability of the Multistrada when so few owners take to any kind of dirt? Anything like that is relevant. Thanks in advance Andy Downes MCN Senior Reporter
Thanks for the offer Andy - I'm sure you will get a great many questions! I'll be interested to know if they have adapted the exhaust valve so that it continues to work rather than seizing up at the first sign of salt. I'll also be interested in your opinions and test ride experience with the variable valve timing when compared to the previous version. Is it a big improvement or just a gimmick? Look forward to reading your report.
I would like to know why the lower seat is an extra cost option, the seat height is an issue for many people, and it doesn't seem fair to be penalised for being a short arse, and I reckon anyone under 5'9 will have the same problem,that's nearly all of our lady riders then to start with,let alone short Italians and Asians. And while I am having a moan, I just cannot grasp the toggles for suspension set etc on DSS,is it me,I am useless with even an IPhone though. I would like to mention I love my 2013 skyhook, the above points plus harsh suspension going over small bumps etc at speed are my only gripes. I wonder if skyhook has been improved,I feel it needs too.
I totally love my '14 touring, but agree with Michael above will the Skyhook be improved ? it is quite harsh over small bumps etc. I have also had to upgrade the clutch slave cylinder 'cos the OEM one is crap !! why should we have to do this ? But small things that don't deter me from loving it.
I'm interested to see how much of an improvement the DVT engine is from previous model, and have they cured the wind noise from the screen...? Is the standard (now adjustable) seat easier to live with for shorter riders? Thanks Andy
Very keen to hear how the DVT behaves in real life... going to make or break the bike, imo. Please let it be nothing like a vfr!!
Will the new version MTS1200: Have a corrosion-resistant exhaust system? Have a rear brake which works? Have stronger pannier mounting points? Have panniers which don't need extra clips to keep them shut? Have a display which doesn't let rainwater in? Have an electronic fuel filler cap as standard? Have centre stand pivots which don't wear out so quickly? Have a toolkit chain tension adjustment C spanner which works? Have an easier way of re-setting the clock? And here's a general question: Why don't Ducati produce a full "Adventure" model, like BMW, Triumph and KTM do, as well as the standard model?
Main points of concern/improvement for me would be; Corrosion resistance, -read all metal parts. Main bearing quality (or is the odd problem oil pump related...either way same results..) Otherwise I love the bike. Plus 1 on the adventure bike idea, but only if it means I can get a more sports/road orientated version, don't care about off road ability or pseudo off road looks.
Do they plan to offer a painted or carbon version of that unsightly black plastic insert that runs up both sides of the fairing top section. It looks shite.
For me it's been the quality of the finish. i.e. A chain that rusts at the first sign of salt. Caliper and disk bolts that have started to rust. The captive nuts underneath the belly pan rusting and seizing and the coup de grace the alloy on the crankcase and front barrel blistering under the powder coating. it's a premium priced bike made of sub standard materials.
Andy, Fuel gauge. Have they finally found a fix for the always inaccurate and finally faulty fuel level sensor?
With the seat in its lowest position its way lower than 2013 model. most people at NEC were looking at getting a taller seat after sitting on it
The rear brake is my serious(ish) question - dear God how hard can it be to get it to work rather than act as a disc polisher? Oh, and since when have Ducati decided to pamper to Leprechauns? The seat height was fine and now it isn't - is this going to be a alternating policy so the next major upgrade will pander to basketball stars? Look forward to reading your thoughts Andy.
Hi Andy, and also to the MTS owners on the site. Have a 2014 MTS 1200 ABS (red of course) since Feb 2014. Absolutely love the bike. Some niggles with remote key (replaced twice!) and required a replacement for genuine ducati heated grips 10 months in from new but this has done very little to detract from a superb machine. What would be really great to have would be a button/switch to adjust the headlights down - would be useful when carrying pillion or luggage++. With all the other gadgetry on board surely this could be easily added by the guys in Bologna. I am unaware why this has not become commonplace with prestige bike makers (or I may just be unaware). I used to ride a Tenere XT660Z which had a handy knob to adjust the lights which worked well. Good to see there will be full LED headlights on all but the entry level model as the current mix of LED low and halogen high beam a bit odd imho as high beam adds very little to the superb LEDs. Cheers
Ditto Pete 1950. Plus keep the inner fairing cubby hole, very useful. Better customer service with Ducati UK when you spend a fortune on the bike, do the miles (28,700 miles) have it dealer serviced then have to fight when engine parts fail due to sub standard parts. When it all works it keeps me grinning like a Cheshire cat.
A rear brake that works. Some semblance of corrosion resistance. Fastners made of something other than cheese. A fuel tank that doesn't swell and distort the surrounding plastics. Switchgear that doesn't fail when it gets wet. A chain that doesn't oxidise the minute it's exposed to the atmosphere. GET RID OF THE CAM BELTS Bar grips that don't wear out after 300 yards of riding. Radiators that don't collapse internally. Engine paint that stays on. Headlights that light up the road not the moon. Engines that don't implode. Some semblance of customer service and care. Other than that, nothing really.
