Just returned from a 10 day jaunt on the MS. As the trip odometers are worthless, my best guess is 1,800 miles, all with a smile on my face. Had the top case and panniers filled and also had a backpack tied to the pillion. No point in preaching to the choir about the bike...wonderful...yada, yada, yada. One interesting problem: The black plastic strip on the side that wraps to the front (Ducati) under the headlights came loose. I discovered this upon my return, however, I now know when it broke loose. My MPG averaged 50 for the trip until I was about 300 miles from home. I passed a large truck and reached 105 mph to do so quickly. I then noticed that my MPG was reading 38-43. It remained this way all the way home. My average speed for that 300 miles was 74 MPH. MPG also was approx. 40 on the way to the dealer to get the oil changed and repair the plastic body strip. Upon leaving the dealer the MPG again returned to 50. That plastic strip is snap fitted and may come loose again under high speed. Something to watch for if the MPG falls suddenly. This really is evidence of much successful wind tunnel testing by Ducati. Also, I used approx. 8 ounces of oil on the entire trip. Not bad considering that on most of the trip i used the Winding Roads routing on the TomTom, so pulling some pretty high revs through the mountains. That is a truly wonderful feature for a GPS. And as for the GPS, I have it bluetooth paired to my Sena headset, which is paired to my iPhone 6+, which also is paired to an Escort Passport 9500 ix radar/laser detector. So I was getting turn by turn voice directions, and speed trap radar, photo, and laser warnings. All of this technology did not help when a New York state policeman pulled me over doing 82 mph in a 55 mph zone. Remarkably, after falling on my sword and a nice polite exchange, he gave me a warning and sent me on my way. The MS was built under a lucky star. I bought the Ducati as a touring bike after also test riding the 2015 KTM SA. I made the correct decision for my riding needs and look forward to many more days on open, winding roads.
So what other countries are you planning on touring (oh the internal laughter I am enjoying). Got any images of your trips scenery?
I've got the Passport Max in my car and stopped using it because of the noise it makes, besides I know now almost all radar and camera locations. I can't imagine using at the same time the antiradar, navigation and listening to music, just does't count as holiday. That policeman was very kind to let you go, here in Europe there are countries where they'd take your driving license for that overspeed >30kph. Post some pictures mate, sounds like a nice trip
Good question...Wellllll....Canada is about it as traveling to Mexico would be a short, lively visit enjoyed most by the people who steal my bike and leave me in a ditch on the side of the road....and I truly appreciate your internal laughter. I will try to visit Europe next year with Edelweiss. Sadly, in my elder years I am not much of a photo taker. Even visiting the visual paradise of Africa I did not take photos, and I have been there on safari 4 times, so that would be about 90 days.
Afrika give us some idea of where the route was please, so I can (wish I was there) What part of the technology let you down, how come the police man managed to sneak up on you ?
My route: leaving Newbury, OH through the Allegheny National Forest to Binghamton, NY. Overnight there. Next day to Saratoga Springs, NY riding county roads all the way. Took over 5 hours and ended at PJ's BQ for some great beef. Overnighted at Albany, NY where I met my wife and her sister/husband/three children. They drove to Ogunquit, ME taking the slab and I took a variation of Rt. 7 to Rt. 9 to back county roads through Vermont and New Hampshire. I met them in Ogunquit. Spent a couple of days there and rode up to Booth Bay Harbour, ME for couple of days. Took Rt. 1 and various back county roads. Great riding in the Eastern USA and Eastern Canada. Returned the same way, however, rode all the way from Albany, NY to OH in one day. A very long day, so I can attest that once the seat is broken in and one wears cycling shorts under the overpants all day rides are enjoyable. As for technology letting me down...well that would by the mirrors on the bike. And yes, thanks for reminding me that the mirrors are not up to the quality of the rest of the bike. All the radar detectors in the world will not help when a copper sneaks up behind one and the mirrors are not clear enough to define the blue and red lights up top on the copper a few cars back.
Dentist....heck no....but I gotta write that poor old Cecil sure had a bad day in the chair. Guess sometimes it is better to ignore a toothache rather than seek a cure from a professional......
