1200 4 Years, Two Multistradas And 20,000 Miles

My journey into Ducati ownership started when my 50,000 mile BMW 1150 GS coasted to a halt on to the hard shoulder of a French motorway. Travelling at 85mph, I became aware of a fairly terminal sounding noise resembling a food mixer filled with nuts and bolts. Smoke poured from the gearbox. Carole Nash breakdown and then the AA got the bike and myself home. After stripping the rear end, I found the universal joint at the front of the shaft had broken, taking the gearbox output shaft with it. I had enjoyed riding the rugged GS for 8 years, a real carry anything anywhere approach to biking, but repair was not really worth it so I decided to sell and replace with a different bike. But what to buy?

Having never owned a V-twin, I settled on a choice between the KTM SMT or the Ducati Multistrada. Both seemed nicely produced bikes, but the KTM I tried (3 times) had poor fuel injection at low speed and so after another 3 road tests I settled on the Multistrada and in August 2011 bought a new 1200S Touring from George White Superbikes in Plymouth, my nearest dealer.

The difference between my GS and the Ducati was very significant – it took some time until I tried out the Sport setting, such was the enormous increase in performance! The handling with the Ohlins was very good and I soon found myself taking the long way home, or going out for a run, something I hadn’t done for years on the GS. Two up the bike wasn’t as good as the GS because of the lightweight rear spring. I was reluctant to change this in case it caused a problem with the rear electronic shock.

The rear brake was ineffective – a well known problem with this model. This was proving to be a nuisance when trying to hold the bike at hilly junctions so when I was in France I tried adjusting the play on the brake lever at the end of a day’s riding. The next morning, around a mile after leaving the campsite, it became clear the back brake was locked on and very hot with some sort of hydraulic lock. As it cooled down, I was able to free it, and when back in UK managed to get it upgraded under warranty by the helpful guys from SP motorcycles in Exeter (George White had gone into receivership).

2012 saw the Plymouth dealer opening up again as GT motorcycles and I set off again for Europe after the annual service stamp, on what was proving to be a really comfortable, practical touring bike. I had the Ohlins re-shimmed due to a light knocking – I am not sure whether it made much of a difference though!

Due to the low speed running being a bit rough, I met up with CJS Racing and had an “off the shelf “ map put on the bike. I was quite nervous about doing this, but it worked well, eliminated the exhaust valve, oxygen sensors and brought the cooling fans earlier with a hot engine.

Aztech spacers improved the screen buffeting and an increased vibration was traced to the centre stand rubber being hardened and needing replaced. Seems not to be an ideal design as it simply cooks on the catalyser when running.

I had fitted Michelin PR3s, which were brilliant tyres, but after riding over the Col de Tourmalet that summer I noticed 3 pieces of fine gravel were sticking out the tyre when stopped for a cup of tea. I flicked them out, only to be disappointed by a hiss coming from where the third piece had been! The plugging kit under the seat worked well on the second attempt, but the CO2 cartridges only inflated the tyre halfway. Fortunately there was a garage nearby. The repair lasted fine for (ahem) 1000 further miles. When I replaced the tyres, I was surprised at how thin the PR3 carcase had become and decided to try Z8 tyres instead.

By this time I had covered around 10,000 miles in 15 months. My bike had been faultless, although I was concerned that when used in colder weather the oil sight glass was always misted. The forums said this was normal, but when the bike was recalled to put the “correct” coolant in, I decided to change the bike for a 2013 version. Subsequently I believe the bike went on to have the heads replaced, so relieved I made that decision!

The 2013 Multistrada was bought new from GT motorcycles with Skyhook suspension. Initial impressions were that the engine pulled more smoothly from low down, although I found the mapping better in Touring and Sport than in Urban, where there was sometimes an initial hesitation coming off the line. So the Urban setting was changed to the soft 150bhp engine map.

On my way to the Portsmouth ferry to go to Spain, I was surprised at a fuel stop to see oil pouring out of the left fork leg. I phoned GT to explain my predicament and that of my planned riding holiday. In an amazing piece of customer service one of the owners and one of the mechanics (both Steve) stayed behind and repaired my fork so I could catch the next ferry. It took 3 hours and we finished at 2200. I was able to watch the whole operation, which was fascinating. The skills of the mechanic were brilliant to see and I suddenly realised what we pay for when we get service at GT. We all wondered however why a Skyhook electronic fork connector is under all the bodywork instead of at the fork? I caught the next ferry and my mates a couple of days later.

This bike proved to be as good as my first MTS. The seat had 90% of the comfort of the first, excellent handling and was much better with a pillion. I found the Skyhook to be a little harsh at low speed, but very good at higher speeds when bumps which might be expected to unsettle a bike were amazingly smoothed out – particularly useful when leaning over.

The ’13 bike worked out to be 10% more economical as advertised, and the fuel calculator is uncannily accurate – to within 1-2 mpg. Although the rear brake and the screen were better that the 2011, in reality neither are brilliant, however I have got used to them now and they are not really a problem.

The only negative for me is a patch of vibration, which seems to be around 3200 – 3600 rpm. Most of the time it is not really noticeable, but on a lot of slow twisty corners taken in 2nd and 3rd gear, it becomes more noticeable. As with many forum reports, the chain plates rust easily in winter – largely prevented if road salt can be avoided.

Recalls for the bike (Skyhook rear sensor and throttle cable housing) were performed as I waited in GT’s excellent café – recently re-opened after a new deck was built to house the Scrambler - well worth a visit. I had to get the Skyhook sensor done twice.

As with the last bike, the ’13 has used no oil during the 10,300 miles I’ve done so far.

In summary, great bikes, lots of power, mile-eating machines and fantastic all day comfort. I think they also look great, which is important in a motorbike. The Ducati luggage on both was leak free and held plenty for touring. Originally I continued to use my GS Touratech tank bag, but this year moved to a Givi clip on one ,which is easier. Although the bike is happy enough in town, it is not its natural territory, much preferring the faster open roads. For commuting I use a smaller KTM 690 Duke, which is remarkably good fun, although badly behaved at times.

Tyres have lasted around 4000 for the rear (Scorpion, PR3, Z8) and about 5000 from the front. This year I changed the rear before going to Spain and left the front on as it was only part worn. This was a bit of a mistake as the handling goes off for me in the last 1000 miles of any tyre and I was glad to put a new tyre on when I got back.

This year in Spain and France it was very hot, there were no problems for the Ducati, although the rider had to stop to cool off. We ended up riding more gently than normal through northern France (50 – 70 mph) with my wearing-out tyre and the bike averaged 55-60mpg, which amazed me. Normal is 45-50mpg.

So, if you are considering getting a Ducati, its unlikely you will be disappointed! Fantastic fun and nice to own.

Obviously from the forum we know some have trouble, I have been fortunate and my ’13 seems a good one. So what to do…. should I keep and ride for a few years or sell now as it won’t do many miles over the next 6 months and upgrade again next year? Always a tricky question – off for a Talisker while I contemplate!








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