Hi everyone, I don't want to get drawn into this discussion too deeply on behalf of Ducati because frankly I simply don't have enough information to speak for them on their reaction but what I can tell you is this:- I have been in touch with DUK and they are in the process of sending out a letter to all Multistrada owners about the details of this issue. That letter should arrive to all owners concerned very soon indeed. The main thing to try and do is certainly not to worry until there is confirmation that there is actually something worth worrying about!! At this stage I really don't want anyone wasting valuable energy allowing this concern to spiral out of control due to internet rumours and Chinese whispers.. I can only speak for my dealership here but as far as i'm concerned, Ducati have been excellent in resolving any warranty issues without much hassle (this is not a prompt for anyone to complain to me about something that hasn't been done. Please look up DUK's number for that!!! :wink We've sold as many MTS as anyone if not more (100+ and counting) so I can speak from experience here and honestly have seen absolutely no issues relating specifically to the coolant. Furthermore we've had a few of these engines open since model release in 2010 and have seen nothing remotely linked to coolant damage either so please try and keep these points in mind. There is ultimately a very real possibility that none of your bikes will have any further problems and this change in coolant is merely a precautionary measure. Apart from the hassle of getting your bike to your dealer which for some is understandably more than others, there is little cost involved for each owner especially if you ensure this job coincides with an annual / scheduled service. I hope this helps. Mart
Thanks for that my friend. I have been to Ducati Leeds today. I'm the second owner and it wasn't bought through them but they will do mine without hesitation. They did say something interesting though. They haven't had any problems with the radiators caused by the original coolant. Since putting the new coolant in they have had two radiators back in with problems and they have had to change the rads. Apparently the draining process disturbs the sediment and transfers it to one side of the rad causing blockages. They genuinely don't think you will have any problems if you don't have this done either, just keep to the natural changing of fluids at service intervals.
thanks for taking the time to post that, i aint worried about mine , but im still having coolant replaced tomorrow and i have dealt with a few ducati dealers in england and here in n. ireland and have never had any problems with warranty work, servicing or advice......
Agreed, Ducati Leeds are a terrific bunch and I look forward to giving them my business when I change the bike.
Martin, Thanks for your input. I appreciate your advice and informed view and it is good to know that you haven't seen examples of damaged engines due to coolant. The worst aspect of this potential problem is that DUK seem to have been slow to respond and inform owners or dealers here in the UK. With a vacuum of information there is just word of mouth for forums to fill it! Early 2010 purchasers have had their fair share of niggles to deal with and with the Warranty expiry approaching want assurance that expensive problems aren't waiting for them over the next couple of years. It seems to have blown up earlier in the US and a bulletin came out there back in September: straight from TSB 12-003 Coolant AGIP PERMANENT SPEZIAL 1-liter container part # 90130011B Ducati has decided to implement a new engine coolant type. The product - AGIP PERMANENT SPEZIAL - has been tested under all use conditions and outperforms the previous coolant. The Multistrada 1200 is the first model implementing this product and all other bikes will follow. It was chosen due to the high average mileage covered by Owners of this motorcycle. Ducati requires it’s dealers to replace the coolant on all M.Y. 2010, M.Y. 2011 and M.Y. 2012 Multistrada 1200s free of charge to the Owner (for both coolant and labor). The innovative features of this product provide improved protection for all parts contacting it. This coolant is easily recognizable by its pink color, it is pre-diluted and ready for use, and it must be changed every 48 months or 30,000 miles/ 48,000 km. Affected VIN range requiring application of the technical solution AFFECTED VINS COUNTRY VERSION From frame no. To frame no. USA, CDN, MEX ZDM12BLW4AB000023 ZDM12BLW4CB021022 CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION  All final customers will be notified by Ducati via e-mail (if DMH has their address) or via postal service and they will contact you to schedule the appointment This update operation is valid up to 31 December 2013. After this date it will no longer be possible to view the operation and claim the reimbursement. It would help everyone if this flow of information came out quickly and at the same time Worldwide. Less paranoid than I was......
1) Surely flushing correctly would clear any sediment....let me guess....Ducati have not instructed Dealers to flush, just drain and refill 2) What sediment?!.........the correct spec of coolant would also inhibit any corrosion in the cooling system/engine and have lubricant properties for water pump seals etc so there should be no sediment........unless the coolant is loosing its corrosion inhibitor properties/was the incorrect spec in the first place. I emailed Rich at Louigi Moto (Ducati Parts | Independant Ducati Specialist | Louigi Moto Limited | Bristol - Home) a couple of days back for his thoughts on the coolant issue....
Andy, when they did my coolant change I asked the dealer if they would be flushing the system, they said they would be doing that prior to the new coolant being added
I have been having some thoughts on this coolant issue. Now I can understand that new bikes will all have the same type of coolant fitted at the factory but I really can't believe that after the 1st service when the coolant is changed (not sure which one this is - probably 15k) that all dealers use the same stuff. They will use what they generally use on all motorcycles that go into the shop and not the exact brand and type of coolant specified by Ducati. As I stated in a previous post my coolant prior to the change was fluorescent green and was Motul stuff. I'm no expert but I would guess that plenty of the bikes out there probably aren't running with the offending coolant anyway but what do I know?....
About time we had some updates here.........anyone gleaned any more information, a copy of the Ducati memo or had any notification from DUK or your Dealer?? Comments from another qualified 'expert' / another 'expert' personal opinion: EDIT: Sorry had to remove the quote **NB** Note the expiry of the coolant change being done free of charge as of end of December 2013
