Dude with the downer on the multistrada listen up. I've now got three Ducat (998s and monster), a fireblade, virago and a nox here. I've had bikes since I started school and the Multistrada is the best bike I've ever had (my list is long). Wish I'd gone this route a long time ago. Yes, I've had a moan as the engine has a very annoying lumpyness at 2000-3500rpm, all to do with emissions/*eu b8lllocks. That's nearly cured. At 16k I was surprised that more people haven't moaned. I love well made motors. I'm a hard man to please....but this bike makes me smile. Bad weather, well thanks to Fitz I can inform you that it is capable of complete immersion in freezing muddy water, repeatedly, which is more than I can claim.
I bought my MTS 1200S Touring early in 2012 after a test ride on a MTS 1200, it is my second bike after passing direct access and my first Ducati. I understand your concerns but life is too short, just buy one, it is an awsome, but not perfect, machine. I still lust after a sports 999, 848, 1*98 as a second bike, but common sense will probably prevail, and I suspect I will own a BWM R1200RT at some point in the future, but for now the MTS 1200S is great bike. 6000 mls, one recall for the coolant and I will probably have the shims installed in the forks at the next service. Ducati is an iconic brand and their current range has some great bikes. I have ridden the 848EVO, 1199, Monster 796, Monster 1100EVO and Diavel and the MTS 1200S is the pick of the bunch for everyday use, by far.
If the multi wasn't so tall (I have to tiptoe and I like my feet on the floor) I would have one I enjoyed riding the 1000DS I could even ride the bends properly and see over the hedges Lol I'm loving the story of you two sailing on the multis or is that submerging
I cant get my head around some of the failures, as they look as though they are down to sourcing cheap poorly made product: Dash unit switch gear ecu replacements........ Ducati may have designed some of these parts but I bet they buy them in. Quality control on sourcing product must be the problem. From what I have been told about BMWs (by owners not forums) they seem to have similar issues. If only the Yamaha 1200 twin was more exciting and road biased I know where my money 'would' go. As it is I still love the look of the Multi but I'm rather worried about the long list of recalls and niggles. Character is one thing but riding time is limited, never mind time for endless dealer trips. I am undecided. KTM 1190..Multi...or buy a 1050 Tiger and spend money on suspension and an exhaust system. Will the 2013 Multi actually resolve most/any issues with redesigned parts?
Thats probably the important part to me. I'm planning a long two up trip to the Dolomites and after 4 seperate Europe trips without a single niggle (yamahas and a suzuki lol) I need to know the trip will not be spoiled. Oddly on previous trips problem bikes within our group were without fail either BMW, or wait for it....Hondas! Aside from dying batteries on older machinery which I wouldnt count as being down to the marque.
Have you not just answered your own question ? Life unfortunately doesn't come with a guarantee, a Ducati does but it is only for two years.
I'm not on a downer about Ducati's, I'm just worried I'm going to spend over half a years pay on a bike thats going to keep getting recalled for this or that and god forbid brake down or something shut down on it just when you dont want it to. it's not just the riding time your losing, your also losing money on the road tax and insurance for a bike that expensive you would like it to be ready out of the box and trubble free.
If I am the dude in question, I don't have a downer on the Multistrada it was a fantastic bike to ride; loved it but there is only so much anyone can accept as far as faults, defects and breakdowns are concerned. The Multi was my only current bike (as its 4 bikes in one), spent my entire bike budget on it so perhaps was more upset than some when my machine was off the road. Think Gliddofglood has it about right, all my previous bikes have been Jap bikes and reliable, not all have been "washing machines" although some may argue my latest purchase of a Speed Triple sounds like one! Seriously guys I bought a new RD 250LC in 1981, thrashed hell out of it for a year and it never let me down like the Ducati did. i understand everyone on this forum defending their purchase, some have had no problems at all, others will have their concerns but are in denial or just putting faults down as characterful. I have come to the conclusion that to truly enjoy Ducati ownership you need to be a racer, an ex-racer, a mechanic or very wealthy. Now I am going to take cover in The Triumph Uk forum, there is a link top left of this forum, come and say hello as its a bit quite over there.
Hear what you're saying but how would you know that any bike will be trouble free regardless of what they cost? You could always keep it in the Living Room I suppose? There's no guarantee on anything being trouble-free especially if it's mechanical - that's what warranties are for. Will Triumph, Honda or BMW give you that guarantee? Go for another test ride and let the grin you'll be wearing tell you what you should do is my advice All the best, Mark H
No but I am getting closer to making an informed choice. It reads that the Ducati will breakdown and will need regular dealer visits for faults looking through various owner posts on here. Now I know I can go and buy a different bike and they are 'all' with risk, the first thing I always do is find out as much as possible about any motorcycle I may purchase. Warts and all, good and bad. Without answering my own questions.
Your dead right. I'm looking at the base model 2013 and hoping there are improvements in reliability as I really like the bike...
Aint that the truth... Im thinking more people would like a base model because it would be a lot more simple? Less to go wrong? Just ride the bloody thing! Sensors on my carby SS? Neutral & sidestand. Electrically adjustable? Headlight, horn, indicators & kill-switch Thats all you need! No point in all this electrickle techmijizzle... Would I take a Multi on a grand tour Charlie Boorman style? Not fkn likely... Would be a BMW. Simple & easy to fix, rugged even?
They actually wanted to take KTMs. But KTM wouldn't back them. A bit like all the publishers who turned down the first Harry Potter book.
two options 1 - if you want to own a bike that you take out ride, put it away till next time then buy something else 2 - if you want to own a bike that you tinker with, take apart, fix it, clean it, caress it, then get a ducati
I disagree. Why should we put up with faulty materials and workmanship?? We pay a premium for a premium brand. We deserve good products and good service.
i didnt mention faulty materials or workmanship, (or that its a premium brand, just a premium price) i believe owning a ducati is different to owning a IL4
