OK, I'll admit that it's quite a few ponies down on the Multistrada but had a test ride today (Luso version) and I must say I was impressed. Test rode a Multistrada S a few weeks ago although Riders policy of accompanied test rides and the accompanying rider going at such a sedate pace wasn't really anything like a test that could influence a buying decision. By comparison the dealer in question for the MV handed me the keys at 10:30 and told me to be back before they closed at 5pm. I covered a hundred miles, stopped for a nice lunch and had a great time. Got back around 4pm and had a long chat, looked at touring pack, look round the workshop etc. From my limited experience with the DVT I would say that the MV has a slightly more 'frantic' engine, 1200cc V twin vs. 800cc IL3 so no real surprise. Having said that the engine is a real peach. Spec was broadly similar to the Mutley in terms of equipment with the addition of a quick-shifter/auto-blipper. Handling and brakes were as I would expect, quick-shifter was something of a revelation and quite odd down-shifting without the clutch, worked well though. The design and quality of components, to my eye at least, seem exemplary. Quality of finish seemed good but at only 600 miles (first service indicator came on on the dash about a mile from the end of my ride) I'm going to have to find some owners to get the low-down on that and also any potential issues. Riders, after I complained, have offered another test ride on the Multistrada, this time at a more spirited pace. I'm aware of the current ongoing financial issues at MV so will be monitoring these as closely as I can. Apparently there is a meeting in Stuttgart with Mercedes Benz/AMG on Monday, the outcome of which could be pivotal in deciding in which direction MV will be heading. There seems to be a difference in opinion on what form this should take between MV CEO Giovanni Castiglioni and them. Anyone ridden one as well as the Multistrada DVT and have any observations?
I'm not 100% sure about the look of the front headlight. Ruins the look of what would otherwise be a nice looking bike. I was put off by the lack of dealers TBH, something that was a PITA with Aprilia.
I know what you mean by the headlight, personally I think it looks better 'in the flesh' than in photos. Multistrada looks better in this respect. Also the dealer did say that the high beam wasn't great, not range but spread. He and factory are looking into having both high and low beam on when on high, rather than just high alone. Makes absolute sense to me and raises the question of why it's not like that to start with. I must say that, the headlight issue aside, the thought that's gone into the design of the bike is impressive. In terms of dealer support I'm better served locally by MV than Ducati. Only one dealer though. Others are further than the ring of Ducati franchises that seem to surround me 50-60 miles away.
Mate of mine bought - F3 675 RC | MV Agusta Is having difficulties with an oil leak and flat batteries whilst on trickle over winter.... However STUNNING looking bike and sounds lovely!
I enquired about making the muted exhaust note a bit more fruity and was shown one of these. Dealer then took me to the workshop and asked the mechanic for the keys to his F3, which has one fitted, fired it up so I could hear it for myself Stunning quality and comes complete with collector so does a de-cat at the same time. Only downside is that it's about £1k
Its a lovely looking bike and I only wish i could be more sure of the MV dealerships and the bike's reliability. I've had an Aprilia too and that was a whole world of trouble if anything went wrong. I have no desire to revisit that world.
Those pics could persuade me to buy one sometime in the future. Lovely looking bike and the headlight is pure MV
The last MV I saw was broken, apparently sprag clutch failure is not that uncommon as the owner was rageing that it had only been replaced a few weeks ago on his brutale 800 (64 plate). He said it was a wonderful bike, when it starts. It seemed to need to turn over relatively fast so we couldn't even bump start it. It just wasn't in the mood.
Thanks for the response. Have read up on this and also posted a question on mvaugusta.net forum specifically asking about this in relation to the Turismo Veloce. Maybe it's be strengthened or is less stressed on this model...
I had one last year and did 3000 miles round Europe on it. I've had a multi, non DVT, and it was great but like most adventure bikes they're a great big hulking monster that feels like you need an event to be on 500 miles away before you get it out of the garage. The MV is like a scalpel in comparison, an upright, comfy, beautiful sports bike. You don't need to be Rukka'd up like a prat before you ride it. I did 5000 miles on mine before selling and it never missed a beat. It was comfortable and fast and flickable with all the electronics you will ever need. Oh and the headlight is fantastic. Buy one. Be different. Bennetts of Barnsley are excellent.
Great to hear, and hopefully the salesman at Bennets who wouldn't even give me a trade in value, never mind a test ride has moved on. This was a couple of years ago.
Got to say that the TV is, current MV financial issues aside, a really attractive package in so many ways. I'm certainly leaning in that direction at the moment.
Motocorsa in Dorset are great dealers and have their open day today with test rides - they even have the new Energica Understand sprag clutch issues are resolved now on newer bikes - had my dragster a year now and 4.5k and not had any issues Hopefully good news next week from the factory They are awesome bikes
I've been going there for a few years now and never had a problem with test rides. Give them a try. They really know their stuff and are very personal.
Was considering the Lusso while looking at the DVT, what turned me off was the unavailability of information and the frequent service intervals required - first at 5k km on top of the one in the first 1k. Saw one in one of my trips parked next to my DVT and although it's a nice package, good build quality etc it can't be compared to the DVT, seat's smaller and pillion unsuitable for my mrs.
1kkm then every 15kkm and valve service every 30kkm (600, 9000 and 18000 miles), sounds pretty good to me. Valves are regular bucket and shim. Having done three VFR VTEC valve services it will be a walk in the park to DIY after the warranty expires. Not something I would consider on the Multistrada TBH. Was pretty comfortable on the 100 mile test ride IMHO. Pillion not really a consideration, wife hasn't been on the back since before we had kids and has no real interest, mores the pity.
I`m not and never have been a Multi DVT owner but I am a long time Ducati owner and have recently bought a Turismo Veloce. Initially I was a little put off by the relatively revvy and smooth triple having spent the last 30 odd years on lumpy Ducatis but I am getting used to and enjoying the difference now. Most of the comments on distance to dealers and reliability problems have been and still are levelled at Ducatis many times , in my own case I`m no further from the nearest MV dealer than I am from the Ducati dealer. I`m not saying that is true for everyone but come on, where is your sense of adventure ? There is a Yamaha dealer less than a mile from home so if distance to a dealer was a major factor I`d be on one of them. I`ve only ridden a couple of MVs but neither gave me the impression they were about to expire, implode, melt or dissolve into a pile of rust any more than any Ducati I`ve tested recently. Only up to around 1000 miles so far so not a long term test and just typing this reply is probably asking for mechanical mayhem but there you go. I did consider the Multi but I wanted something a little lighter, a little less ugly (IMO) and I don't think I need more than the 110BHP of the TV as while motorcycle power and speed figures increase all the time, my ability peaked a while back and if anything is probably on the decline.
There you see, the dealer I visited told me that first service on the Veloce was at 5000km, told me also a bunch of other BS like that the display has integrated navigation etc. Can't rely on that kind of inconsistency and I was already sold after I test-drove the DVT so choice was a no-brainer.
