Hi guys, I'm thinking of swapping my r1200rt water boxer for a second hand Multi. The Bmw is great for work, took me 480 miles on Tuesday, but heavier than I want, plus I'm going to have more time for home servicing soon, and I'm ready for more involvement. I'm thinking that I don't necessarily want a new bike. Immaculate paintwork is less important to me than sorted suspension. Am I correct in thinking the cam belts changed to cam chains at some time? That makes a lot of sense to me. So which year should I go for? Any tips for me, in terms of what to look for and what to avoid? Thanks!
Panigales have chains instead of belts (1199, 1299, 899, and 959 superbikes). All other current and recent Ducatis have cams driven by belts, including all Multistradas.
ducati are old school so unfortunatly they all have belts, adds a bit of the ducati flair i suppose. After hearing a few horror story's about the 2010/11 (although 90% have had no problems) i would get a 12' onwards if you can, i personally only go for sub 10,000 mile bikes but there have been many people who have gone all the way past 50k with no major problems. Ducatis arnt as unreliable as they were 10-20 years ago, but there still not Japanese reliable. Only "common" problem ive noticed is the front abs wire sometimes splits due to the way its routed, but this is a very easy fix if your confident with a soldering iron. Most of the servicing is quite easy to do yourself as the engine is very accessible. Ive had my 12' S bike for two years now and cant be happier, best bike ive ever owned + your in the right place, this forum has got to be one of the most helpful and active forums ive ever used, real great bunch of people here and all willing to help
Welcome to the forum. To answer your first question, it was the Panigale engine that went to chain not the Multistrada. Belt service is 5 years or 15000 miles. You have the choice of the original engine, which for many is the most tuneable, the twin spark and the latest DVT which is the most complicated to tune due mostly to the variable valve timing. Early s models had Ohlins, the twin spark introduced the skyhook (not Ohlins) which was continued onto the DVT. Each type has its advocates so you had best get test riding and do test both base and skyhook, some think the skyhook is great, some see no reason for anything more than the base suspension. I ride a 2012 sT with electronic Ohlins plus after market semi reactive SCU and love it. So much that I have no desire to change it for either the twin spark or the DVT but that is me. Andy
Ok, thanks guys. Belt replacement sounds ok at those intervals. My other bike has cam driven gears so will never need maintenance on that front. Good points on the suspension differences, I need to test ride. Yes, I will be seeking one under 10,000 miles. Perhaps a 2012 model? Regarding reliability, I don't always believe the hype. BMW manage their image very well. My experience has not always been as good as you might think. Love the heated seat tho, electronic suspension, and economy. A little tired of the bulk and width. Time to contact Cambridge Ducati for test rides!
Just to clarify that the twin spark base model (Abs) does not have skyhook so you could go for that model if you wanted a twin spark without skyhook suspension
I've had one of the first '10s from new. I've documented its virtues and failings pretty comprehensively at Ducati Diary but, in short: finish on mine has been dreadful, others are better. I've had no major mechanical issues, just lots of minorish ones. Others have had failing heads and radiators. Later pre-DVT bikes seem to be a bit better in that regard. The big difference in those pre-DVTs is between the original single-spark engines and Öhlins suspension and the 13-14 bikes with the twin spark engines and the Sachs Skyhook semi-active suspension. You'll need to ride a few examples to see which suits your needs and riding style best. My personal preference is for the feel of the Öhlins machines (with the Öhlins SCU upgrade) and the responsiveness of the single-spark engines: to me, the DVT feels lifeless in comparison. OTOH, the Skyhook does work extremely well, but I'll go out on a limb and suggest that the single spark/Öhlins is a more responsive and sporting ride and the twin-spark/Sachs more comfortable and a better long-range tourer. I am, like Andy, keeping my '10, for the time being at least.
I'm with Kevlar. Go for the base model twin spark engine from 2013 on. That's what I did and had the suspension upgraded for me, and get the Rexxer remap from Nelly!
