As a potential Ducati Multistrada owner, I have been looking at the 1200S DTV bikes, but I think I may need to re-think it, so I have some questions for you. I ride for pleasure, (because I am old and I can) so no commutes for me. I do 2-3 European trips each year, so comfort is quite important when you are knocking out 250-550 miles a day, so given this, my main question is Skyhook or not? I have only been looking at Skyhook bikes but I feel I am doing the non-Skyhook bikes a disservice because I never take a pillion and only put panniers on, (Givi Dolomiti cases), for my holiday trips. So help me out and give me your opinions please. I should add that I am mainly looking at 2015-2018 bikes although I did see a beautiful 2013 PIkes Peak bike with less than 4000 miles on it but it is a private sale and I really would need to part-ex my current bike.
Another one of those questions that will divide opinion. My advice is to try and test ride both specs to experience the difference between the two. With my experience of touring northern Spain and Portugal last year, Skyhook would be the no-brainer choice. Conventional forks would just not have had the flexibility to provide a comfortable ride when the road surface unexpectedly deteriorated when being led off the beaten track. Andy
I can only speak for the 2018 which is a 1260. The skyhook is nice but not having it is not necessarily a deal breaker. More important are the headlights. The "S" has full LED and cornering lights. In fact, the best headlights I've had of all the bikes I've ridden. Full color display also if that can be of importance. "Over-buying minimizes potential regrets"
I have the 2015 non S version. Have put close to 30000 miles on it. Can't comment on the S version but I hear it's very good. My non S is also very good. I ride one up with panniers mostly and only adjust the rear preload if I am completely loaded for a trip. Easy with one knob for rear preload. Compared to many other bikes I've owned without electronic suspension it's top notch. Bought my bike used with 500 miles on it for a very good price.
I would agree about the LED lights on the S, worth every penny. Personally I think the S is worth the extra as the skyhook is excellent and it will hold its value better. I’ve owned three Multistrada and they have all been the S versions
I’ve owned both DVT S and standard bikes. The Skyhook is good but the complexity and cost would be a concern for long term 2nd hand ownership for me. The headlights and colour dash are a nice feature. The brakes are very similar on both. In all honesty I’d value condition, history and value over S/Standard. I would 100% ensure you get a Touring Pack bike (heated grips, panniers and centre stand). If you buy a base model, you’ll find the suspension more than up to solo work. I’d even say the added predictability made it slightly my preference.
Thanks gents, looks like Skyhook is a big favourite. I didn’t want to divide opinion, just get a better feel for what I’m looking at. I guess if I wanted to start a war, I’d start an oil thread, LOL Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere near that!!!
S headlight is great - if you ride in the dark - its a definate + The Skyhook is great too. Someone on here is looking to sell one at 8500 Asking how much its worth... https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/dvt-value.78913/#post-1663344
Just be thankful that you guys ride Ducatis, on the Super Tenere forum, they have the Darksider thread! For those that don’t know what that is, there are a huge number of our brothers in USA who shell out a large amount of $$$$s only to fit a car tyre on the rear wheel because “it is cheaper and lasts longer“
Brake fluid and oil surely? Colour of bikes? With Red being fastest and sexiest.... Am I still allowed to say that?
Get the S. Skyhook... perfect for people who alternate with solo / luggage / pillion, also fun. Headlights... witchcraft when you see the fill in lights and looks like Toothless from How To Drain A Dragon (unless you don't buy a grey one... in which case, WTF?). Colour dash... pretty and informative, more configurable. Better front callipers... it says Brembo in red on them, and at a far jauntier angle. I got the standard, poured scorn on the S... because I was ascetic. It turned out to be a lemon and then I got an S and I realised that the S is the best bike ever. I initially (for a year) thought Skyhook was summat and nowt and then actually engaged with it and set my preload and played with the settings and now am a convert. It's pretty bloody ace. Get the S. Or buy my XR...
I’m on my 2nd “S”... currently a 1200 DVT. Preferred 2011 S Ohlins suspension but DVT hits all the spots in other ways. Definitely an S but two immediate changes (having learnt) +2 on rear sprocket and get an aftermarket seat.... Or have your coccyx removed. Standard seat is awful. Other than that I love mine.
I bought a used comfort seat for my 2011.. that was money well spent. All day comfort. Current DVT awaiting a Sargent comfort seat. Can’t stand it anymore. Others may comment too. My only real gripe about my Mutli.
Seat on mine has been redone to great improvement, still to change gearing... Another thing to consider is when you come to onsell, the S will be the more desirable bike. Yes the lights are fantastic. Although mine are impossible to adjust down so low beam doesn't piss off oncoming motorists!
I have the comfort seat on my 1260 but comfort is not the word I would use to describe it! I bought a gel pad and set about removing the cover, I then worryingly cut into the foam and removed a section to fit the gel pad. At this point I decided to take some of the “slope” out of the seat foam to help with the problem of the seat sliding you forward towards the tank. Then fitted the gel pad and installed a layer of smoothing foam over the whole thing and replaced the waterproof plastic layer and re-stapled the cover on. It’s much better now, and I have kept the original seat covers which if you go for the Touratech seat the colour is different and doesn’t match the pillion seat unless you buy the stupidly expensive Touratech pillion seat. I have only managed short rides so far but on Monday I’m doing a lot more miles meeting with a few guys on here so I’ll let you know how it goes! Cost wise foam was £8 delivered and the gel pad was £30. My time was free!
