So I am a four months and 2000 miles into my time with the 2017 1200S. I bought it with just 300 miles on the clock and finished the running in period before handing over to Snells for its first service. It’s taken some getting used to and is very different to my 848 corse and the Africa Twin it replaced. My question is about the gearbox. It’s definitely no where near as slick as the 848. The biggest issue for me it the shift from 4th to 5th and back down. It feels like a longer throw and if I’m not really positive gets me the odd false neutral and generally feels a bit shit. Is it just my bike / me or is this one if those lovely Ducati traits I will learn to love? Looking forward to words of wisdom and comfort.
This has been covered quite abit a alot of ppl reporting the same thing; its quite a long throw and you need a good firm positive action to avoid false neutrals. I tend to blip the throttle on down changes too and i find that helps. On the odd time i still do get a false neutral (i.e. i've forgotten i'm no longer riding a GSXR with a silky smooth box) ..... i pull the clutch, coast to the side of the road and switch the engine off before trying to find a gear. I think its just a trait that hopefully you will learn to love .... or live with I put it down to it been a Ducati - if i wanted sensible and boring i'd have bought a BMW
My 2015 does the same with 20k on it. I especially notice it when coming from another bike to the multi. Needs a firm to.
Thanks all. It sounds like a trait I can live with. Its mostly used for commuting from Bracknell to Gatwick so mostly motorways. Going to do an Italy trip in June so we will know each other well then.
@Buckers - Riding a Multi on a motorway is like wearing a dinner jacket to a transport cafe. You will love the Italian trip, and even better if you have the time to avoid all the Autoroutes although they are convenient for getting there asap. Check your tyres before you go as your commute sounds like it will square your tyres off tout suite.
Which Africa twin did you have. I’m tempted to change from a PP 1200dvt to the adventure sport. How are you finding the change?
Hi I had a 2016 manual. Absolutely brilliant bike. Handles really well and not slow. I had one behind me last week and he kept up really well. Good on the road but not as good as the multi. Definitely worth a test ride but I would only buy one if you plan to go off road at some point.
Not sure if it's the same set-up but I was having all sorts of problems with gears on my 2013 bike. I adjusted the lever position so it was almost at the lowest position (shortest adjuster length) and everything got much better.
Hi thanks for the advice. I did adjust the lever to make it more comfortable as the previous owner must have had size 14 feet!
