OK folks, I'm nearly at the point of purchasing an 11MY NEW MS1200S Sport and part exing my mint 05 ST4S (and Harley XR1200). This is my 3rd ST and all have been totally reliable and used for long European two-up tours. My aim is to reduce bikes and cut down service costs whilst still having a Ducati in my life. My questions are, 1.should I do it at risk of the MS being less reliable although cheaper to maintain. 2.What is the difference between the 11 MY Multi and the 12MY Multi I welcome all your pearls of wisdom on the matter!! (please note I do not require comments on the Harley and I WILL ignore any abuse relating to it!!)
It has crossed my mind and the only real factor that makes me want to get away from the ST (apart from service intervals) is that my ageing bones struggle with the sportier riding position these days.
re : Question 1, I reckon it's like assisting an Automatic door to close Tony! I'm sure you have studied all the recalls and gremlins* documented here, on other Forums and direct from Ducati. I know two owners who bought new and don't regret it. *two that concern me are the dropping into neutral from second on overrun and rear brake - hopefully both improved on by now..
Answers: 1) Yes. - MTS's are infinitely more complicated so are bound to be more unreliable but all the major problems occurred in the 2010 build bikes so yours should be OK. 2) I'm pretty sure the only differences were: Both left and right handlebar switches were upgraded. RH switch now dark red instead of bright red. (looks like the older RH switches are being replaced as part of a recall anyway). I had my LH switch replaced recently and it's a bit more of a "positive" feel when pushing the button - a slight increase in quality of plastic perhaps. Also a very small change in the seat shape to give a little bit more room for the rider sitting further back. Apart from the introduction of a new colour (grey) and the dropping of black bikes across the range I think that's it.
I did Dave. Your post has been one (of perhaps too many) that made me put this up in the first place. I'm just looking for help with my decision. I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure!!
If this bloody bike gets sorted in the near future and gives no more trouble I will percivere and start enjoying it again im sure , Just so you know im not all doom and gloom, I do also like the Multis pannier system , I havent much previous luggage experience with bikes ... normally bungeeing overloaded bags to the pillion seat of previous bikes , Those panniers just click on and off , very well desgined and the Multi looks almost as sleek and nice with them as without them
Dave I agree with you on the looks and of course that usually plays the major part in deciding to buy. I have tested the bike and it is very impressive (all be it a little quiet) and there are clear improvements in flexibility over the 996 engine in my ST. The pannier system on the ST is a fantastically simple and effective set-up that has been mounted on all three of my bikes and I don't think they have improved over them on the MS. I am very concerned about the problems you are having and even if they do manage to fix it I wonder about the long-term durability of the bike. I hope you get some proper customer satisfaction very soon. Tony
I agree, the panniers look good and work well. Except for one thing, the black plastic parts which the panniers click into just under the seat on each side are not strong enough. They crack quite easily. Even a minor bump against the pannier can cause breakage. The panniers don't fall off, but they become a bit loose in the mounting holes. It is a known problem.
I used to be apathetic, but now I just don't care;-) Take the plunge and buy the latest model you can. There's so many posts of this that and the other thing it'll do your head in. I've got a 2011/2012 PP and so far-bulletproof. I've been riding since 1977 when bikes were made of wood & plasticine and if I rolled (nearly) all of them into a ball to make one Gods Own bike; the Multistrada 1200 would stride over that ball like it was cat sick. Apologies to the punters with issues but that's my tale to date. Now ive said that, it'll catch on fire tomorrow on start up
Well I've gone and done it. I'm really going to miss my faithful ST and somebody will get a bloody good buy but things move on and after 7 years its time for a change. Black MS1200 Sport with pannier kit, centre stand, stubby Termi can, black screen and CF front mudguard coming to sit proudly next to my Explorer1200. I'm going to start positive and assume it will be the best bike I have ever owned at this point. I have also been assured by the salesman at Riders of Bridgewater that the upgraded switchgear will be in place at PDI.
Apart from the introduction of a new colour (grey) and the dropping of black bikes across the range I think that's it.[/QUOTE] Err, Its not bloody Grey..... It's Race Titanium Matte. There is a difference, a big one. I do hope that's clear.
I've had an ST4 and an ST4s, both great bikes, used for numerous European trips, but the Multi is miles ahead in comfort handling, performance and more comfortable for my creaking and battered body. I've got a year 2010 model and the only problem was the rear shock ECU went crazy and everything lit up like a christmas tree, could still ride it, bike went into Ducati Manchester and was back within a few hours sorted with a new ecu. Other than that it's been faultless and it is the best bike I've ever owned. You'll love it.
Surprised anybody would find an ST to sporty, sat on mates and felt like I was holding ape hangers after my 999. good luck with the Multi though PS I'm a big bloke with messed up knees but would rather suffer the sports position than wide bars hole in the road mid corner situation.
I must say that my ST isn't what I would consider sporty as far as riding position is concerned, but it is damn comfortable. Compared to the R1100RT I had before it is far more sporting but slightly less so than the Sprint 1050 that preceded the BMW. Just wish I was in the market for an ST at the mo as this one sounds perfect. Why is it, that having spent 6 months looking for one, you go and buy it and then there's more, probably better, ones for sale?!
