On the verge of ordering a new Multi - need some questions answered first!

Well, top box is extra, whichever model you go for, but is ace. Heated grips are excellent. The centre stand is useful. I think the question you have to ask is "do you want carbon parts on the bike?". If "yes", then buy the 'Sport' and add the touring parts you want. If "no", then buy the Touring. I have the touring.... Navihalter sat nav mounting is pricey but perfect. Slip-ons make no difference to sound or performance, you need to remove the cat. A full system is the way to go, but the full Termi does (sometimes) melt the indicator/number plate holder....others have cut the length though, so it is possible to remedy this. I have a Termi slip on with BR special tuning baffle and also a higher flowing air filter...works well. If I had my time again, I would get a cut down full Termi. Depends on what you want, again. I've also changed the front and rear springs (we do a fair bit of two up riding, and I found the bike understeered), although I'm only (?) 88kg kitted up. Oh, and lowering the yokes 8mm. Other than that, whatever you choose, it's a fantastic bike and you'll love it!

 

My dealer told me that it is cheaper to buy an S and spec up to Touring than the other way around? The Carbon is tres expensive, no?

 

Quite possibly, but it does rather depend on what you want. If you want all the carbon AND all the touring parts, then yes, it is worth pricing up what all the parts would cost separately....if you're not fussed with one or the other, or only want some parts, then that will determine your choice. For example, you might not want the centre stand. Horses for courses and all that... Both "S" models are basically the same, except for the carbon/touring parts.

 

i expect that would be true if you went for the Ducati bits but there are plenty of alternatives out there now to choose from.

 

I went for the touring rather than the sport as I think the bits you get such as the heated grips are worth far more to me than a few bits of carbon. Don't get me wrong I'm very partial to the weave, but I wouldn't have it over panniers or heated grips. I've never had a bike with them, but even if I got a Panigale, I'd fit them!

 

Got me a Sport. added seat, Givi trekker 46L staple house top and sides and a Big screen. I've loaded a 999R to the tilt with goodies so i know the lure of personalising.
Stil, i would not know what a full termi would add to the fun on the MTS. The stock BHP is more then you will ever need, and will never be enough if you really want more..
I fully appreciate the big sound and rumble on the 57MM termi on the 999 but i'm also sure it would annoy me on longer cruising trips... Being quit discreet as it is, no one will doubt i's a Duc either..

This said, i really love the PP as a cafe racer

As to GPS. from what i know the Ducati one is pritty outdated, no? 430 gbp should buy you the latest zumo and mapsource..

Btw : welcome to the gang

 

yeah, know what you mean.. it's not nice to see the carbon bits covered in sand, wather and muck.. which is what you will get when riding the MTS a lot!

 

I've just put my very low mileage 2011 S Touring up for sale in classifieds, and what you could save on new will buy a lot of carbon and fancy exhausts!

http://ducatiforum.co.uk/f21/ducati-multistrada-1200-s-touring-1983/

Please forgive me if I'm breaching etiquette, but thought you might not mind a quick pointer. :biggrin:

Geoff

 

Bit late to this thread, so if the original poster has pulled the trigger all I can say is good choice - you're gonna love it

I looked at the same question before I bought my bike, and decided that I wasn't convinced of the value of either of the S spec bikes.
Had I bought new, I would have bought a base bike with ABS & HEATED GRIPS, and gone after market for the extras.

There are plenty of quality suppliers of carbon pieces, centre stands, and luggage all of which are just as good (or better) that the DP versions and cost substantially less.

As it happens, I was able to buy an almost new bike with 350 miles on it for a great price - it was an S sport with Grips, Panniers and Ducati SatNav.

I like the fancy suspension on the S, but I probably wouldn't buy it if I was buying another bike from new.
Well sorted "normal" suspension has worked perfectly well for years and I'm not convinced of the value (or long term reliability) of electronic adjustment.
Most people who have "base" bikes are perfectly happy with the suspension, and even if they need an upgrade and professional setup, it can be done for a hell of a lot less than the cost of the electronic stuff.

I sold the Ducati SatNav, because I already had a Zumo, and subsequently found it reported in the forums that the Ducati branded Nuvi isn't particularly good. So I would not recommend buying one of those - get a Zumo 660 for less money and better functionality.

Same with the Ducati Panniers - I sold them because I didn't expect to want panniers at all - but a year later I do.
However, I don't regret selling them because I got a set of SW Motech panniers which are slightly bigger than OE, have a mounting system that is totally unobtrusive with the panniers removed, and cost significantly less money than Ducati's.
The fact that you can move them to another bike and they (arguably) look better than the OE ones is a bonus. I've matched them to a Givi E55 box (also mounted via SW Motech hardware, and I'm very happy with the result. BTW - I think the latching system on the DP topbox and panniers are both unnecessarily fiddly and "ordinary" Givi kit is better.

So, my two pence worth is;
Buy a base model, and add the bits you want from 3rd parties as and when you feel the need and have the money.
Spend the saving on tyres, fuel, and European trips on the bike.

If you absolutely must have the S suspension, go for the Sport (which is better value in terms of included extras) and fit 3rd party box and panniers.

Whatever model you choose, get the heated grips

 

Getting a new soft top for the summer, so will be without 2 wheels for a while. When I get bored of playing in the car I will probably look for another bike.

I've put so few miles on my bike anyway, it'll barely get ridden at all for the rest of the summer, someone else may as well enjoy it.

Cheers,

Geoff

 

Well last night I landed back from Lands End to John O'Groats on the Multi.

Took 6 days for the total run from home, 4 days for the LEJOG bit itself - all except the run home was A and B roads.

1964 miles of getting used to the new bike over the 6 days and I'm glad to report that it was a good buy!!



Superb comfort, effortless power & handling, really can't ask for more coupled with the ability to scratch with the best of them carrying full luggage!

Can't wait for July, off to the Alps :biggrin:

 

The touring rider & pillion seats are excellent - the riders version also is a little narrower at the front than the standard one allowing us less than 6' tall types to get a bit more toe on the floor when stationary!

Bung wise, I've gone Speedymoto engine ones.