Soon To Be A New Multi Dvt Owner

I thought I would just say hello having just signed up for the forum, although I must admit to having dropped in a few times previously to keep up with views on the new Multistrada DVT and progress on deliveries.

My current bike is red STS4S which I have owned from new (nearly 13 years now). I had a few problems over the last 6 months or so with it starting and considered trading it in for something more modern, taking advantage of the technology and safety improvements that have come along in the intervening period.

Having seen the rave reviews on the new Multi, this looked to be the obvious choice. I placed my order back in April (a red S with Touring and Urban packs), with a quoted delivery around late May, early June, subject to a satisfactory test ride when a demo bike was available. This duly arrived a couple of weeks ago, so the test ride was arranged and we managed to find a break between showers to get a few dry miles in. What a bike. I just couldn't believe all the technology that it has when compared to my current bike, and so easy to ride, with a much more upright and stable low speed riding position, but oodles of power on tap when required.

Whilst I was still keen to proceed with the purchase, my wife felt more exposed on the back, sitting higher than on the ST4S and with no top-box to lean against, said she didn't feel quite as secure and relaxed on the newer bike. This may just be a matter of getting used to it, but what it did highlight is that the whilst the ST4S and Multistrada outwardly perform the same kind of role, they have completely different characters. The ST4S is certainly more old school, with the noisy and heavy dry clutch, really doesn't like dropping below 3000rpm, has a great sounding v-twin thrum and a more sporty forward leaning riding position, albeit with a level and comfortable seat for rider and pillion. There is also virtually no plastic on it - everything is either painted, alloy or carbon and has a quality feel to it. In comparison, the new Multistrada is smooth, easy to operate, clutch and gear action felt light and it would pull without fuss from just over tickover, but there was that elevated pillion seat sowing the seeds of doubt over suitability as a long distance tourer. I also found the more extensive use of black plastic on the modern bike not quite in keeping with the premium price point, but I guess that just a sign of the times.

We had a dilemma on our hands.

Having slept on it, I questioned why I was selling the ST4S in the first place. After all, it is in first class condition for a 13 year old bike, had only 7000 miles on the clock, was comfortable whilst being sporty, and always brought a grin to my face when out on the open road, if only the issue of the erratic starting could be resolved. However, the Multistrada was engaging in other areas, having all the safety and technical goodies lacking in the ST4S.

So what to do? As already mentioned, in my mind, I think the two bikes are completely different. One is bang up to date and the direction a modern Ducati wants to go, whilst the other is somehow more raw and traditional old school Ducati...a future classic perhaps?

So if you haven't guessed already from the title of my post, the conclusion was that I have managed to convince myself (and actually encouraged by my wife who doesn't want to see the ST4S go) that the only sensible option is to go with both and enjoy them for what they are. I just need to get that starting issue on the ST4S sorted once and for all.