Multistrada question...

[jsanford]

The Plan (heah) was always that when I was finished learning all I could from my F650, I'd get a Ducati Multistrada 620 as my first shiny new bike.

However, as they're only importing the liter model next year I'm forced to consider this model now.

I have a pair of Givi E28 sidecases that I like very much, but don't see a sidecase rack as an option on Givi's website. Anyone know if using them would be possible?  Other than Ducati-branded, are there hardshell sidecase options available if not.

The other question I had was about an engine guard; is one available for the Multistrada, or are sliders it?

Thanks in advance. I'm scared to test ride a 620 without doing ALL the homework first.

[atypical1]

I have never seen an engine guard for a Multi just sliders. I can tell you from experience from my low side that the motor took no damage aside from some scratches. Being air cooled has some advantages! Do you plan on doing a lot of off road stuff with it? If so I would look elsewhere. She is not really a true dual sport.

Not sure on other brands besides DP for hard luggage. My dealer gave me a great deal on my topcase (which is the way to go IMHO).

Good luck!
james

[badger]

Hey there!

I recognize your screenname from the chain gang.  I used to have the exact bike you have currently.

Here are my thoughts on 97 F650ST to Multistrada variants:

The dry clutch of the 03-06 MTS 1000 will seem very harsh and grabby to you and very unfriendly in stop and go traffic.

The MTS 620 has a wet clutch, much more in line with what you're used to.  

The 07 MTS 1000 has a wet clutch too (I have no experience with it however).

The difference in power/torque will completely shock you.   Both the  620 and 1000  MTS are  way more  bettah in the power department--you'll love it.  

The MTS is as quick through the tight twisties as the F650, but with more grunt.

On the high speed side, you won't feel like you're running out at 92 mph anymore!  Plus the bike is much more stable in wind.

My 04 MTS 1000 is the most fun I've ever had on 2 wheels.  

Best thing to do is test out each iteration for yourself, however.

[wiseguy]

I have a 2005 Multistrada 1000DS as well as a 2000 F650 Funduro. They are BOTH really good bikes. The Multi has power advantage but the Funduro is no slouch in my opinion. The Multi seems like it is barely running when cruising down the freeway, the Funduro may be not so but better than my Triumph ST with the triple that was way too buzzy for me. The ergos for me 5'8" are better on the F650, the multi you will find is a bit of a reach to the bars as they don't taper back as much. I had to soften the suspension up on the Multi to make it comfortable. The Funduro rides like a Mercedez down the road or may be I need to check by shocks

I went with the DP luggage, all 3 pieces and they are better than the Triumph but not as good as the BMW luggage. You may think that you can ride a bike with no fuel guage and no light so the useless guage on the upto 06 multi will be ok. WRONG. That is the one of the two things that really dislike about the bike. A guage that gives you numbers that don't add up ever and fuel economy at 40mpg is nothing to write home about. Get the 07 so you can apparently get a working fuel guage. I swap bikes each week commuting to work and it is amazing how different the two bikes are but yet have much in common, narrow, sit up riding position, comfortable. By the way the Multi is great two up. Oh yeah, twistedthrottle.com has good luggage options for the bike.

The multi happens to be my fourth duc and no problems with any of them.

[Oilhed]

The 620 Multi has the same swingarm set-up as my ST3.  It's sturdy and easy to adjust the chain tension.  Not the more complex unit on the 1000.  There was some rumors of a 695 Multi after the 695 Monster was seen.  The multi is a low volume bike and might be discontinued because of that or perhaps there are some left in the warehouse and they are taking a year off to clear inventory.  If you need the latest and greatest you might be let down but if want a good deal no better time than this winter.

[atypical1]

The 620 Multi has the same swingarm set-up as my ST3.  It's sturdy and easy to adjust the chain tension.  Not the more complex unit on the 1000.

It took me 5 minutes to adjust my chain last night. Single nut to remove the rear wheel, loosen two nuts, adjust chain. Simple. Plus, single sided swingarms just look cool!

[Desmo Demon]

However, as they're only importing the liter model next year I'm forced to consider this model now.

Why not find a left-over 2006 620? I'm sure you'll be able to find a brand new one on some dealer's floor with a lowered price so they can move it. I like buying left-over bikes. I saved over $1500 on my 748 and a whopping $4000 on my ST2.

[Desmo Demon]

However, as they're only importing the liter model next year I'm forced to consider this model now.

Why not find a left-over 2006 620? I'm sure you'll be able to find a brand new one on some dealer's floor with a lowered price so they can move it. I like buying left-over bikes. I saved over $1500 on my 748 and a whopping $4000 on my ST2.
 

It took me 5 minutes to adjust my chain last night. Single nut to remove the rear wheel.....

Why'd you remove the rear wheel?

[atypical1]

Why'd you remove the rear wheel?

Big hands and limited tools (my buddy still has them from my last track day). Easier for me to get to the bolts with the wheel removed. Besides, I have to do my work in the parking structure of my building. It just looks cooler when I take the wheel off:D

[badger]

Thanks.

I was curious too.  At 7K, the chain is just starting to need adjustment.

[Desmo Demon]

Big hands and limited tools (my buddy still has them from my last track day). Easier for me to get to the bolts with the wheel removed. Besides, I have to do my work in the parking structure of my building. It just looks cooler when I take the wheel off:D

Ok....had me wondering, as I only have to use a 15mm (?) socket with a 4" extension and a 3/8"-drive rachet. I think last time I simply used a combination wrench.    
 
The tool kit that came with the 748 has a stamped-steel wrench for the two bolts and the 2-piece spanner, so I should be able to adjust it on the side of the road.....if I ever took the tool kit with me.  

[atypical1]

How did your hand fit in there with a combo wrench? That is a tight space. I only had a short one though. I gotta get my tools back:D

My chain is just needing adjustment after 14k on it. Actually it needs replacement more than anything. Will do that next week. I think I will invest in a better quality chain this time though. This one was not as durable as I would have thought. Began to develop some rust and I am pretty diligent (although not anal) about keeping it lubricated.

[Desmo Demon]

How did your hand fit in there with a combo wrench? That is a tight space.

I went from the sprocket/chain side of the bike, but I think I was only able to move it somewhere about an 1/8 turn with each movement of the wrench. It was a standard Craftsman combination wrench. I remember getting a bunch of chain lube on my knuckles in the process, though.  

[JonS]

While I was at the bike show yesterday, I asked the Givi guy about racks for the Multi ansd he said they are coming out with them, but he didn't know when.
 If the combination of cases and racks was close to the price of the Ducati stuff, I'd get the latter. I really like the way they look.

[vitaminC]

I'm not sure where you're located, but here in the Bay Area I've seen a couple of new MT620's (one red, one dark) marked down $1k off of list, and I would think you could haggle them down a bit more...  why wait?

[BikerRN]

I and my wife each ride an '06 Multi 620.  It's a great bike!

I think Ducati "missed the boat" on this one when they discontinued the Babystrada.  If it were me, and knowing the bike like I do, I would opt for the '06 MTS 620.

I have Ducati Soft Panniers on mine, but the DP stuff is nice too.  For me it was a matter of finances, two sets of Soft Panniers over one DP Hard Bag set.

Get an '06, I don't think Ducati will introduce a 695 MTS in the future.  

[Aero]

A guy on the Ducati stand at the Toronto Motorcycle Show on Saturday told me that there will be a 695 Multi soon. Probably will be announced next year sometime.