Never owned a Duc, but thinking about a Multistrada...

[Shizoku]

Any input positive or negative that one should know about Ducs (service, reliabilty, etc)?
Thinking of a 2012 Mutistrada...everything I've read so far is uber positive.

Comments?

Thanks

[Kramer]

The sounds she makes are truly intoxicating.  Given the right set-up of course.

[garry]

Deforming plastic gas tanks (not covered under warranty)???

Are the Multis having this issue? I've just read about some Ducati models having issues and owners not happy with the factory response...

[GilaMonster]

Had an '06 Multi and loved it.  It was very reliable, BUT if you are planning to ride a lot of miles, service costs will break you.  That's because of cam belt adjust (6K-7.5K miles depending on year of the bike) and replacement (2 years or 12K-15K miles) due to desmodromic valves.  It's bad enough on 2 valve motors, but really expensive for 4 valve motors.  My recollection is around a grand for belt replacement on a 4 valve and about $600 for a 2 valve.

[GTS_Rider]

I got one of the first in California towards end of May 2010, wasted the rear tire in 1740 miles and changed it in a parking-lot (after much figuring out that I needed to remove the exhaust pipettes in order to remove the wheel).

I've had a couple electronics issues that seemed to clear themselves on their own...

Just ticking 20k on my 2010 version, which is my primary multi-day big-tour ride. Otherwise, it's mostly parked and I have other bikes for daily commute duties.

I will say this is my Ultimate touring machine for at least a couple more few years. When I purchased the Duc, I also had the Concours 14 , which in that time and space where I purchased the C-14, I also thought that would be the Ultimate ST-machine...

My trouble was, during the course of owning the C-14, I also had the V-Strom 1k. It was always a hard debate on which bike to take. I generally pick out major twisty bumpy goat trails along the course of a ride, which the V-strom shines, but then there's the connecting highways and/or deserted straights where I want to really wick up the speed. Eh, the V-Strom starts getting really sketchy on the front end @ around 140 indicated, which is 120 actual. The C-14 can bust the straights nearing actual 150, but it's not really set-up to deal with the bumpy goat-trails as well...

I sold the C-14 at at a major loss. But for me, and my style of riding and road picks, the MTS1200 is still my Ultimate ride thus far...

   



 

[Ack535]

I too like the Multistrada, but the maint. costs scare me. Plus I would have to travel 75 plus miles one way for service.

I am going to stick to my FJR for now. It's really hard to beat the reliability of a Japanese bike.

[SalsaShark]

I too was a Ducati virgin when I bought my Multi 1200s. Best bike I've owned by far. I sold my 1125R right after, my speed triple was gone the following summer. I've covered most of the western states on it and love it.

I had the typical electronics issues which have since been resolved. The deforming tanks were on the previous stradas, not the 1200s. I'm on my second set of tires, mainly due to some very long days on slab. The bike eats up the highway miles, is a kick in the ass in the twisties and does a fine job on dirt roads.

The  testastretta engine has 7500k service intervals, but I change my oil more often... cheap insurance. Major service intervals are 15000 for belts. I haven't reached that yet. My dealer quoted 1K, but I can't confirm this. I guess my thought with this is go in with open eyes. It's part of the cost of ownership. If you're so inclined, pick up a service manual and dig into it.

The pirelli tires are great for both dirt and twisties. I haven't found a "do all" replacement.

Don't let the ducati demons of the past dissuade you from your choices.

I don't regret it for an instant!


my obligatory happy trails pic... hello from Yellowstone...

[Shizoku]

I got one of the first in California towards end of May 2010, wasted the rear tire in 1740 miles and changed it in a parking-lot (after much figuring out that I needed to remove the exhaust pipettes in order to remove the wheel).

I've had a couple electronics issues that seemed to clear themselves on their own...

Just ticking 20k on my 2010 version, which is my primary multi-day big-tour ride. Otherwise, it's mostly parked and I have other bikes for daily commute duties.

I will say this is my Ultimate touring machine for at least a couple more few years. When I purchased the Duc, I also had the Concours 14 , which in that time and space where I purchased the C-14, I also thought that would be the Ultimate ST-machine...

My trouble was, during the course of owning the C-14, I also had the V-Strom 1k. It was always a hard debate on which bike to take. I generally pick out major twisty bumpy goat trails along the course of a ride, which the V-strom shines, but then there's the connecting highways and/or deserted straights where I want to really wick up the speed. Eh, the V-Strom starts getting really sketchy on the front end @ around 140 indicated, which is 120 actual. The C-14 can bust the straights nearing actual 150, but it's not really set-up to deal with the bumpy goat-trails as well...

I sold the C-14 at at a major loss. But for me, and my style of riding and road picks, the MTS1200 is still my Ultimate ride thus far...

GTS,
Would you happen to know the changes that have been made on the 2012 models vs the 2010?
Thanks,
Dave

PS...I think my son and I rode with you one time on a FAST 400 a number of years ago...fun ride!

[expatbrit]

GTS,
Would you happen to know the changes that have been made on the 2012 models vs the 2010?
Thanks,
Dave

PS...I think my son and I rode with you one time on a FAST 400 a number of years ago...fun ride!

Not GTS, nor do I play him on TV even, but another Ducati virgin MTS1200 owner. Also really enjoying the bike; I don't commute at all any more, so almost all my miles are of the fun variety and it ticked over 8k this weekend since I bought it in April.

My beauty shot, on the way IN to Grand Teton (amd then Yellowstone)


I think the largest change is the seat giving more room (though I don't feel the lack, and I'm tall). I hadn't seen anything on other updates -- though they may be incorporating the rear brake fix in it.

[atadaskew]

The  testastretta engine has 7500k service

I thought it was 15K miles on the MS 12.

http://www.multistrada.ducati.com/jspducatimultistrada/techspecs.jsp

[SalsaShark]

I thought it was 15K miles on the MS 12.

http://www.multistrada.ducati.com/jspducatimultistrada/techspecs.jsp

minor - 7500 (glorified oil change)
major - 15000 (belts)

[M.Brane]

 Change your own belts, and save big $$$$. It's not that hard for anyone who has reasonable mechanical skill, and the required audio equipment. Valve adjustments are not as bad as most think, but then again you need to be reasonably skilled in tedious mechanical procedures, and be able to keep track of what you're doing. No interruptions can be tolerated. The parts/tools can be bought for less than the cost of having someone do it for you once so if you do it twice you've paid for it, and learned a valuable skill.

 Don't think you can get away with being lax on the belt replacement. Very bad things ($$$$) can happen if a belt jumps a single tooth.

 I'd own one myself, but the price of admission is about $10K too rich for my budget.

[Mr Sunshine]

 Change your own belts, and save big $$$$. It's not that hard for anyone who has reasonable mechanical skill, and the required audio equipment. Valve adjustments are not as bad as most think, but then again you need to be reasonably skilled in tedious mechanical procedures, and be able to keep track of what you're doing. No interruptions can be tolerated. The parts/tools can be bought for less than the cost of having someone do it for you once so if you do it twice you've paid for it, and learned a valuable skill.

 Don't think you can get away with being lax on the belt replacement. Very bad things ($$$$) can happen if a belt jumps a single tooth.

 I'd own one myself, but the price of admission is about $10K too rich for my budget.

There is a need for a computer in these services so it makes it pretty difficult for the average shade tree to do the work.  The computer is not available unless you are an authorized Ducati shop.

[Mr. Whippy]

There is a need for a computer in these services so it makes it pretty difficult for the average shade tree to do the work.  The computer is not available unless you are an authorized Ducati shop.

Don't know if they make the chip/software for the new MTS, but technoresearch makes a tool that allows me to do all the necessary computer work on my 04 Multistrada.  Worth looking at the website I guess:


http://www.technoresearch.com/

[M.Brane]

There is a need for a computer in these services so it makes it pretty difficult for the average shade tree to do the work.  The computer is not available unless you are an authorized Ducati shop.

 Yeah you need a computer to run the audio app that measures the frequency of the belt resonance when you adjust the tension, but why else? Did they do some BS with the new ECU that it needs to be reset with some proprietary software you can't buy? In that case I take it back: I don't want a MTS1200.

[mugwump58]

What? The resonance of the belt.... ick

[M.Brane]

What? The resonance of the belt.... ick

 It's actually very accurate, and pretty simple for an audio guy like myself. 110hz for a Desmoquattro IIRC.

[Mr Sunshine]

Don't know if they make the chip/software for the new MTS, but technoresearch makes a tool that allows me to do all the necessary computer work on my 04 Multistrada.  Worth looking at the website I guess:


http://www.technoresearch.com/

Yes they change to a Mitsubushi ECU which doesn't have the support which your ECU does.

[Mr Sunshine]

 Yeah you need a computer to run the audio app that measures the frequency of the belt resonance when you adjust the tension, but why else? Did they do some BS with the new ECU that it needs to be reset with some proprietary software you can't buy? In that case I take it back: I don't want a MTS1200.

Yes they did....and there are more than 1 ECU...something like 6 in the bike.

Setting up the belts and doing the valves is just work that can be accomplished with hand tools.  Fiddeling with the locked down electronics isn't possible without the right expensive tool.

[mugwump58]

 It's actually very accurate, and pretty simple for an audio guy like myself. 110hz for a Desmoquattro IIRC.

 

[Mr Sunshine]

 It's actually very accurate, and pretty simple for an audio guy like myself. 110hz for a Desmoquattro IIRC.

Um you are making a HUGE assumption if you set it up that way.  The assumption is that the belt is made in exactly the same way with the exact same materials.

Better to use a tension setting instead.

[M.Brane]

 

 

[Playinthestreet]

 

+ a whole bunch

[M.Brane]

Um you are making a HUGE assumption if you set it up that way.  The assumption is that the belt is made in exactly the same way with the exact same materials.

Better to use a tension setting instead.

 You've obviously never attempted to adjust a Ducati timing belt to exactly 110hz.

[Mr. Whippy]

 You've obviously never attempted to adjust a Ducati timing belt to exactly 110hz.

Correct. Starting with the previous gen Multi's, Monsters  etc, Ducati states that harmonic tensioning is the preferred method.

[mugwump58]

OK I'll bite. What would I need to have on hand to perform this operation?

signed
Non-audiophile

[Mikiel]

It's easy enough to do.  M.Brane and I use a program called CBMTool which you can download here free: http://www.kchall.plus.com/  Put that on your laptop, plug in a microphone (he has a nifty testing mic and a stand, but you could do this with any inexpensive tie-clip mic), and then pluck the belt like a guitar string.  This is much more accurate than the 5-mil allen wrench method or any spring tension tool I've tried, and it's the way Ducati recommends doing it now.  That said we did fabricate a custom wrench for the tensioner pulley on my 748.  That's not strictly necessary, but it makes it much easier to get the tension right and then tighten the locking nut without moving the tensioner pulley.

[Desmo Demon]

 Change your own belts, and save big $$$$. It's not that hard for anyone who has reasonable mechanical skill, and the required audio equipment. Valve adjustments are not as bad as most think, but then again you need to be reasonably skilled in tedious mechanical procedures, and be able to keep track of what you're doing. No interruptions can be tolerated. The parts/tools can be bought for less than the cost of having someone do it for you once so if you do it twice you've paid for it, and learned a valuable skill.

I've been doing all my own maintenance on my Ducs (and Duc-powered Bimota) for about ten years, now. After the purchase of a shim kit ($250-$300), a good set of allen wrenches ($30-$40), and a decent feeler guage set ($20-$25), a belt change and valve adjustment costs about $60 for a 2V bike and $140 for a 4V bike (a little cheaper for the older SBK engines) as this is just the cost of the belts. I also have been using the 5mm allen wrench or belt twist test for setting tension on my bikes without any issues. Over the years, I think I've done over 25 valve adjustments between my bikes and a few bikes of friends.

[maddjack]

Deforming plastic gas tanks (not covered under warranty)???

Are the Multis having this issue? I've just read about some Ducati models having issues and owners not happy with the factory response...

this is what I am waiting to hear about, truth or BS. Some places I hear about it ,. Whats the skinny owners??

[falcofred]

Actually there is a class action lawsuit that now forces Ducati to replace the defective fuel tanks.
Google it

[maddjack]

Ok , but have they done anything to the original design to fix the problem or is it you have to  sue when it screws up?Also if the original design was never improved how many replacements do you get before its your problem?

[M.Brane]

 The design is not the problem it's the ethanol that the government insists should be in our gasoline. This is not a problem anywhere else in the world.

[maddjack]

 The design is not the problem it's the ethanol that the government insists should be in our gasoline. This is not a problem anywhere else in the world.

Well gee if they are selling it here, don't you think they should allow for the ethanol??

[falconati]

I always seek out gas stations that sell premo without the ethanol.

[M.Brane]

Well gee if they are selling it here, don't you think they should allow for the ethanol??

 No, I don't. I DO think that our government, and the corn lobby should stop forcing us to burn food in our fuel tanks. Plastic fuel tanks are not the only thing that ethanol fuels destroy.

I always seek out gas stations that sell premo without the ethanol.

 I would too if that were an option here.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Rented a Multi while I was at a military required school in Cali.  Put 700 miles on it in two half days (was getting out of class around 10 or 11 everyday) and it was  joy to ride.  Very fun bike, wheelie machine for sure with all that torque.  Easy to thread though traffic (lane split).  

Honestly the sound alone with the Arrow pipes made me think of getting one   but then I looked at the maint. schedule and decided I rode too many miles to justify it.

[maddjack]

 No, I don't. I DO think that our government, and the corn lobby should stop forcing us to burn food in our fuel tanks. Plastic fuel tanks are not the only thing that ethanol fuels destroy.



 I would too if that were an option here.

So Ducati should sell ,machines which they know will have fuel tank problems??? You aren't even making sense.The gas is being sold regardless . politics , take that shit to PO.

[tomek]

 It's actually very accurate, and pretty simple for an audio guy like myself. 110hz for a Desmoquattro IIRC.

  This has to be some kind of joke ,,,,,,,,,,,, 5 bucks says that if you run that motor to the "redline"  ( yea , I know ) once or twice , perhaps bounce off rev limiter couple of times and that whole adjustment goes out of the window .

Now , E10 . It took Columbus 5-6 weeks to sail from Spain to America , Ethanol gasoline has been on the market for what ?   30 some years  ? Not enough time for that piece of info to travel all that way to Bologna ?

[OSJ]

Ive owned 3 Ducati's in the past 8 years, including a 1100 multi.  I'm not a mechanic, I don't have the correct tools, enough space, or the time and knowledge to do the required maintenance.  And to be honest that's not the enjoyment I get out of motorcycling...I would rather ride.

However I knew this going in, that's why I waited until bike # 19 before I purchased my first Duck...and when I knew I could afford the service.  The average motorcyclist needs to know this too.  Either be a great mechanic with lots of money invested in tools and know how to use them or put some money aside for service.

My first Ducati was a 800ss with very little problems, I traded it for the 1100 multi.  I missed my 800 so much I traded the Multi back for the SS 4 years later.  My problem with that Multi was tank swelling and dash that was not water proof (ECU is in the dash) Because I like to ride (which means also riding in the rain) I had several problems...the ducati faithful say the solution is to not ride in the rain.

The tank issue is the real reason I went back to a metal tank Ducati.  Tank swelling is NOT just a multi problem...1198, Monster, Sport Classics all have major issues.  My feeling is if Ducati wants to proffit off these machines here in the states than they dam well better sell a machine that can preform without the gas tanks swelling so bad you cant remove them from the frame...in less than 2 years!!!  There are some older style multi's that have 2 or 3 tanks on them.  What happens to that owner in 5 years when Ducati no longer has those tanks in stock??

Sorry you cant blame the fuel suppliers, government or anyone else for this.  There are plenty of other motorcycle manufactures that have figured out this problem, Ducati can't?  And they keep making bikes with plastic tanks??  

[Mikiel]

This has to be some kind of joke ,,,,,,,,,,,, 5 bucks says that if you run that motor to the "redline"  ( yea , I know ) once or twice , perhaps bounce off rev limiter couple of times and that whole adjustment goes out of the window .

I'll take that bet.  That photo was taken while adjusting the belts on my track bike, which has been bounced off the rev limiter more times than I can count.  Although I check the tension as part of my regular maintenance after each track day, I rarely need to adjust it.  This is the method Ducati recommends for setting belt tension.  

[maddjack]

My two cents on plastic tanks, Since I own a Speed Triple Which has the OEM plastic tank (2003 model since new) and since it has had no ill effects from said fuel, in 60K, its a Design flaw on Ducati's part . as stated above that fuel is far far from being "NEW" I am just suprised the "solution " is just replacing the tanks with the same thing   Dumb Switch to the plastic Triumph and others are using.It don't melt

[M.Brane]

So Ducati should sell ,machines which they know will have fuel tank problems??? You aren't even making sense.

 So you think that Ducati knowingly sold bikes with tanks that deform over time in the presence of ethanol? Talk about not making sense. This isn't a huge company we're talking about here. I doubt they have the resources to hand everyone in the US a new tank that's been specially designed just for this market.

The gas is being sold regardless . politics , take that shit to PO.

 Seriously?

My two cents on plastic tanks, Since I own a Speed Triple Which has the OEM plastic tank (2003 model since new) and since it has had no ill effects from said fuel, in 60K, its a Design flaw on Ducati's part . as stated above that fuel is far far from being "NEW" I am just suprised the "solution " is just replacing the tanks with the same thing   Dumb Switch to the plastic Triumph and others are using.It don't melt

 Hopefully if they do that they won't use the same cheap plastic connectors that break, and leak fuel all over your engine. Check yours lately?

[Mikiel]

My two cents on plastic tanks, Since I own a Speed Triple Which has the OEM plastic tank (2003 model since new) and since it has had no ill effects from said fuel, in 60K, its a Design flaw on Ducati's part . as stated above that fuel is far far from being "NEW" I am just suprised the "solution " is just replacing the tanks with the same thing   Dumb Switch to the plastic Triumph and others are using.It don't melt

Ducati doesn't manufacture their own plastic tanks, and neither does Triumph.  Nearly every marque on the planet has their nylon tanks fabricated by Acerbis.  When the ethanol swelling problem first arose (Triumph was affected too and is also named in the class action lawsuit), Triumph switched back to metal tanks.  Ducati switched to a different plastic with is not affected by ethanol, but is also not paintable, thus the newer Ducatis have a cladding over the tank.

The reason Ducati is happy to hand out replacement fuel tanks made of the same plastic formulation as the flawed tanks is that Ducati isn't paying for the tanks, Acerbis is.  And the reason Acerbis doesn't change their plastic recipe is that the type of nylon that's resistant to both gasoline and ethanol is also resistant to paint.  The swelling problem doesn't always happen (my wife's 2004 Daytona had no tank problems either), so it's cheaper for Acerbis to make a new (similarly flawed) tank than it is for them to contract with yet another company to make the tank out of steel.

[Mr. Whippy]

My Multistrada got a new tank last year, due to swelling.  Before a drop of fuel went in, I used the Caswell tank coating kit.  The internal surface is extremely convoluted.  I don't see an economical way to make it out of steel.  It was a bit of a hassle for me, but could easily be set up in a factory.  One year of riding (including 3 months of fuel in the tank but the tank off the bike) and there's no evidence of swelling--yet.  If this is a fix, I'm surprised that Acerbis (or Ducati) isn't doing it up front.

[atadaskew]

Rented a Multi while I was at a military required school in Cali.  Put 700 miles on it in two half days (was getting out of class around 10 or 11 everyday) and it was  joy to ride.  Very fun bike, wheelie machine for sure with all that torque.  Easy to thread though traffic (lane split).  

Honestly the sound alone with the Arrow pipes made me think of getting one   but then I looked at the maint. schedule and decided I rode too many miles to justify it.

That is the old MS.  The new one goes double the distance between major services.

[evilted]

That is the old MS.  The new one goes double the distance between scheduled major services.

FTFY  

[falcofred]

Multi 1000 = valves every 6,000 miles, belts every 12,000 miles, and has dry clutch.
Multi 1100 = valves every 7,500 miles, belts every 15,000 miles, and has wet clutch
Multi 1200 = valves and belts every 15,000 miles, and has wet clutch

New 1199 Sport Bike has chains driving cams, no belts, valve interval 15,000 miles. This racing bike even has a wet clutch now.
We can look for that to trickle down to the other Ducati liquid cooled models in the future.

[jsanford]

Actually there is a class action lawsuit that now forces Ducati to replace the defective fuel tanks.
Google it

I don't know how they got my name (probably just registration records) but I was sent the details of the suit. Not every tank develops the problem, but thevproposed settlement would have Ducati inspect and replace the tanks only if they're outside a certain specification.

I really dislike the plastic cladding on the newer generation of Monsters.  But It seems the metal-tanked ones were prone to rust.  

Anyway, I have to admit that my Monster has proven more reliable than my BMW.  In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if I go more miles on its chain and sprockets than I did with the F800's belt.