2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Announced

[Fourstring]

IMHP, if they would have been better detuning the 848 motor...

Agreed.  An 848ST would be sweet as hell.

[st ryder]

+10000000000000  I think putting even a detuned 1198 motor in this bike is not only a waste, but it misses the point of the MTS.  But HP sells and people often buy on spec sheet numbers, regardless of real world usability.  IMHP, if they would have been better detuning the 848 motor, at least then the power would be inline with the bike, doesn't solve the maint issue however.

It was referred to as a "practical superbike" by some Ducati exec a while ago, so that would help explain the 1200cc superbike engine. The "old" Multi is said to be a fanatstic handling bike in the tight stuff, so good that it stays up with if not out perfoms RR type bikes in the corners. I can appreciate that, and now it looks like it'll have the top end pull the 2v engines lacked. So, where in the "real world" is that type of power and handling necessary? Nowhere really, but as mentioned, some poeple like spec sheet bragging rights etc. This bike will make approx the same HP as a 1300 cc FJR, but weight probably 80 lbs less. I'm really not interested in that kind of power. It only causes me headaches with my license, and I can't afford to lose it. An 848 engine tuned for torque may be coming, as the "old" Multi had a smaller displacment version at one time. A detuned 848 equipped bike, at, say 120HP and 70 lbs foot trq that weighs less than 500 lbs wet, would do me nicely, but not in a proboscous equipped adventure bike, but rather in a *proper* ST bike.  

[tigertim955]

The air cooled motor and dry clutch were the main selling points when I bought the MTS. I've always liked the styling and loved the overall feel of the 1000. It's a touring bike when you want to travel and a sport bike when you get there. More power is always nice - you can usually rely on Ducati to keep it in an approprately capable chassis - but not neccessary.
I hope everyone's wrong and they keep it simple ......

[falcofred]

So much negativity   why must folks always down talk the new model?
Whether it is cars, cameras, or motorcycles, it seems like everyone is ready to down talk the new replacement model before it even comes out.
Particularly harsh are the owners of the model being replaced   Could it be they feel threatended by the replacement model?
I love my 04 Multistrada, it's not a perfect bike, but it has all the HP and torque I need for riding the twisty mountain roads that surround my home, handles like a sport bike, especially on really tight roads, has luggage for trips and I even have a rack to carry tent and sleeping bag for camping.

I'm still curious to see what Ducati has come up with to replace it. Can't we just wait until it is released and we get to see it at the bike shows, get to read ride reports on it, get the facts, instead of speculation?

Seems like most STN folks have crucified the new VFR, but every ride report that I read from people who actually saw it in the flesh, sat on it, rode it all say positive things about it.

[st ryder]

From what I can tell, many Multi and ST owners are licking their chops waiting for this bike to debut.  From other posts I've read, some are calling it a technological "tour de force", as it will have abs, TC, power programability etc to go with the superbike engine. I do like the VFR, but it lacks "edge". I'm not into "adventure" bikes, so the new Multi will only be a passing interest for me. Both are nice bikes, but neither are for me. I want Ducati to build a bike that I like, damn it!! I wish the new Multi was a proper ST, even if it had the superbike engine, I could lean to live with that. But I doubt I could never learn to live with that beak!!! Sure you don't see it when you're riding, but god man, you've got to get off it some time.  

[oldenslow]

I'm kind of lazy to look it up myself, but what are the service intervals for this engine compared to the air cooled?  How much more maintenance?

[falcofred]

Ducati specifies valve lash check every 7,500 miles, and the belt that actuates the valves to be replaced every 15,000 miles.
The aircooled engines have two valves per cylinder, the liquid cooled have four valves per cylinder.
Not all valves will require adjustments, possibly none will at any givin inspection, but they still must be checked.

[oldenslow]

For a modern engine that is a lot more frequent, but it's not that bad.  It's more like the service intervals of the old UJM air cooled inline fours, which I still own two of.  Looking forward to the road tests on it.

[marc11]

For a modern engine that is a lot more frequent, but it's not that bad.  It's more like the service intervals of the old UJM air cooled inline fours, which I still own two of.  Looking forward to the road tests on it.

The interval isn't what is bad, it is the cost, which, if you are unable to perform this service yourself can run anywhere from $400 to $1000 depending on the shop you take it too.  That is the biggest problem with a touring oriented bike and what I disliked about my ST4s the most.  Although I'll admit that I switch all my services to every 15k on both my Ducs after the initial 7500 valve check and belt swap with no issue.

[ST3Andy]

The interval isn't what is bad, it is the cost, which, if you are unable to perform this service yourself can run anywhere from $400 to $1000 depending on the shop you take it too.  That is the biggest problem with a touring oriented bike and what I disliked about my ST4s the most.  Although I'll admit that I switch all my services to every 15k on both my Ducs after the initial 7500 valve check and belt swap with no issue.

I agree Marc.After my first 6000mile service on my ST3, my mechanic said I could go 12K-15Kmiles without worry. I'm not hard on the bike and keep up with all the other usual service points. I've got 26k trouble free miles. I've always said I'll never sell the ST3, but I'm chompin' at the bit to see the new MTS.

[Dave the slave]

Leaked Photos on www.asphaltandrubber.com

All you Ducati nutti types, is that the 1198 engine?

[st ryder]

All you Ducati nutti types, is that the 1198 engine?

Tuned for touring.

[R Doug]

[maddjack]

Nice looking  Don't know if I need all that power tho,and the short valve adjust is kind of why I dumped my last Duck,cost me a fortune to ride

[Rincewind]

It's the best looking in Doug's line up.  The sssa and trellis frame are a win, as is the aggressive shorty twin pipes.  The new KTM SMT would be more comparable than the Adv model IMO.  The new Duc has the 17" wheels just like before.

[Dave the slave]

I interested to see exactly how the motor was retuned.  Also would hope that some de-tuning would allow longer service intervals.  

Doesn't look too bad, I'll wait to see it in person to make final judgement.

[evilted]

I'm really intrigued with this bike, but I'm also hoping that it's not tied to an expensive (or time consuming) 7500 mile service interval.  Still, it might be enough to convince me to learn to do my own checks and services after any free service interval.

Found this undated blog entry & photo at hellforleathermagazine.com:

[R Doug]

The new KTM SMT would be more comparable than the Adv model IMO.  The new Duc has the 17" wheels just like before.

I agree.  Based on some of the early marketing for the bike, Ducati compares it to the BMW GS.  

[Schneegz]

Wow, that beak looks terrible!    It's the only part that looks bad on the bike, though.  I wonder if it's removable.  Not that it matters.  I certainly won't buy one!  

[stegs]

I would really like to see a smaller version - 796 maybe.  Along the lines of the MTS620. Lighter and lower.