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Multistrada?

Oh, you just reminded me that my heated grips died twice on my '13 1200S too, along with the fuel sensor.

I'll be quiet now.
 
weak_link said:
The tank is HUGE on that thing. Looks hugely fun though.
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Agreed! :thumbup

I believe that tank is somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 gallons, that's a lot of fuel! The KTM 1290 SuperAdventure is awesome, no doubt, but it seems more narrow focused than the Multi, designed for the "Long way round" excursion crowd.

Still would be a hoot no matter what the terrain.
 
The fuel sensor didn't read at all, plus it threw a code which made the Check Engine dummy light come on, so when it first happened I didn't know whether it was just a bad sensor or whether it was something more serious and the fuel gauge was just part of it.

Once it happened up here and I got it sorted fairly quickly. The next time it happened when I was in San Diego for a month, which sucked because it was my only vehicle and the shop took a few days to get the parts.

The fuel sensor breaking twice, along with the heated grips going away really soured me on the ownership experience. (hope I don't sound too harsh but I spent a lot on that bike and really wanted to like it but it let me down one too many times)
 
eworthington said:
The fuel sensor didn't read at all, plus it threw a code which made the Check Engine dummy light come on, so when it first happened I didn't know whether it was just a bad sensor or whether it was something more serious and the fuel gauge was just part of it.

Once it happened up here and I got it sorted fairly quickly. The next time it happened when I was in San Diego for a month, which sucked because it was my only vehicle and the shop took a few days to get the parts.

The fuel sensor breaking twice, along with the heated grips going away really soured me on the ownership experience. (hope I don't sound too harsh but I spent a lot on that bike and really wanted to like it but it let me down one too many times)
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I'd feel the same way! I was irritated by the cracked header, I'd be really rubbed the wrong way if I was in your shoes.
 
eworthington said:
(hope I don't sound too harsh but I spent a lot on that bike and really wanted to like it but it let me down one too many times)
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Ducati's are easy to love, unfortunately they don't always love you back...
 
And I have the opposite experience with my Monster S4RS--absolutely love that bike!
 
If you don't mind a bit less power (and less $$ :party), you could also test ride a Caponord 1200. I'm certainly happy with mine :)
 
I'm considering the new Multi mostly for the integrated D-air system. It's the only bike with that safety feature built in.
 
redtail said:
Ducati's are easy to love, unfortunately they don't always love you back...
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Ducati ownership is like dating some hot model babe with a bad coke habit and her father is in the Mafia.

You know you're gonna go broke and maybe get killed, but you just can't resist.
 
Roadstergal said:
KTM 1290 SuperAdventure? It has every bell + whistle.
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I plan to at least sit on a KTM, but judging by the stats their seats are a bit too tall for my 32" inseam. Plus I don't really want a bike with a 19" front wheel. I don't plan to ride off-road, but would like the option to run the sticky supersport tires I know and love on a 17" rim.

CurveSurfer said:
The 2015 Multi has a horrific drop early in the torque curve that creates legitimate ride-ability issues. A recently released software update helps, but doesn't really solve it. Same with a full termi upgrade. Hoping by the 2016MY this will be fixed.
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Do you have personal experience with this? Or are you just regurgitating what you've read in Motorcyclist?

I specifically looked for this issue during my test-ride of the Multi and really didn't notice anything. From what I read, the "problem" only presents itself in second gear and you literally have to whack the throttle to the stop in order to experience the hesitation/flat spot. When rolling the throttle on smoothly (in Touring or Sport mode) power felt soft until around 4K RPM, then there was a bit of a rush as you approach 6K rpm, and above 6K power is pretty linear. If Ducati makes this better that's great, but I can't see it being much of an issue during normal street riding.

If you need something now, a used, sorted 2010-2012 Multi S (Ohlins!) would be a great choice. 2010s can be had for under 10k (I may put mine up for $9k).
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I ruled out the first-generation Multistrada 1200 due to all the complaints about wind noise and buffeting. Even with earplugs, my GSX-R750 is loud enough at 80mph to leave my ears ringing. Forgot my earplugs when I test-rode the 2015 Multistrada and despite riding at 75-80mph on the highway my hearing was fine at the end of the ride.
 
I've owned a '11 touring S, I currently own a '14 pikes peak, and I've spent considerable time (about 1600mi on a 10 day tour) on a '15 touring S. I'd recommend getting a 15 over a 14 if the money isn't an issue, but if you can find a deal on a leftover 14 and want to wait a few years for issues to be sorted. A few notes about my years of multistrada ownership:

- Ignore any comments about the bike's "sub-3000rpm lack of performance". It's not an issue.

- The 2015 DVT 5k "dip" was not a noticeable issue for me during any time while riding it, and the DVT motor loves to be revved just as much as the previous gen motor, so you won't be lugging in the midrange anyway. If you hold dyno charts in high regard and carry them with you at all times while riding, then yes, the 5k "dip" may be an issue.

- Buy the bike from the closest dealer to you that has the best service department you can find - you will be getting to know them. I've been using Motor Cafe for service. I've had my '14 in for several warranty issues / TSBs, and they always fix it quickly and with no hassles, but it's still time spent bringing it in, getting a ride to/from, etc. My issues so far: front fork TSB repair, throttle cam TSB repair, DSS errors (twice) due to failed accelerometer and cable wear, leaking clutch master cyl, and the rear brake once or twice.

- Get used to the rear brake not working great on these bikes. The 15 DVT's rear is marginally better, but if you use rear brake, get used to it not being very powerful.

- Wind noise / buffeting is a fact of life with the stock touring / GT windscreens, for both the 10-14 and 15 DVT. The Pikes Peak shorty is better on buffeting but you still get a little bit. There's all kinds of fixes from huge alien-head screens with lip spoilers, to "wing deflectors" and other bolt-on windbreaks, but you can read the forums to try to find an acceptable setup. The PP CF shield works great for me, but it was not awesome on long distance touring days with cold wind and rain.


Again, highly recommend the 2015 DVT. The S1K XR is nice (esp. that shifter) but the DVT twin, while down on power to the XR's i4, has a much more menacing sound and the torque is heavenly. Oh, and the Skyhook 2.0 on the DVT is absolutely amazing. The '14 skyhook is pretty damn decent, but the DVT's is miles ahead.

Edit: I think the 2016 DVTs are available now, or soon? Might be able to find a leftover 15, too, or just get the new one.
 
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NoobCorpse said:
- Buy the bike from the closest dealer to you that has the best service department you can find - you will be getting to know them. I've been using Motor Cafe for service. I've had my '14 in for several warranty issues / TSBs, and they always fix it quickly and with no hassles, but it's still time spent bringing it in, getting a ride to/from, etc. My issues so far: front fork TSB repair, throttle cam TSB repair, DSS errors (twice) due to failed accelerometer and cable wear, leaking clutch master cyl, and the rear brake once or twice.
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I'm close to The Motor Cafe so they're where I'd buy and have service done. Good to know you've been happy with them!

- Wind noise / buffeting is a fact of life with the stock touring / GT windscreens, for both the 10-14 and 15 DVT. The Pikes Peak shorty is better on buffeting but you still get a little bit. There's all kinds of fixes from huge alien-head screens with lip spoilers, to "wing deflectors" and other bolt-on windbreaks, but you can read the forums to try to find an acceptable setup. The PP CF shield works great for me, but it was not awesome on long distance touring days with cold wind and rain.
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How tall are you? I'm 5'9" and thought wind protection was good on the 2015 DVT with the windscreen in the highest position. Wind was just hitting the top of my helmet. The highest position was pretty much the only one that worked, however. I tried lowering the screen, because it's so darn easy, but that did generate quite a bit of wind noise and some buffeting.

Edit: I think the 2016 DVTs are available now, or soon? Might be able to find a leftover 15, too, or just get the new one.
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I don't think the 2016s are out in the U.S.; at least I haven't seen one. There are a couple of 2014's still around and a decent number of 2015s. The leftover 2014s are only a few grand less than a 2015, so unless they're phenomenally better in some respect buying one doesn't make much sense.
 
fubar929 said:
I'm close to The Motor Cafe so they're where I'd buy and have service done. Good to know you've been happy with them!



How tall are you? I'm 5'9" and thought wind protection was good on the 2015 DVT with the windscreen in the highest position. Wind was just hitting the top of my helmet. The highest position was pretty much the only one that worked, however. I tried lowering the screen, because it's so darn easy, but that did generate quite a bit of wind noise and some buffeting.



I don't think the 2016s are out in the U.S.; at least I haven't seen one. There are a couple of 2014's still around and a decent number of 2015s. The leftover 2014s are only a few grand less than a 2015, so unless they're phenomenally better in some respect buying one doesn't make much sense.
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I'm 5'11". The DVT's screen was decent, but I couldn't get happy with it in any position at extended freeway speeds (70-80mph). It seems a tad better than the 2014 stock screen and GT screens (they're different), but the PP screen gives me cleaner airflow, IMHO. One day I'm going to buy an R1200RT or something that has a huge-ass windscreen to hide behind and never have problems again. :)

Agree w/ you about 15 vs leftover 14.. If you're not getting a huge deal, spend the extra $$ and get the 15. Also, get the "S", so you get that beautiful TFT display. :)
 
You guys are making me want one so much more now...
Ive wanted one ever since I test rode a 14, wife doesnt like the rear seat as much as the BMW GSA though... I think secretly it was the wheelie on the Multi she didnt like...
 
Re wind noise and buffeting, on all ADV bikes I've owned the best solution was the smallest possible screen, like a flyscreen, laid down as much as possible to give clean airflow at the helmet. The taller ones are usually too turbulent and noisy.
 
eworthington said:
Re wind noise and buffeting, on all ADV bikes I've owned the best solution was the smallest possible screen, like a flyscreen, laid down as much as possible to give clean airflow at the helmet. The taller ones are usually too turbulent and noisy.
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Agreed. Most MTS riders favor the shortest screen (either the c/f PP screen, or a shorty aftermarket equivalent). You will be wind blast but at least it's clean.
 
I would be worried if you didn't wheelie on the MTS. I think it is actually impossible for me not to every time I ride it. Even just little ones, like morning wood, "it happens."
 
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