Hi Folks, I currently ride a 2016 Monster 1200S, having been tempted off my 2013 Multistrada 1200S by a good deal. The Monster is great, but I miss the versatility of the Multi, so I'm considering moving back. So what I'm wondering is which to buy? I'm thinking maybe a late model pre-DVT, or an early DVT. Ideally I'd like a DVT 1200S because I really like the idea of bluetooth connectivity, plus all the electronic suspension. However, am I setting myself up for a fall? I get the impression that an awful lot of folks are having an awful lot of little niggly problems with their Multistradas. Am I letting myself in for a world of trouble with fuel level sensors, skyhook problems, and who knows what else? I speak from experience having had three fuel level sensors in a year on my 1200S, and a skyhook sensor that cost well over £200 to replace. They're cracking bikes, and amazing to ride, but the ownership experience has to be trouble-free, as i use my bike as actual transport, and tend to do quite a lot of miles. So give me your consensus of opinion. Talk me into it, or talk me out; I want to hear your horror stories and happy stories and help me make my mind up!
Fuel sender units haven’t been right for the last 8 years. I suppose if it fails, you’ll only be right where you are on a bike without one, resetting the trip every fill up.
Ffs ! After what I found today, you’d be lucky to find one that functions properly once it’s out of warranty. I Stripped mine down yesterday because it was dumping coolant, turns out it’s leaking around the brass thread, obviously the part wasn’t manufactured properly from new by the looks of it, as that part is fixed in the protruded position, but it still passed quality control and was fitted. What I didn’t realise is that whilst stripping it down, I’ve encountered the exact same problem on the fuel tank which is now pissing out fuel. You couldn’t make this shit up ! I’ve gunked the tank up but can’t take the chance with fuel dripping down the header so have ordered a replacement tank too. Another grand down the pan, cheers Ps, bikes in the for sale section if you fancy a punt.
I had 3 Multi's since 2012, the last being a 2016 DVT S. The DVT S was 2 years old when I traded in and it never gave me a single issue in the time I owned it. This bike was used through summer and winter. Great bike, jump right in !!
I've decided to keep the Monster - for now. The Multi is a great bike when it works, but I can't help thinking that Ducati still doesn't have the R&D resources (or hasn't allocated them adequately) in order to fully iron out these bikes. It's such a pity - I had some great riding on mine - rode the length of the Pyrenees and all across the Picos, and it was absolutely brilliant. Thanks for your replies, and I hope those of you with issues get sorted soon. Nik
The trouble is with the internet, you only here about the problematic machines, and not the 100's of owners who have had no issues but don't see a need to blab about how good it is on the net. After starting a thread and listening to one unlucky owner, you decide not to buy, which is of course your decision. But I would in no way be put off by a couple of horror stories I had read about. The Multi does indeed have a couple of things that break (fuel sender, gear position sensor, heated grips) but so do most bikes, and all I can say is that, after owning 3 Multi's in 6 years, I would definitely own another without hesitation, as all 3 suffered little or no issues and provided over 30k miles of fun all across Europe
I completely agree with you - if you want to be put off a vehicle go and do a Google search for it! Mine was mostly good - I did about 9000 miles in a year - although it did have the aforementioned fuel level sensors and suspension sensor. I don't doubt I'll have another one at some point in the future - I love the versatility, and the size really suits me (I'm 6'2" tall, so the Monster is too small for me really). I guess one of the reasons I seem to see so many niggles reported on this forum is because it's such a popular model for Ducati.
I completely agree with you - if you want to be put off a vehicle go and do a Google search for it! Mine was mostly good - I did about 9000 miles in a year - although it did have the aforementioned fuel level sensors and suspension sensor. I don't doubt I'll have another one at some point in the future - I love the versatility, and the size really suits me (I'm 6'2" tall, so the Monster is too small for me really). I guess one of the reasons I seem to see so many niggles reported on this forum is because it's such a popular model for Ducati.
It also seems to be the 15 plate DVT bikes that suffered with a few issues, and by 16, I think Ducati ironed out quite a few as my 16 never had a single failure of any kind in near 2 years. So in answer to your initial thread question, a 2016 or newer DVT "S" would be my answer
But if it was your bike that had suffered so many issues, would you have kept it quiet ? The chap asked and he got a response and good on him for doing his homework I can’t recommend pre or post early dvt as I’ve had neither
Absolutely, and I see where you're coming from. It's shit that you've had so many issues, and I fully understand folks need to vent. My point was not about you expressing your distrust in the brand, but merely to point out, its not all of them. I just wish more folk who have had good experiences would come on here and express that also, so he could see a more rounded and wider view of the bike.
I was nice, but it's gonna be very difficult to be when you're on a Honda... You have my sympathy though.
One thing that does piss me right off though.... The ridiculous labour rates and times quoted for work done by Ducati dealers. A grand for the 15k mile service ?!?! 2.5 hours for the yearly oil change resulting in over 250 quid!! For a fecking oil change? Just had first service on the ktm, 1.05 hours and 153 quid Inc vat, parts and labour. Come on Ducati main stealers , stop taking the piss.
If the bike is out of warranty then I would feel inclined to save costs by doing a certain amount myself. I'm happy to do oil and filters and brake fluid, fork oil, etc etc.
