Hi everyone, I’ve recently added a 2021 Multistrada 950S to my garage and wondered if anyone has a workaround to the top box lock getting clogged with dirt and grime on long rides? I spent a few days in Wales not long ago and when I got back the key hardly opened the box. At one point I thought the key was going to get stuck in it. it doesn’t seem the best design having a huge hole facing the rear tyre with the lock open to the elements, so that all the mud can get flung up into it. It’s like it needs some kind of Velcro cover to fit over it. Thought I’d see if anyone else has experienced this issue and how you get around it. I suppose the lack of rear hugger doesn’t help much. Other than that I love the bike. Something a bit different to my Hypermotard. A different (comfort) type of fun.
Yeah, they do get sticky - mines a Multi V4S but same box and issues. That said it’s not the lock itself that’s caused issues with me but the ability to push the red button in, it getting stuck with dirt. Periodically I clean mine out (the red button and the pivots of the catch) with a spray can of brake & parts cleaner which blasts the dirt out then, once that’s evaporated off, I spray GT85 in there. Dont use anything like regular WD40 or GT85 inside the lock itself it will just cause the lock to get gummed up over time, there are special graphite rich lock cleaner sprays out there, WD40 (the brand) make one. The other thing I strongly recommend is getting a solid key cut, one where the tang of the key blade extends into the part you hold and turn, which you can use to unlock your luggage and open the fuel cap and seat. If you are continually using the retractable blade within the hands free fob supplied with the bike, there is a very high possibility it will, sooner or later, break off.
It is a poor design. There is no easy solution for the red button jamming problem ( other than stripping it down and cleaning the grit out. for the key hole you could try a bit of masking tape?
It’s a very poor design isn’t it. I had the same problem with the plastic catch as well. Pushed it in, and it didn’t come back out. Ended up pressure washing it in the end to remove all the muck. I like the idea of getting a spare key cut rather than using the keyless fob one all the time. I’ll definitely be doing that. In the meantime I’ll keep cleaning it and using some lubricant spray on it.
Yeah it’s shockingly bad. They’ve clearly been having this problem for a while because my bike is 4 years old. Strange to see that they’re still including the same top box on newer models and haven’t done anything to address it. I’m considering using some black waterproof material and cutting out a square patch big enough to cover the whole mechanism. I’ll then stitch Velcro on to it, and glue some to the outside of the box so I can completely cover everything.
It’s not a Ducati problem per se but a Givi issue and will be the same for a whole load of different manufacturers bikes. I suppose Givi could turn the entire design around 180 degrees and put the hinge at the back and the lock mechanism at the front under a rubber pillion backrest which hinges up to reveal the lock and catch mechanism.
Well I’ve just ordered some things to make a waterproof protective flap for it which should be here tomorrow. Let’s see if it works
