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Thoughts On The Multistrada 1260?

Discussion in 'Newbies Hangout' started by tifosi256, Mar 23, 2019.

  1. Hi All.

    I've just joined here today to get your thoughts on the 1260 Multi as, a bit out of the blue, I'm considering getting one. I just stopped off at a dealer today and was poking around and I was really impressed with the 1260 sitting in the corner and figured it might be time for me to have an upgrade. I've never had a Duke (or even a V-twin) before so this really is a journey into the unknown for me. I'm considering the 1260S, and will be using it for commuting (so reliability is important) into London and some touring and weekend rides. I've done a little looking around here and it seems exhaust valves are a real issue but I've not seen too much else.

    So my questions I guess are:
    1. Are there any issues with these bikes? I'm used to bullet-proof bikes - the only time I've ever been stranded in my whole biking life has been a knackered battery (and a few punctures!).
    2. I asked the dealer about any recalls as I'd heard some horror stories about recalls on the V4, and he said there have been none. Is that true?
    3. If possible, I'd like to save money and reuse my existing Givi Maxia E55 top box. I'm assuming that since the Ducati top box is a Givi, that it's just a regular Monokey plate and there should be no problem with re-using rather than buying another? I'd have my existing mounting plate too, so I guess it's just the bike specific arms I'd need?
    4. The accessories list seems a lot bigger than I'm used to. Are there any to avoid or any which are must-haves?
    5. Realistically, how much further towards the rider can the bars be moved? Is it a small tweak from the stock position or is there the cable length to go a fair bit more?

    Thanks in advance for any advice. If I end up going for it and it turns out well, I might even treat myself to a V4S to sit alongside it next year :)
     
  2. 1.its a ducati but a modern one,so like most bikes nowadays it should be fine
    2.yes recalls can and do happen, pretty sure there is one for keyfob on the 1260.
    3.should be ok if you can find the arms, if not the Ducati plate and arms will have to be used.
    4.all are handy ,none are actually required, though i find the keyless fuel cap great.
    5.Bars dont have to much further reach as far as i can remember.
     
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  3. Welcome Dave and thread moved and title changed to suit.
     
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  4. Thanks so much for your comments, very handy!

    I've done a bit more reading here and see one person on here has had trouble starting their 1260 a few times when it's been damp - but I don't see others with that so hopefully not a common flaw (unlike the exhaust valve).

    I'll look into that recall on the fob. I realise that recalls happen, I'm just more concerned that the dealer said there hadn't been any if there has (more of a trust issue with the dealer than anything else).

    I was wondering how useful the keyless fuel cap was, but good to hear someone saying it's good.
     
  5. Welcome enjoy the forum
    You say you are use to bulletproof bikes ,all bikes have some sort of issues you go to any forum and you will hear about all the bad bits
    Go and ride the Ducati you will either love it or hate it
     
  6. You don’t mention what you are used to riding?

    As far as the Multistrada goes, I’m on my 2nd 1200DVT (my first was stolen from work). I use mine all year to commute through a city, plus weekend fun and games. It’s a great commuter, with presence, good visibility (being upright) and a huge “feel good factor”.

    Mine starts first time, rain or shine. There have been a couple or recalls but they’re dealt with well and painlessly. No different to my last few Triumphs.

    I’d definitely get the touring pack, for heated grips and centre stand. Better for cleaning and maintaining the chain. My chain needs adjusting every 2500 miles roughly.

    All I’d suggest is that you clean and maintain it, if you’re a commuter. I ACF50 mine each Autumn and wash it weekly. Otherwise the finish on the fasteners and smaller stuff corrodes. Use plenty of decent lubes and protection and it’s as long lasting as a Honda.

    The electronic package is amazing. I’ve never wanted ABS or traction control but it’s so intuitive and subtle, that come rain, cold, slush and hail, it inspires confidence (I only avoid snow).

    I’ve contemplated many other bikes but none have the capability of this machine to commute, tour and entertain.

    Test one and you’ll know if it’s for you. Not everyone loves a big twin, but if you do, few are as good.

    Oh and keep it locked up safe!!!!!
     
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  7. Welcome to the forum tifosi256. A great bike that's for sure, very confidence inspiring.

    As the OP is intending to commute into London that would be my biggest concern. Secure parking a pre-requisit, plus some physical security and a tracker would be on my shopping list.
     
  8. You're right, nobody ever posts on a forum "my bike/car/dishwasher is absolutely fine". I'll definitely go for a test ride, but that won't show me what it's like to live with it for a while, and it's quite a substantial investment (by bike standards). I guess I'm a bit apprehensive as all my bikes so far have been either BMWs or Japanese, so Italian is unknown territory (although I've always wanted one and came close to buying Ducati superbikes many times).


    I've had quite a few "general" bikes (as opposed to track/offroad). But since moving out of London and commuting into it, I've tended to have hyper tourers like Blackbirds/Busas/ZZRs. But I'm getting old and I want something more comfy!

    Yeah, the touring pack is looking likely, although maybe just the top box mounting plate instead of panniers and box as it's just what I'm used to. I'm surprised your chain needs adjusting so often. I'm used to adjusting when new, and the next adjustment for me is usually when it's starting to need replacing. I do tend to buy heavy duty DID X ring chains for long life though.

    Noted on the lubing etc. As I say, I'm getting old so I've stopped commuting through winter (I commuted all year round for 20+ years and I started to really feel it in the last few years), so the bike should never see road salt.

    Years back I lost a bike in London, so I know that pain unfortunately. At home it's in a garage, but the best I can do where I park at work is a big chain unfortunately. I'll stick a tracker and datatag it though. Not too much more I can do other than switch jobs or take the train :sob:
     
  9. I’m on my third Multi and love it.

    First was a 2014 1200s with touring pack and keyless petrol cap, which was great, and saves digging around pockets for the Keyfob.
    Second was a 2017 DVT 1200s without touring pack or keyless cap. Also great.
    Had a demo on a 1260s and signed up immediately . It’s just awesome . Got it with the touring pack and have just ordered the keyless cap as I missed it from the last one.
    You won’t regret having one , they do everything from touring to hurtling and I would say they’re plenty fast enough for most people. More than fast enough for me :)
     
  10. For me the Multistrada is the complete bike it does everything exceptionally well wouldn't like to take one green laneing thought
     
  11. For sure. My offroad days are behind me now and I wouldn't want to take a bike this expensive on any dodgy surfaces (well, other than the ones you find on UK roads!).

    I'm hopefully getting a test ride some time this week. Looking forward to it.
     
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