Hi So I’m after a Multistrada 1200 to replace my old TDM 850. I’ll be using it mainly for weekend blasts and small tours. Possibly 1 or 2 bigger tours a year (Scotland, Cornwall) and I’ll occasionally be 2 up. First off I have a budget of about 7k, I could possibly stretch to a bit more for that perfect bike, but want to keep it about 7k Ideally I’d love a pikes peak, mainly for the colour schemes and extra bits, But finding something decent for less than 7k I know isn’t realistic. So, onto the S model, and I have a few questions about best years and models to be looking for. So first off, I like the idea of the active suspension on the 2013 onwards models, I know there are arguments for a properly setup bike being better, but considering the varied riding I’ll be doing I’m keen on the idea of being able to switch between modes. I’ve also seen the ohlins scu upgrade that seems to add semi active suspension to a 2010 > 2012 model. Does this compare to the 2013 skyhook suspension? Or is it not quite as good? This is a major deciding point as a 2012 model would be much cheaper and oh my, those gold forks look gorgeous !!! The second point is engines. I’ve read the 2013 is smoother, better on economy and torque due to the twin plug. But the 2015> DVT is better still. I know some variable valve timing engines can be a pain and expensive to service, but it seems like the multi is an expensive bike to service regardless of year. I used to do all servicing myself, but I’m at a point now where time is becoming a bit more valuable than money, so if there’s a massive difference in service costs then this is something I’d consider. I guess the question is, is there a better engine of the 3 to go for? Seems I have a bit of choice? I do appreciate I’m pushing it a bit for a dvt at 7k however. Lastly. When looking at bikes, what the main things to be aware of or check? Searches have brought up A couple of things. Battery cables I’ve seen are common to corrode, is this all models or just up to 2013? Cylinder head issues on first gen. again, is this just 2010 models, or 2010-13 Checking belts have been done on 25k bikes I understand is a major one. Anything else I can easily look for when looking at bikes? I’m in no major rush for this and happy to wait for a good bike to come along and I’d much rather buy a looked after example from a forum member than a random guy off Facebook marketplace. Fell free to tag me if you see anything. Thanks
A lot of questions here and I’ll leave most of them for others as there is always a HUGE debate about what is BEST... I know my old bike (120 DVT In Pikes Peak colours) is still for sale a year after I traded it in. It was moved to this dealer but I only got £8.5k trade in so they might take a cheeky offer. It’s a bit higher mileage than some but the major service had just been done before I sold it. No affiliation with the bike or dealer but I can vouch that it was well looked after and free of major problems. (Ps it does not have a comfort seat unless one has been added) https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201911144354476?postcode=rh16ng&year-from=2016&advertising-location=at_bikes&make=DUCATI&sort=price-asc&model=MULTISTRADA 1200&year-to=2018&radius=1500&page=2
As with pretty much all models, the later the bike, the better they are. The DVT motors (2015 on) are far more user friendly in traffic than the earlier models. They come with more kit as standard on every model ( eg DTC, AWC, Cruise etc) as well. They even push out more power and torque. Earlier bikes are OK, just that later bikes get better. Try and buy a bike with all the luggage fitted, or at least with it - its very expensive to add later. Check when its Desmo service was done and is due again - there is a grand or so right there. DVT bikes have two position seats and if you are short of leg can be easier to manage. Early bikes stand taller. Pikes Peak has every toy you can think of, but they are expensive. Adjustable suspension ? Yeah, its a gimmick but after you have played with it a couple of times, its unlikely you will do so again How many times will you want to, or have you adjusted suspension on your other bikes after having them set ? .... exactly
IMHO the last of the twin spark skyhook bikes is the best. Ie pre-dvt. The skyhook was more responsive to adjustments, the engine more raw and bike generally more fun. 1200 dvt became very sanitised. Haven’t tried a 1260. Skyhook is worth the money if you’re happy if the electronics go it’s going to be expensive
If you are interested I know a rider who has a 2013 GT model in silver grey with full luggage, centre stand, heated grips, etc and a few other bits and pieces attached, that has been well maintained and owned from new. It might be worth having a chat with him to see what he's looking for, as he's looking to change to a 1260MTS. Just a thought.
A lot of bike for the money there, Is that the standard model? and if so, do you know what spec the 2016 comes with as standard. Being honest, they were a little out of my price range so I've not looked into those as much as the earlier ones. Thanks Makes perfect send to be fair. Luggage is a definite, I have full set of large and small Givi boxes but I cant see them looking right on a Multi. I'm 6ft so should be alright with the standard height but that's good to know. I have a remote preload adjustment on a basic hagon on my TDM at the moment, It's by no means complex in operation, but being able to adjust it a little when carrying luggage or a pillion is really handy. Add to that skyhook monitoring and adjusting the suspension constantly, well, I work in IT so I'm of the opinion that if its programmed correctly, a computer will do a much better job than a human. But I accept your point, and even with that being said, anything Multi will likely be a massive improvement to what I'm currently riding. To be fair, It looks like this is where my price range is guiding me. Expensive electrics is always a worry so fingers crossed I guess! Just had a chat with him bud, Thanks for the heads up, It sounds a great bike, but just not quite what i'm after. I've definitely been seduced by a sporty looking Ducati in Red.
It is an S version with Skyhook (no problems once the shock that was replaced), LED lights, plus heated grips, the paint was done by dream machine, also had Ventura Shield on from day 1. Another pic below - I took the comfort seat and running lights off, but I do still have the rear rack (Hepco & Becker one). If you buy the bike you can have it if you want it. It's also a D-Air, which is usually worth a premium, but I didn't pay any extra for it as it was the only one they had in stock. I bought it new from P&H in Crawley. I traded it in at Pro Twins in August last year but I think the milage was a bit high for them so they sold it on. Was used for commuting for a year or so and then mainly touring trips to Europe. Issues (these were all changed under warranty): D-Air sensor New rear shock (£1,800!) as there was a break in the wires on the old one (dealer probably damaged it during a service). PS the new one was much better, so I think the old one had an issue. This was only done June 2018 New fork seals (July 2019) New Exhaust cat as the flap had stuck (Early 2018 I think), I fitted a DUC-EE eliminator (which I will be selling as I found it doesn't fit my 1260) I think I had a fuel sender and possibly heated grips changed? Feel free to send me a PM if you want more info. It will probably want an annual service by now, but the big (£1,000) was done just before I sold it so it doesn't really need one.
I bought a ‘63 1200S in Dec so it’s a twin spark model, note they require a desmo service every 15k miles and this is not time related and a belt change every 5 yrs irrespective of mileage. So check on both. They are a tall bike and top heavy especially when full of fuel, I’m 5’8” but manage ok, just careful where I stop etc (off camber, gravel) esp 2 up. No experience of the earlier bikes not ridden the later DVT but they are easier to sit on/paddle around, didn’t feel quite so top heavy if I recall? The twin spark can be pretty lumpy in town, used to now being in a gear lower than I normally would, much below 3k they really don’t like it. Im well happy with mine so far though, no trips away yet (Covid) but bike came as pretty much a GT spec but without the wider panniers. I’ve fitted a new battery to it and replaced a faulty MAP sensor but other than that it’s been all good. The history on mine was all Ducati up until the last service and the belts were due. The selling dealer had no paperwork of the service so offered to service and replace the belts in the sale but not being Ducati I checked on the cost of the service at Ducati and chipped him on the price instead, then got Moto Rapido in Winchester to service and replace the belts, another dealer stamp in the book then too.
Had a 13 twin spark, and now have a 16 DVT, the difference between the two to me, is like chalk and cheese. As Ackers mentions the TS in town or any 30mph areas is shit, quite often your in second or third. The seat height is lower on the DVT and on the S version you get cracking lights and better brakes.
Tbh I found the ts fine around town, using 2nd. But I changed to a 43t (iirc) rear that made it far easier. The usual 3500-4500 fuelling blip kind of disappeared when I disabled the flapper valve. The DVT is lower in the saddle as it’s also narrower, and was a key reason for me to change at the time.
One of the many things I've read up on, I know there's a bit of cost to this but for the ownership of the bike I'm happy to accept this cost. The TDM I have sits at a very similar stance and with the 20L tank I know what you mean about being top heavy and finding good footing when coming to a stop. I think I could do with a test ride which I'm not sure is even possible under current circumstances, My TDM is horrendous at low revs, even with a modification to the airbox an a few other bits, at low speed the throttle is either on or off. It might turn out that to me, the TS is a dream! Sounds like you managed to get a good deal with yours, but Desmo service and belts is definitely the first thing I need to be asking, Thanks. As above, I'm guessing that because of what I'm coming from either would fell better. Seems like the majority are siding that the DVT is a better bike overall, so I think it's gonna be what I'm aiming for. That being said, I'm not delusional about the fact that 7K is gonna be tight so I may have to up this a little. Thanks for all the advice, Just to confirm the DVT is 2015 onwards, but only on the models with the redesigned bodywork? I noticed there are some 2015's in the original (2010) shape? @Twin4me I'll PM you
DVT's are 2015 on, they have the snubbier beak. You won't be disappointed with the DVT. Good luck with the hunt.
If you're a solo rider then maybe you have a point but ride with a mixture of solo and pillion and/or fully loaded with luggage and then without it does become a useful gadget. Added to which the suspension changes with mode, tightening up in sport mode, as well...
I used to change mine all the time with skyhook. Not the base settings as much, but I’d use touring and urban almost every ride and often use sport when the pace increased as it firmed the whole thing up and made it less likely to bottom out on bumpy B roads. It’s no gimmick: for the road it’s a great, usable and effective tool.
That's your opinion, which is fine, and of course you are entitled to express it. However, I simply do not agree....
