I'm going to look at a 1200S on Thursday. 2018, 13,500 miles, FDSH. This would be my first Monster. I've got a 2022 Multistrada V2S and just fancy going back to a naked bike. I'm 70 (riding since 1971) and the slightly lower weight and seat height appeals. Any guidance, thoughts, words of wisdom would be very much appreciated. Ta.
By the way, ignore the flag attached to my posts - I'm using a VPN so the system thinks I'm somewhere other than England
I've had a 1200s for the last 7 years and the only thing I can think of is the chain, mine spat half it's "o" or "X" rings out in the first 10.000 miles, only found them when I took sprocket cover off to clean out the sprocket housing. Apart form that I have no complaints. Oh my fuel gauge isn't great until it reaches 5/8 of a tank. If it fill up before 5/8 it does not register full, if I refuel after 5/8 is does. Good luck.
Many thanks for that. Useful to know! I'm glad to hear the bike's reliable. It confirms what I've read in the press
I’ve got the 2015 model (also for sale on here). My only complaint is that neutral can be hard to find when the bike is hot. I rode a few before I bought mine and they all seem to have the same problem. Can be annoying when you’re trying to look ‘cool’ turning up at a bike meet…but there is a knack.
I’ve got a 2016 1200s. Great bike, small, light and fun to ride. I’ve just put a new chain on it but the last one had a pretty good life, I have no complaints. I’ve just had a great ride from near Malaga up to and around the Pyrenees and back. On a ride like that I missed not having a fairing and cruise control but it’s a ‘naked’, that’s the deal. There’s no fuel gauge so I just zero the trip meter. It does 160 miles before going on to reserve, which won’t get you far, maybe 15 miles if you’re lucky. Can’t say I’ve had a particular problem with neutral, sometimes maybe it needs to be rocked forward and back a touch in order for it to click in but that can happen on any bike. I’ve had no issues with the bike whatsoever but I’m considering going to a Multi Pikes Peak. My concern is that I might miss the light nimbleness of the Monster. 182kg v 227kg. So many bikes so little time. Are you keeping the Multistrada and adding the Monster? Good combo.
Actually one thing comes to mind, if you put cheap petrol in it dies. You can be going down through the gears approaching a roundabout and the engine dies. If you put decent branded fuel in like Shell it’s absolutely fine. Usually I run it on 95 as recommended but sometimes I use 98 it runs well on both. The issue isn’t related to that. Simple fix, run it on good stuff. Then again I put decent fuel in all my Ducati’s unless it’s a distress purchase, then I just splash and dash to the next decent fuel station.
Thanks very much guys. Tremendously useful/reassuring about the bike. The Multistrada has to go, I'm afraid. Will px if the deal is right. The dealer has said he's happy with money coming my way so I'll see what the deal is. Thanks again everyone. Much appreciated.
Bought the bike. Will be delivered on Wednesday and my Multistrada V2S picked up. £1500 in my pocket from the dealer - happy with that. Looking forward to riding it!
Sorry it's taken a time to respond, but I have been waiting for a suspension c-spanner for the Ohlins to arrive. Then the wrong one came... The previous owner must have weighed 20 stone, or been one of those "set it rock 'ard" types because the rear suspension was jacked up big time! Standard setting is 14mm: this must have been over double that. I was also waiting for the eccentric chain adjuster c-spanner because the chain was too tight. Anyway, I got busy today setting the front and rear suspension as I thought I'd like it - slightly softer overall than standard. The bike was in touring mode when I got it, with the engine on the mid setting, and I thought I'd leave it there for the first ride. Before today, I'd ridden the bike only a few yards and I had the "can't find neutral while the engine's running problem. I cleaned, lubed and adjusted the chain and... problem solved! Happy days. I took it for the first decent ride this evening. At first, I thought the bike felt a bit nervous, but then realised that was me! When I got off the narrow, bumpy lanes near me and onto some A and B roads, the bike felt light-steering, but balanced: I realised that I had been putting in unnecessary steering inputs and so oversteering. When I relaxed and let the bike do its thing, it got better and better. Getting on the A49, I used the full rev range and the very effective quick-shifter. Clucking bell! What a lovely motor! So much meaty grunt - and still on the mid setting. So, I feel very happy with my choice and don't miss my Multistrada V2S at all. I can't wait to take the Monster out again tomorrow and explore its capabilities further. It's going to be a good summer
