Looking at getting another bike, want something that handles well. Was thinking about a 1299 Panigale so I tried one at the California Superbike School at Cadwell. I found the Panigale great, but even on track my backside and legs got hot and it's a very focused bike. So I'm wondering would I really use it. Sat on a 2016 Pikes Peak and it just felt good, liked the looks much more than the other Multi models, but haven't ridden one. Really like torquey motors, so not sure about smaller engined Ducatis. Streetfighters, Monsters and Motards don't really excite. So anyone got any advice? Jon
Superb bike, comfy and fun and a sports bike beater with the right pilot! Go for it you won't regret it!
The Multistrada is a great bike, like the guys have said @Jon Seddon . Go for it! Not the "Pike's Peak" version though - that's just a way of being charged thousands of pounds extra for some stickers and a lower specification.
Agree its a superb bike Normally i do 2500 to 3000 miles a year on the bike I changed to a Multi S and a Scrambler last year - 9000 miles in last 14 months between them - I just can't get enough of them! Multi is best handling and most comfortable bike i have had - ever..... Power is plenty and with the rear sprocket change it just is a superb all rounder The S version makes it quick to change between modes and riding styles although 99% time mine is in touring with full power.
Which of the Multistrada's handle the best? I do like the looks of the PP over the others, is it just poor value for money causing the negative comments? Nowadays, (40+ years riding) bikes are in reality toys for me, so I want a bike fundamentally that makes me smile.
Try this suggestion @Jon Seddon . Look at the detailed specification of the suspension on a new Pikes Peak; compare it with the suspension on a MTS1200S DVT; compare the prices; and then make up your own mind whether the PP is a rip-off. As regards looks, it's pretty easy to get the plastic body panels painted up in whatever style and colours take your fancy, and with whatever stickers you like. And you may care to glance through this thread: http://ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/pikes-peak-version.38244/ It contains much incredulity at the manual front forks (instead of the fantastic skyhook), and the preposterous price.
That's pretty much it! I'm not sure whereabouts you live but P&H in Crawley painted up a 1200S for me in PP colours for a fraction of this cost (they did a couple and may still have some in stock)
Yes, that's about the size of it. £3K extra for downgrading the front suspension from Skyhook electronics to manual Ohlins, plus a few bits of carbon and some stripes of white paint. I get the feeling you've nearly figured this out now.
For this bike it makes far more sense as its ease of use. But not convinced electronic better than really good, well set up proper suspension. Debatable if that's the ohlins tho
Yes skyhook is easy to adjust, but the point is that it adjusts itself automatically as you go along. Compression and rebound damping levels are changed continually as you accelerate, brake, and corner. You soon get used to the suspension always being right for varying conditions - then when you go back to riding an older bike with fixed suspension settings, you feel deprived. It's like viewing colour TV, then going back to black & white. [Anyone remember black & white?]
Sorry, I maybe wrong and will no doubt receive the verbal abuse I deserve if so but isn't the Ohlins adjusted in the same way as the Skyhook and isn't it just the same but with Ohlins forks and not the other ones?
I stand corrected, I have just read the blurb on the PP and 'S' and I am wrong but please don't tell the missus as she will gloat
