Being in the process of changing my current bike (a BMW F650GS Twin with NO problems at 75000km apart from a gas pump) and after going through and rejecting one by one every other category, I ended up considering if it would be worthwhile buying a MTS. The reason is rather obvious… it does it all, or at least it is designed to. Ok it is not an off road animal, but I care more for a street oriented bike (of course its ability to reach beaches through mild dirt roads is a plus at my hometown…). Since I use the bike as my main transportation mean (only drive the car to the supermarket) and perform more than 100km/day regardless the weather conditions (half on highway and half through the city on traffic) reliability is a major concern. After watching and reading numerous reviews and posts, I’m still not able to decide. It seems that the first model had quite a lot of issues – although covered by Ducati free of charge – but have these been taken care of in the new, 2013 to date, model? And what about the new electronics / suspension / second valves? Possibly I could live with a few minor unpleasant surprises, if that is what it takes to drive around on a bike with such a character as a Ducati has, but definitely I can’t live and certainly can’t support economically-wise major breakdowns. That being said, has anyone followed up the cylinder heads problem? All I could found about it, was a vague announcement by Ducati’s tech guru that it was the old coolant fluid to blame and an instruction to replace it with a better one. No details, no analysis, nothing…just assumptions by concerned owners. Is that simple solution adequate to confront such a serious damage or does it only delays the “symptom”? I guess, till now, some of MTS owners have put some serious miles on and maybe can provide a more sound feedback on this… There are rumors (spy pics are available) that BMW will present a new model in the upcoming INTERNOTO (on October). It will be called S1000F and will be the sport touring version of the sb S1000RR (similar to the recently introduced naked S1000R). With all the relevant technology at hand (maps, traction control, active suspension etc) and a strong motor (with all the major issues resolved, especially in a de-tuned engine), BMW is obviously trying to compete the MTS. Less spirited? I guess. Less pretty? I bet. More reliable? Perhaps you could tell me…
So you come on a Ducati forum, read posts about problems with Ducatis, and are surprised? Go surf a Gs forum, see what you find Peolpe don't come out as often and sat wahoo its brilliant, thats a bit boring and inimaginatove. They come on to share experience, see of others have had similar and have a whinge
There have been plenty of recalls and warranty issues on the latest BMWs. The latest generation R1200RT rear shock recall... the S1000RR bearing issue... etc etc The Ducatis have also had their fair share. I'm a current owner of a K1300S as a stablemate to my Ducati, and I have a deposit down on the S1000F (or S1000XR if that is the model name). I'm not expecting miracles, but I think it has the potential to be a great all purpose bike. Will it be glitch free? Hopefully, but then that's also what warranties are for.
Well, I ride mine every day, 30-40 miles each day, any weather and do a couple of trips each month of 300 miles to head office, and also ride it for 4 or 5 hours on a Saturday morning doing my IAM training. Its reliable, it starts every day and its a beautiful machine for fun and the daily commute. I use it just about exclusively as my transport - to the shops or post office, off into town (to avoid paying parking LOL), wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ducati based on experience so far. Far more reliable than my Aprilia or Buell used in the same manner. My Kwaks and Triumphs have been on a par reliability wise with the MS just not anything like as much fun!
Looking forward to your thoughts on it Spareparts, I had a K1300R before I got my MS. My K1300R was only a few years old, and tbh I had quite a few problems with that, Plus recalls, but tbf BMW mostly did all work under warranty. To the OP all I can say is go try one on a very long test ride, you need a long or several to understand the bike, and what it can do. Reliability, even the most known reliably item can have a bad apple, but I get the impression these days MS's are pretty solid, still quite new on the Sky Hook but so far reading posts Ducati's have been excellent regarding warranty work.
i enquired about the s1000f also after selling my MTS. Dealers reckon it wont be a goer until late next year so i bought a 14 1200gs until they are out and get a few reviews by both journalists & real world riders.....
