I finally got round to test riding a DVT today and used the same roads i rode my 2013 1200ABS to the dealers. The new bike is better in every way bar one...or maybe two. It handles very nicely and turns a bit better. The suspension on the 1200S was simply superb. I simply cannot fault it. Firm when needed yet supple all the time. it makes a lovely induction roar similar to the Panigales. The engine pulls like a train and is smoother though not sure that is true at tickover. It doesn't feel as fast but I'm sure that's down to the smoother engine and the speedo told me we were certainly shifting. Now the bad bit..or bits. The seating position is a big step backwards in my opinion. Its not as comfortable and its lost that nice commanding view from the seat. Not only that but the seat was poorly made and didn't fit properly either. Poor design. And i'm not sure the finish overall is as lasting as my 2013 1200. I know demo bikes get a tough life but the seat was falling apart, the fuel gauge didn't work and the screen was scratched. I think i may well wait until the updated bike is announced in just over 12 months time before deciding whether to buy one.
Duke63 you are are spot on about the seat, but unless you are shorter than 5'7 or 8" you can change the seat to lift you up and be far more comfortable, and soon there will be plenty of seats to make it perfect for you, the Problem I have is I am 5'6" so I do not have a lot of choice. I am hoping someone will bring a low seat out that is more comfortable that the OEM, but they have made that seating position so shorter people can ride it Fuel gauges are an issue and there has been a modified fix, as for the screen, I personally do not see a problem with it, golden rule DO NOT TOUCH IT ther eis no need to touch it and I bet people on the demo think it is a touch screen
Totally agree with you... But You've got to jump onto the 'train' at some point...:Happy: Or wait for 2.1...
Disagree entirely on the seat. I spent 2 hrs in the saddle and it was not my arse or back that ached. Fuel stop then another two hours. 3 hours riding home with 10 min break for fuel My arms however are sore
Btw a I can really get what people say about it being less hooligan. It is. Which is a shame. But it's effortlessly fast and smooth. Grown up multi Doesn't really fit my persona....
My Ass aches quite quick, although I have ridden it for hours and hours in a day it never gets so bad that I have to stop and get off, though once off for a few minutes it is fine again, I think it is less hooligan below 6 / 7k after that way more so. Thing is the difference is huge between the older version and the DVT in every way. So it is going to take a while to get used to the changes, most for the better
Its horses for courses I guess but personally the seat was a bit of a deal breaker for me. Not only did I not like being sat so low after my 2013 bike, but the seat didn't fit properly either. is this a common fault? It just wobbled about a lot even though it was sitting right on the frame. It just seems poorly designed to me.
Just to add though I do think the bike is overall an improvement. I was very impressed with the suspension and the engine but for a bike like the Multi, the seat position and comfort is a huge part of what the bike is about. Don't quite understand how they have got it so wrong. It would be better to have given the option of either a normal seat or a low position seat when sold as new rather than the silly adjustment thing which doesn't appear to work very well anyway. You selling yours already, Bradders?
Duke63 as I said there will be plenty of seat options for the taller person, there is a comfort seat that is raised, they have tried to make it for people of all heights, especially the Vertical challenged person, not just lanky gits
I'm not especially tall, 5ft 10. The only seat option I can see on the Ducati site is a lower seat. Seat with lower seat height - Ducati Multistrada Accessories Who would want their arse dragging on the floor? Why are the Ducati/Touratech parts not listed on either site? Is there a link to these anywhere?
Nope it's a keeper. Smooth and easy speed is my bag these days. If I wanted excitement I'd buy a panigale
Oh and my seat fits perfectly And the seat is the same its not a low seat. So for me it is the offing the old seat didn't have that makes it comfy. However, I suspect my aching forearms are due to the way the seat pitches you forward and puts a bit more pressure on them May have to solve that
One other thing i noticed yesterday that even in sports mode i could twist the throttle to the stop in 3rd and 4th gear. If i did that on my bike i would have flipped off the back long ago. Must be the clever electronics working but i couldn't feel them working.
Wonder if a Demo bike has a few settings change by the dealer to set certain settings to the max to prevent accidents?
at what rev/speed? as I had the last model and no way would that happen in 3rd or 4th. and mine spent much of its life at full throttle
The dvt I tried yesterday wasn't slow by any means, deceptively fast is more an accurate assessment. My previous 1200s had been fettled by CJS with good numbers at the back wheel and I wouldn't say it was faster than the new bike, just delivery feels different. I reckon a 14t front might sort out the bottom end lack of punch feeling, it's obvious that new engine masking the previous abrupt oomph
Yep I'm with you on that one. Just wap the throttle open in 2nd or 3rd and your guaranteed a power wheelie. I bet it looks awesome from the cars I'm passing. (Note to self get an Iron man helmet n suit.)
I really think its like jumping from an SPS, all mean bastard punch that just wants to kill you feel, onto a 998R with smooth and very effective performance delivery, more power more torque and far better fuelling On the run back yesterday, I was easily getting to the same speeds at the same pace short shifted ng at 6k on the new bike as the old. It just felt 'less alive'. Also noticed I have to brake more. Whether this is because its so smooth you are going faster, or less engine breaking, cant be certain. Suspect bit of both For me, I have made the right choice. Its not a hooligan bike now (so far ) but it is effortlessly ridable where the last could, at times, be a bit hairy. Or maybe I just ride a lot slower than you lot
Knock yourself out JC http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=321609596499&globalID=EBAY-GB
