Pull one apart to work on it and you’ll see why the times and costs are so high, you can spend an hour or so just removing panels to get to the problem That’s one area I do sympathise with the techs on.
That's pretty fair - try taking the bodywork off a Multistrada - it's not a five minute job! I used to have a hateful 1000DS Multistrada, and even when I was extremely well practised the tank removal took 45 minutes.
15k in just over 2 years on a then brand new 2013. Overheated on 1st two up trip, fan would not cut in, just started to work 2k miles in to trip, and no fault found when in for service?! Front forks replaced due to brake lines rubbing off anodised finish (low miles) and new retaining clips to address the issue of poor routing from the factory. Heated grips failed at just over year old, common. Bad corrosion and seized/rounded bolts. Despite cleaning ACF50 etc. Stretch Armstrong chain was laughable, just kept stretching, ok it was two up with luggage but lubed every day and by the time got to Dolomites it was hanging. Chain adjustment is silly tbh for a touring bike. Every Multi owned by people I have been biking with ( 4 other bikes from model year 2010 to 2017) has had issues, ranging from engine bearing failure, to display failure, rear light cluster, to leaking forks. Fantastic bikes let down by poor quality components. Ducati are good at fixing things within warranty. Just as well tbh. Would only purchase another with full warranty.
It's a good argument for owning a new one every two years, as long as you're prepared to put up with the odd challenge along the way...
