Shall I get one ? Take 2
 

Hi my name is Fieldsheer and this is a first post for me.

I am considering a Multistrada and have read the threads on the site but still have a few questions that a road test won`t answer. I am hoping that you will be kind enough to fill me in(so to speak).

I have only riden two Ducatis before,a 500 Pantah (back in 1983) and a 1994 900SS(about 4 years ago).

I am looking for a bike with the easy going nature of my Triumph Thunderbird but able to pickup the pace when the mood takes me (my other bike is a KTM Supermoto).

The bike before the KTM was a Triumph Tiger which was pretty good but too tall in the saddle for me (5`7" ) and my partner did not like being stuckup in the air (which exagerated the angle of lean leading to few discussions).

We had a seat on a Multistrada in Alvins and I could get both balls of my feet on the ground (toes only on the Tiger) and my partner who is taller had no problems(she was looking a little smug and too comfortable).

Specfic questions
1. What is the real world fuel cosumption?
Average cruising speeds between 50 and 80 over mixed roads.

2.What is top gear throttle response like from 50mph?
I hate having to play tunes on a gearbox.

3.Is there any transmission snatch below 3000 rpm(as on the 900SS I tried)?

4.Do the panniers hold a full face helmet?

5.What the service costs and how often?

6.Do you get buffeting from the screen or is it wind noise (the Tiger got noisey above 70 and the taller screen did not help)?

7.The brake judder is a problem I would not accept as being character, has anyone had this fixed or is it still ongoing?
There is no way my partner would ride the bike if this happened to her.

8.How noisey are the Terminogies(spelling ?) she likes noise and I prefer stealth.

If you are still reading this thank you for sticking with it.

This may sound daft but I like a bike that talks to you as you ride.

I did visit the MCN site looking for enlightenment (some hope) but the Multistrada link has been hijacked by a couple of abusive idiots.

Thank you for being informative.

Fieldsheer

i am not best qualified to answer all of your questions but i am sure keefy and lwh will be along soon, - but i can have a go on some of them.

Like you I am still unsure about the brake chatter, - to me it was n't a big issue as I think as I said you are down to slow speed by the time it set in, - i think it may have something to do with dirt or dust build up behind the pads as I have heard of that before as a reason for this type of behaviour. - I am thinking of 2 solutions, - take tha pads out from time to time and clean em, - or fork brace on those longer than Ducati have used before forks.

As far as the engine/transmission bit below 3000rpm, - that is by and large Ducati's, - there ain' t nothing much below 3000rpm so don't use it. I did n't notice it but I have been riding Ducatis for a while and think that after 100 miles on a Ducati and you don't notice it is there as you instictvely use between 3 and 7000rpm. The big plus is that between 3000-7000rpm the engine is a real peach, and I think the v-twin is so so suited to the multistrada. I think Ducati have found the best type of bike for the engine they have.

There is no other bike that really compares as the big difference is that the MS handles, our road are really bad and this thing deals with them - to me it is so good that after about 30 mins I forgot about testing it and just enjoyed riding a motorbike.

It needs the termis far to quiet without, - oh and you have to learn to love a dry clutch, - when i was out testing so old biker came up to me as i was letting her warm (you have to let Ducs warm before riding them off), "ha ha your timing chain has gone, on a new bike as well" "Ducs don't have timing chains and its called a dry clutch" .

It is I believe Ducati's best selling bike this year, although not in the UK, which might help you do a deal between now and spring. They are avaliable on the 0% deal, - you have to put a certain % down.
Good luck.

Hello,in answer to your questions.
1.Mid to low 40's
2.Good,but better with airbox restrictors removed.
3.A little,correct chain tension should be observed.
4.Dunno,ask luckywhiteheather!
5.1st service at 600 miles or 6 months,oil and filter,labour free.(Tho some dealers charge)About35quid.
2nd service,6000 miles or 1 year about 150.
3rd service,12,000 or 2 years.As yearly plus cambelts about 200 quid.
6.Standard screen is way too low,needs the "comfort" screen as standard.
7.Mine judders very slightly at about the last 15mph before stopping.It was temporarily fixed at first service but has returned.Expect a recall or fix soon.
8.Dunno,ask luckywhiteheather.

:D

I'm in agreement with all the answers Keefyboy's given!

As for the questions he hasn't answered:
4. The 24 litre ones do, but not the 18 litre.
8.Not as noisy as a 99* with Termis but a big improvement over standard pipes.

If you've read the various posts here they should give you some idea about MS ownership generally.

Good Luck!:D

To make an addendum to point 5 of keefyboys reply I believe that Ducati UK have just changed their policy on free first services, in that you pay for them now, - however in speaking with the dealer that told me of this he volunteered straight away to reduce the cost of it when i did little more than raise an eyebrow.
And in contradiction to what I said earlier about UK sales of the MS, - Ducati UK are very very happy that it was in the range this year, - it has sold very well here when compared with sports/race reps.

Thanks for the replys and info.

If the weather stays fair on Saturday we have a test ride booked for 11am at Alvin`s in Edinburgh.

Depending on the outcome I then have to consider trade in versus a private sale of the Supermoto.

Ian, I to think they are being tight charging for the first service, normally all you pay for is the oil and filter. The interest free deal seems to be on until the end of March.

Thank you Ian, keefyboy and luckywhiteheather.

I`ll post again after the test ride.

1st service.
 

Hmm,I did say some dealers charge labour for the first service.Perhaps its because I'm a regular customer that I did'nt pay for labour on my 1st service.;)

Didn't pay for my first service either!:D

Hope the weather holds for you on Saturday morning FS. If you want a decent test of the Bike head down coast road towards Gullane/North Berwick. Great twisty bits of road along 'Longniddry Bents' between Port Seaton and Aberlady and then on through Gullane to NB. You can then come back same way or via A1 if you want to try it out and cruising speed.

Alternatively from Alvins head for City Bypass and then on to A7 to Gala, A72 to Peebles and back via Penicuik on A703. That's the route I did on my test ride. Both routes will take you around 1.5/2hours.

Either way there will only be one outcome!:roll:

I'll make my prediction: "KTM for sale!":lol:

Thanks for the routes LWH, most of my riding is to the west and north of Fife.

I think weather will be the deciding factor on which route is chosen.

Fingers crosssed for a dry day.

:roll:

I got the test ride today.

After moving the handlebars to suit myself I found it to be one of the best riding positions I`ve tried, including the Triumph Speed Triple.

The power delivery was good and even when I deliberately let the revs done to 2,000 the transmission judder was was almost negligable (not what I expected from previous experience). I kept it in 5th most of the time as I was cruising around 60/70mph and 6th felt a little to high (fine when on the bypass though).

I did intend to do the Gala / Penicuik route but ended up on around trip to Galashiels ( a bit nippy down there ). The roads were a mix of wet and dry with the sun shining in my face through a road spray covered visor, perfect ( not).


On the way down the bike was reluclant to turn which I put down to it being two up and the suspension left as I picked it. When we reached Gala my partner got of and sent me away to play by myself. The bike now flowed better in the bends but felt a little hard ( I weigh around 12 stone ) so I backed it of 2 clicks once I found the adjuster, much better on the way back to retrieve partner.

The rear suspension was turned back to standard plus 2 clicks harder for the run back to Edinburgh ( my partner is no heavy weight so the suspension adjustment must be fairly fine ), a big improvement on the run down when the bike was moving in the corners, so I stopped and added another 2 clicks, now we were in the right ball park, the front felt a little hard moving on ripples in the surface ( nothing major ),
I`m positive that with a little set up time that would disappear (the tyres may even have been a pound or two done as it was bloomin cold).

The mirrors were almost useless and would have tobe changed if I were to buy one.
The seat was okay until we were almost back to Edinburgh, approx 70 miles, but by that time on the Thunderbird my backside would be begging for a rest.
As far as the screen goes it was not a problem up to 80mph, never took it any further, but I would probably try a higher one anyway ( never happy ).

Despite what I`ve just written I am confident that if it were my own bike I could sort the suspension to my liking, having played with the KTM I know what a difference a few clicks can make.

Stange thing about the instuments was that they were reading the miles the bike had covered on the way down but fuel consumption ( 47 average ) on the way back up and I am fairly sure I didn`t touch anything.

I was real comfy with the riding position up front but things were not going so well on the back, as we were going through Newtongrange I enquired as to my partners well being, I`m still here was the reply ( not good ). She found that she was being tipped forward in the seat ( she is 5` 11" ) and the footrest were not in a good position for her, the KTM was preferable for riding pillion ( we have only done 60 mile 2 up on the KTM ), and the vibrations in the derrier were not welcome.

Conclusion,

It is like a long legged Supermoto (compliment ) and almost what I was looking for, I had hoped to use it for touring holdays 2 up, but that is a none starter ( looks like a king and Queen seat for the Thunderbird ) for us.

When we left the shop last week the plan was to sell the KTM and my partners SV650 to finance the Multistrada, as long as she got her noisey pipes, but after the test ride the SV stays ( she is a Ducati fan and was disapointed that it did not work out).

Buying new is out of the question and I still have to justify to myself at least £2500 over what I can expect for my KTM for the Demo bike.

I liked it ( a lot ) but the KTM is good for trackdays and I can see a few sleepless night ahead.

Luckywhiteheather, keefyboy and Ian thankyou for help and time, it has been much appreciated.
(please excuse spelling and gramatical errors)

Aah well,you cant win 'em all.
Shame you could'nt have tried one with the comfort seat fitted.:(

Looks like there's still the merest chink of light from that candle you were carrying for the MS.

Don't give up hope yet!!!!!

now if your Mrs was used to a 916 like mine, - the MS would be pure luxury ;)

Ian, age takes its toll.

When we first started going out I had one of the first Suzuki GSXR 750`s.
On that we went upto John O`Groat`s once and down to London twice for MAG Demo`s in the late 80`s, but it did have a grab rail.

I traded the Suzuki in 1997 ( bought new in 1985) when we bought the Thunderbird.

Since then I`ve also run a Bandit 1200, Husqvarna 610 Supermoto, Triumph Tiger (only trip abroad to Germany) and now the KTM ( I missed a Triumph Speed Triple by half an hour).

Lucky white heather, you are spot on, but it will have tobe a second hand one.
The KTM is currently being cleaned up for sale and is currrently in the Visordown.com bikes for sale, I`ll put it in the local rags when it is ready.

It`s a 2002 KTM 640 ,big and small tanks with the Beringer/KTM brake kit, offers around £4100, just incae you know of anyone looking for one.

I was pleased to note that Alvin`s had the bike hosed down as soon as we came back, if the KTM goes and they still have the demo a deal may yet happen ( no promises ). If I hadn`t looked at Keefyboy`s accessories link I might have weakened.

If it`s meant to happen it will.

Keep us posted FS!!:D

Keep us posted FS!!:D

patience lwh, - give him time ;)

Will do.

New member on the Mutistrada site , `IAN916`, I wonder who that could be?

dropped the KTM to £3995,it might work.

[Edited on 26-11-2003 by Fieldsheer]

you sussed me!! - and whats all the formality keefy of yours on that site, - nothin wong with keefyboy, - it suits you;) - It's kinda set in my mind; keefyboy= big bloke up high on my left exit of Gerrards :roll:

Sorry for delay Ian but I've not been able to get on Board since Tuesday!
As for repeating myself, it's a posting impediment I'm obtaining therapy for. I try to fight it but it just happens sometimes when I'm tired or stressed.

:P:P:P:P:P:P

[Edited on 27-11-2003 by luckywhiteheather] to remove repeat posting!

[Edited on 27-11-2003 by luckywhiteheather]to remove edit about repeat posting!

[Edited on 27-11-2003 by luckywhiteheather]I give up! I give up!

[Edited on 27-11-2003 by luckywhiteheather]

:lol::lol::lol::lol:
I did hear something today of the brake judder, - put down to not bedding in the pads right, - something to do with glazzing the pads, - either change them for EBC's or rough them up with sandpaper, - carefull they may have asbestos.

[Edited on 27-11-2003 by Ian]

Hmm,perhaps I'm starting to act my age for a change!
Hey,perhaps next track day we will be shoulder to shoulder?!?;):D

The KTM`s not sold yet but I may take alonger and more round about way of getting there involving an ST2. I haven`t had a test ride yet, just waiting for a decent day.

It`s a 1997 R`reg £3000 one owner machine supplied and serviced by ChrisClarke M/C`s, the last work was by B&N in Norfolk ( if my memory is correct ),never heard of them but maybe some of you good people have, good/bad?

I`ll post again when I had the test ride.

I\'ll jump in here then
 

Have a look at the ST forum on this board, that'll give you all the lowdown on ST2's.

Similar power 85 Bhp ish output to the Multistrada, hasn't got the new heads and dual spark, but is water cooled and fuel injected. Just been discontinued in favour of the new ST3 with the 3 valve heads.

The ST4 with it's 105 ish Bhp 916 engine, and the ST4S with it's 117 ish Bhp engine are undoubtedly faster but for most roads, most of the time, the torque of the two valver will let you keep up with almost anything.

Here's a recent "should I buy one" thread

[Edited on 8-12-2003 by Jools]

Hi Jools

Thanks for the link, I`ll see you over there.

St2 owner too!

Just a novice really but v comfy, easy to get on with, reliable (so far), plenty enough pull for me and that glorious engine note!

Its a far better bike than I am a rider and I'm sure it'll be many years before I get anywhere near it's handling limits.

MS is v nice but if it's not for now try an ST2, am sure you won't regret it!

Don't give up on the MS yet FS!

You never know what Santa might bring!

I hope Santa`s good because Telewest ain`t.

I had the KTM in three local papers at the weekend and the phones went on the blink. No Internet from Friday night and a crossed line on the phone causing the answer machine not to work, when I dialed 1471 I was read back two numbers together.

On the ST2 front I don`t think its meant to happen, I look out the office window and the roads are dry, phone the dealer and his road is wet.

Maybe I`m meant to be patient (not a strong point ) and thing`s will fall in place when the time is wright.

Grumble groan, thanks for listening.

Night all.
:roll:

The KTM went yesterday.
I had one last run on it in Friday afternoon , the first dry day for a while and remembered why I bought it in the first place, almost decided not to sell but the adverts were already in the papers.

Now my bluff has been called I have to decidewhat I really want.

I can go and get a nearly new Multistrada (or a new one on tick) or the ST2 I was looking at and an older 400 enduro of some sort.

There is a motocross track about 10 miles from my house and a need to know just how poor I am offroad (the KTM was to heavy).

I thought the sore heads would end when I sold the KTM, but it just gets worse.

Decisions decisions (at least I am in a position to have decisions).

Okay I'll stop rabbiting and go away.
:sing::sing::sing::sing:

Two bikes are always better than one!;):D

Not when the 'one' is a Multistrada!
You should know that KB.:D
Go on FS you know it makes sense.:roll:

I went to have another look at the ST2 on Saturday morning to see if I was moved one way or the other.
I arrived just in time to see it disappearing with its new owner on board. No sinking feeling so that confirmed my thoughts on that one (more to do with the salesman than the bike).

I had a look at a Triumph Speed Triple last night but it had too much history when HPI'd (legit bike) for me tobe comfortable with. The Multistrada also feels much more secure on cold damp roads.

The only thing I still can`t get my head around is service costs on Ducati's, and which is the better purchase ,second hand or new and make the most of the finace deal and try for some extras.

The money is burning a hole in my pocket and it's hard not to make a rash decision.

Cheers

Derek,

Just checked the Ducati UK website and there is a 0% finance deal on new Multistrada's until March 31st.

I guess you'll need to look at total amounts payable now to see which is the cheaper option.

Decisions decisions! :lol:

Cheers!

Scott

Confession time.

I've finally agreed on another bike.

It is a vee twin

It is Italian.

But it's not a Ducati (this time).

It's a Moto Guzzi V11 Sport (2000).

If money was no object then I would have had a Multistrada, but that's not the case.

I couldn't justify the expense when there are two other bikes in the garage already.

So I've gone back to a bike I first looked at two years ago but never managed to get a test ride together, this time it fell into place no bother.

Maybe there is such a thing as Karma.

Please look after the Multistradi you have as I could well be looking for a nice one carefull owner bike in a couple of years time.

Thanks for all the advice and happy riding.

Fieldsheer (Derek)

That's two converts lost this week!

What is going wrong with the World?:o

And you were worried about servicing/running costs of a Ducati and then you go and buy a Moto-Guzzi?
S'pose there's some consolation that it's an Italian twin but disappointing nonetheless.

Good Luck anyway FS!:roll:

I am still here, if the MT meeting this Saturday ends in time for me to get back and into the dealers I could be put my signature on a piece of paper??

Luckywhiteheather I'm hoping the Guzzi will be cheaper to service as it only has two valve heads and locknut adjustment on the valves so no shims to change. I might even get my hands dirty again and service it myself and get the dealer to check the fuel injection settings.

The Strada will have to wait, buying the Guzzi has left a bit of money in the bank which leaves me a bit of freedom in other areas.

Cheers,
Fieldsheer