Quote:
Originally posted by urga
Hi
I just bought a 2003 1000ds on a whim.I also have a 2002 suzuki bandit which isn't a bad bike at all.
Anyway I have only put a couple of hundred miles on the MTS but I cannot take to it at all.Firstly I am not too experienced ,only a year under my belt so far so that might account for some of the complaints I have.
Okay,what is going on with that suspension?It's like riding a pogo stick!Which would be fun except when you are in 2 gear with that throttle control it can get even more erratic.I find it very difficult to ride smoothly,The heavy clutch makes hard work of feathering to try and even out the on /off engine power that seems to beset this beast.Not a town bike!
I also find it hard work on roundabouts.2nd is too lumpy and requires more clutch massaging.First is too snatchy and requires even more massaging!Groan!
Mirrors?What mirrors?They are useless.Too small and too short and they vibrate like hell.
Front screen is useless and lifts me bunnet off above 90mph.
I don't even like the bars/riding position.I find the steering downright weird at low speeds.
Low tank range 110miles
What have I done!!
Or I am still to be convinced?I know there are a lot of modifications you can do to this bike .....but should you have too?Are we not pandering to the Ducati myth/style badge wearing?
When I arrived home with it a neighbour asked if I could cut his grass!
I love the sound though at least.
God I'm depressed!
I allways wanted a duke but maybe this is the wrong one for me.
Any advice,both sensible and critical,is most welcome.
Cheers |
Well there's a few things that could be happening here. I'll try and offer a few tips to help.
Firstly, there is a very good chance that (as you say) you are still in the transition phase from a four to a twin. Don't underestimate this feeling, it catches most people out and takes time to get "in sync" with the way a twin performs.
We here this all the time in our store, wait until you've done 500 - 1000 miles or so on the bike it should start to feel a lot more like "your" bike.
If you started on the Bandit (i assume a 600) The throttle response of the MTS will feel very sharp in comaprison to the weaker midrange on the Bandit.
Also, when was it last serviced?
The overly snatchy response could mean it needs a throttle body set-up (part of a service) that could go some ways to helping the issue.
Furthermore, if the fork oil is old and done (again part of the service), you may be getting some bad feel or loss of performance from the front end.
If the previous owner has been mucking with the suspension set up at the front, it could be a mile off, it's very adjustable but take it to someone who knows how to dial it in.
Also, and this may be obvious but is often overlooked - tyre pressures. 32psi in the front and 36psi in the back is popular.
Also check condition of the chain (service). If it is slack / badly worn or over tight, throttle response will be affected.
Another thing to try if you are feeling the clutch is heavy:- use two fingers and pull the lever in to the other fingers on the bar. You shouldn't need to pull it all the way til it hits the bar. This will give you a better feel and you won't need to use as much effort, but it will still operate the clutch fine!
If you still can't get on with that, try a different size front sprocket (1 tooth smaller is popular, bout £20 only!) this will bring the revs up a touch into a different part of the power range
As to the mirrors and screen, well Ducati listened to the suggestions of their customers and made the later model with 40mm longer mirror stalks and a much taller screen.
The 2003 didn't benefit from these mods at that time. These parts can be bought from your local dealer, obviously at extra exspense i'm afraid.
Tank range:- 110 miles is low for one of these, it's probably the fact that the guage is the old style that could be, how do I say, a touch inaccurate!
Some other MTS customers on this site will have better info as to the best idea of tank range, i'm sure one will be along shortly!
Like you say, I think you are still to be convinced. The Multi in my biased opinion is a total hoot and handles like a dream, ask any of the folks in the club that have got them, they are a very popular buy.
I think the massive difference between your Bandit and the Multi is evident just now.
Don't panic, give it a chance and also check out its service history.
I'm totally confident you'll discover the Ducati appeal very soon! Wait for some dry roads and let her clear its throat, you'll change yer tune pretty quick i'm sure!
All the best of luck
Martin