Ducati MultiStrada 1200

[Paulvt1]

Tiger sport just got announced.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...port-unveiled/

Probably the closest competition to the MTS (other than the KTM SMT).

[NMEXPAT]

Originally Posted by Moronic

Yes, another important aspect of Skyhook. The "wider" is dramatic, as illustrated:



Graphic from the excellent tech feature at ashonbikes.com.

So, Skyhook damping can be much harder but also much softer than, say, Ohlins. One reason why I think it would cope better off the tarmac.

One other thing perhaps worth mentioning: there is no reason why Skyhook would not make multiple adjustments per "bump". It is not just a matter of it picking a particular setting.

As an engineer and as an 2010 MTS 1200 BASE owner I realy appreciate this post. Thanks for posting it.

I'm still digesting the content, but this article has got to be the best promotion ever. I'm still very happy with my 2010 base version, however this article really has me thinking about a new MTS. I can't imagine more low and midrange torque and an active suspension system that might actually solve some of the small nitpicks I have with the base model suspension.

Must not go for a 2013 DEMO ride. Must be disiplined...

[Josephvman]

I bought a new R1100GS in '96, after busting my cherry on a run of airheads and a K75S (which I loved). I was kind of a newbie to wheelies, and the new GS was like a Ferrari compared to my previous beemers. I had wheelied my first bike, the original Honda Hurricane 600 a bit, but I really didn't know what I was doing when it came to wheelies then. On my second ride with my new oilhead GS, I cracked the throttle hard in first, and found myself off the back of the bike, hands still on the bars! The bike fell forward and yanked me back on the seat, and the whole episode might have lasted a half a second, but it got my attention.

I don't intentionally wheelie the Multi, but I did get on it hard once, winding it up through the gears, and felt the front come up after hitting third. When it set back down I looked a the speedo, which was reading 92mph! If you're into wheelies, I think the Multi is the ticket.

Originally Posted by Pampero

Third gear wheelies seem less likely with the GS though yet possible. Through the marvels of physics, it is often easier to wheelie with more weight added via the mechanism of an innocent but terrified pillion who just happened to come along for the ride.

I think its fair to say that if snapping wheelies is part of the requirement, the Multistrada goes to the head of the class. The KTM would be the other likely possibility, but I'll bet the GS will still take second fiddle in this category.

[Dr. Greg]

Originally Posted by Sock Monkey

Go check out Dr Greg's posting on Ducati.ms re. his experience with self-servicing his MTS12. He's an experienced Ducati wrench (i.e. he's done Desmo valves on his other Ducs before) and even he threw in the towel. Oil change? Easy peasy. Valve check/adjust? Read Doc's story.....

-SM

Since my name popped up, I'll add my $0.02 personally. It took quite a while to get the Multi to the state in the pic below. The next step (according to the FSM, but apparently unnecessary) was to remove the airbox, and this stumped me.


Airbox notwithstanding, from there, you're right, it's "just another 4-valve Ducati." But I guess my poor ol' (65 YO) body just wasn't up to doing it all anymore. So I opted for a maintenance contract from the local dealer. Considering the amount of miles I ride (nominally 20K miles/year) it's a good deal. I still do a lot of "other wrenching" on the thing (I mount tires, for example), so there's still plenty to do.

There is a fellow over on Ducati.ms who actually DID the whole service himself, and wrote up a nice description. I'm sure you could find the link.

I keep thinking that there's gotta be a better bike for me, considering how much I ride it (recently retired), but I've test-ridden about everything out there, and I still like the MTS1200S better than any of them.

Just installed the Tuneboy electronic cruise control (love it!), and am almost ready to get a set of Touratech side/top cases (the stock side case mounting doesn't like crashing too well, and I seem to crash a lot), but I figure I should demo the new GS first. I'm sure it'll still feel too big for me, like all the previous GS's I've ridden, but who knows?...

--Doc

[Pampero]

The GS sounds like it could split the difference nicely, but it will still be heavier. It was the relative sense of light weight that hooked me on the Multi. If it were to be just about long rides, I think the GS will hold the edge. I doubt it will actually be more satisfying to ride for shorter runs, but only riding can answer that. They have stepped up their game with it, but it will need to be freer spinning than the air cooled motor has been in the past to capture the elan of a Ducati.

[Gorilla King]

Originally Posted by Pampero

The GS sounds like it could split the difference nicely, but it will still be heavier. It was the relative sense of light weight that hooked me on the Multi. If it were to be just about long rides, I think the GS will hold the edge. I doubt it will actually be more satisfying to ride for shorter runs, but only riding can answer that. They have stepped up their game with it, but it will need to be freer spinning than the air cooled motor has been in the past to capture the elan of a Ducati.

Yup, range and pack-ablity plus the 19" front wheel is why I'll be keeping my GS/A for cross border LD toruing into Canada or Mexico.

Still waiting for my new MTS with diminishing patience.

[Pampero]

Originally Posted by Gorilla King

Yup, range and pack-ablity plus the 19" front wheel is why I'll be keeping my GS/A for cross border LD toruing into Canada or Mexico.

Still waiting for my new MTS with diminishing patience.

I think you will find it difficult to ride the GS for a while, and will be very pleased with just how good a touring bike the MTS really is. Between the aircooled GS and the Multi, for me it's the Multi that holds the advantage in balance. The new BMW will be interesting to compare, and represents more of a sea change than the new MTS, but there's no doubt the last years of the air/oil GS have been very satisfying for owners who have their priorities aligned with the bike's.

[Ramv]

So last month I got my 15k mile service, about 22 months on my 2010. They did another flash and all the usual stuff. New conti trail attacks front and rear. 180 rear. Picked it up with a sinus infection so just rode home and parked it. Finally was warm enough to ride this week. Plugged in the heated gear and headed out. Power wheelie in the cul de sac. Another after the stop sign. Triple digits into the city. Wtf? Not sure if it was the cold weather (30 deg this am) or what but it seem to be throwing down way more power, never power wheelied before other than fully loaded and dropping the clutch at sea level. I have a 14 t countershaft sprocket. I have had a 180 before so I don't think that is releated. 50 yards of spinning the tire when I left the parking garage this evening which may just have been the temps but DTC has been disabled since new since it only engaged on rough roads.. I am really surprised. This bike hasn't been very impressive power wise but maybe after two years its finally coming around. We'll see as it warms up but if you haven't got the 2012 flash, I recommend it!

[pmelby]

Is everybody aware of the link to the Service Manual?

http://www.madcogz.com/MSTD1200s/wsm/usa/main_usa.html

The chapters on the ECU and engine mode mapping are good info.

I was able to locate the dedicated GPS power point using the wiring manual.

cheers,
melby

[NMEXPAT]

Originally Posted by Dr. Greg

Just installed the Tuneboy electronic cruise control (love it!), and am almost ready to get a set of Touratech side/top cases (the stock side case mounting doesn't like crashing too well, and I seem to crash a lot), but I figure I should demo the new GS first. I'm sure it'll still feel too big for me, like all the previous GS's I've ridden, but who knows?...

--Doc

Dr. Greg,

Can you share more info on the Tuneboy. I know there's a thread on the other board, but I try to avoid going over there. I didn't realize this product was actually available and already installed.

Would like to know how much and how hard it was to install as well as how does it actually work.

Thanks!

[NMEXPAT]

Originally Posted by Josephvman

I don't intentionally wheelie the Multi, but I did get on it hard once, winding it up through the gears, and felt the front come up after hitting third. When it set back down I looked a the speedo, which was reading 92mph! If you're into wheelies, I think the Multi is the ticket.

My base 2010 MTS wheelies easily with my 250+lbs, in any mode (urban or sport) in 1st and 2nd gears. 3rd gear wheelies are also attainable, but then you're starting to really push the speed limit, as you say. I can't imagine how fun it would be if I wasn't overweight. Perhaps this is the best motivation to lose weight?

Power wheelies on this bike are so easy and one of the best things about it. I found the real difference was adjusting the suspension preload correctly. On the base MTS, this is manually done, stiffening both ends up really reduced the pitching (diving and squating) and also made wheelies much easier. However, the rear preload is very sensative, like 1/4 or 1/8 turn sensative. If you add too much preload the rear is more likely to loose grip and slide, too little and it squats. It's fun nonetheless.

I'm not suggesting you become a squid, but get on it more, it will put a true grin on your face. The drives out of corners are so much fun with the front crossed up. I can't imagine how it would be with proper sticky track tires. I'm rolloing on PR3s, not the best tires for grip.

Originally Posted by Ramv

So last month I got my 15k mile service, about 22 months on my 2010. They did another flash and all the usual stuff. New conti trail attacks front and rear. 180 rear. Picked it up with a sinus infection so just rode home and parked it. Finally was warm enough to ride this week. Plugged in the heated gear and headed out. Power wheelie in the cul de sac. Another after the stop sign. Triple digits into the city. Wtf? Not sure if it was the cold weather (30 deg this am) or what but it seem to be throwing down way more power, never power wheelied before other than fully loaded and dropping the clutch at sea level. I have a 14 t countershaft sprocket. I have had a 180 before so I don't think that is releated. 50 yards of spinning the tire when I left the parking garage this evening which may just have been the temps but DTC has been disabled since new since it only engaged on rough roads.. I am really surprised. This bike hasn't been very impressive power wise but maybe after two years its finally coming around. We'll see as it warms up but if you haven't got the 2012 flash, I recommend it!

Ramv, I've always thought there might have been something wrong with your bike from the start. I've ridden mine at high altitudes in Utah and it didn't have any problems with spinning or wheelies. I'd keep an eye out on your gas mileage. I know in the past you always reported great gas mileage, it may be affected now.

[NMEXPAT]

Originally Posted by Moronic

Nevertheless, I'm still leaning towrds a 2013 base and perhaps adding the full semi-active kit Ohlins says it will offer this year. It might not be Skyhook but I do like the idea of dealing directly with Ohlins for info, parts, service and troubleshooting.

I'm also eagerly awaiting for more information from Ohlins about this. I contacted Dan Kyle, if he knew anything and he hadn't yet.

This would be the ultimate upgrade for me.

If the new electronic suspension isn't your cup of tea. A manual ohlins TTX shock is available and reasonably priced. No word on a manual set of ohlins forks either. I'd also go this route as well.

Come on Ohlins!

[Moronic]

Originally Posted by NMEXPAT

I'm also eagerly awaiting for more information from Ohlins about this. I contacted Dan Kyle, if he knew anything and he hadn't yet.

This would be the ultimate upgrade for me.

I'm glad to see that someone else is interested. Thought maybe I'd be the only purchaser.

Thanks for the Dan Kyle report. Love to know how much Ohlins will want for it.

Yes, I'm aware they have offered a manual shock. Could be a good option, although it looks to me like the damping adjusters will be hard to get at. I am spoiled because the compression adjuster is within reach on my Ohlins equipped Monster. Being able to make changes while riding I find very helpful. I'd rather not give that up, although whether I'd be prepared to pay $thousands for it is another question.

BTW: What can you tell me about the Marzocchi fork? I've heard it's very good, and I've heard it's not so good. Is a cartridge kit (Matris, say) a necessity, or a luxury?

[Dr. Greg]

Originally Posted by NMEXPAT

Dr. Greg,

Can you share more info on the Tuneboy. I know there's a thread on the other board, but I try to avoid going over there. I didn't realize this product was actually available and already installed.

Would like to know how much and how hard it was to install as well as how does it actually work.

Thanks!

The thread discussing this over on Ducati.ms got shut down (commercialism?). Anyway, I purchased the "no-tune" package from Tuneboy, since all I wanted was the cruise control.

After a bit of confusion about getting the correct files, I installed the package using their WiFi box (had to try a couple times to finally get it completed). I believe the map that Wayne supplies with the "no-tune" packge is a little bit richer than original, since the engine seems to run a bit smoother and the fuel mileage has dropped slightly (range still over 200 miles). I ride like an old lady so I wouldn't know about power...

Although I installed it about a month ago, the combination of family vacations and COLD New Mexico weather (hey, I'm from SoCal) has prevented me from doing much riding. Finally got in a 200-mile ride a couple days ago, and was able to give the cruise control a "real" test.

I think the PID gains are tuned a little more aggressively than would be my choice; there is a slight amount of "hunting" after the speed is disturbed. But all in all it works quite well. I've just sold my Kaoko throttle lock, so that says that I like it, I guess .

I'll be taking the bike in to the dealer for the 30K mile service soon; hope they don't do a reflash cuz I'll have to reinstall the CC (and I'm afraid to tell them since it might void my extended warranty?) Oh, well...it wasn't that hard to install.

Since I've been griping about the lack of a cruise control since day one (all the hardware is already there), I simply had to try Tuneboy's offering...I think he did a great job.

--Doc

[marret]

Dr. Greg,

Thanks for posting your experience with Tuneboy. Good to hear a positive story.