? multistrada

[Magi]

i am considering a multistrada - as a general use and sport touring bike - it should be good on a tight road - are they a hassel to maintain?

?is this a good or bad idea? - anyone no anything about this bike.

d magi

[burnham]

Mine is sprung a little softly, other than that it's a good bike.

[FalcoFred]

I've got an 04 Multi and it's a great sport touring bike. Really fun on extremly tight roads. Maintenance isn't too bad. I bought it used with 8,000 miles, at 12,000 miles I changed the oil, filter, cleaned the pre filter screen, cleaned and re-oiled the Ducati performace air filter (stock paper would just be replaced) changed brake and clutch fluid, and re-placed the belts (belts are replaced every 12,000 miles) . I then took it to the dealership for valve clearance check. The valve clearances were in spec, but it still cost a couple hundred in labor to check as the the Multi doesn't have fairing to remove, but requires the fuel tank to be removed to access the rear cylinder. I did the same maintenace at 18,000 minus belt replacement, but this time one valve needed to be re-shimmed.

[kenk]

I also have a 2004 Multistrada 1000DS, bought used. A really great all-around bike. It replaced a 2003 Caponord. The MTS handles great, feels very light, has great grunt, and wonderful sound (with Remus exhaust). The Capo may have been a better long distance tourer, but overall I like the MTS better.

I'm ready for the 12k service and I will probably do all the fluids myself and then take it to the dealer for the valve check.

Ken

[Magi]

thanks - it one of my top contenders.
d magi

[fzr400tony]

i have a friend who was a service manager at fast by ferracci until he had to move north to take care of his elderly mother. he works at another ducati dealer. last i spoke to him, he was looking to sell his silver mts1000 (wants to buy another ktm, he has an smr and a duke 1).

the bike is well cared for. pm me if you're interested, i'll send you his phone #

[burnham]

When checking the valve lash check the exhaust valve for fore-aft and side to side movement. I was told by a Ducati tech a lot of these motors are needing new exhaust valves and guides. Something about the guides being made of a material prone to wear when hot. I'm not sure about it, maybe someone else has had some experience with it. He also said if the mechanic dooing the check didn't know about the problem, it could be easy to miss. Anyway,I love the bike, and I'm glad it's so ugly so I don't feel guilty about not washing it.

[kenk]

According to a Ducati dealer friend, the service bulletin from Ducati says it covers all 1000DS motors with ENGINE serial numbers lower than VAB6027428. You can find the engine number on the left side near the sidestand. Starting with that engine number, Ducati changed the material used for the valve guides due to early wear problems. Mine (a 2004 Multistrada) is definitely older and will need the valve guides replaced under warranty. Apparently Ducati is covering the cost, even for bikes out of warranty.

Ken

[groundhog105]

I have a friend I ride with and he has a multi that he canyon rides and tours two up and one up. That thing just flat handels and for only a 85rwhp motor pulls very hard. He had the valve guides done under warranty other than that it has just been regular maint. Great bike, I am impressed.

[motoman]

I also have a 2004 Multistrada 1000DS, bought used. A really great all-around bike. It replaced a 2003 Caponord. The MTS handles great, feels very light, has great grunt, and wonderful sound (with Remus exhaust). The Capo may have been a better long distance tourer, but overall I like the MTS better.

I traded my 03 Capo for a MTS. But then for some reason I felt very guilty that I had betrayed my trusty Capo.

So I bought it back from the dealer. Much to their amazement.

Now I have both. I am at peace with myself.

[RossGuzzi]

I use to sell them, they go well, but I found the seat very painfull for longer than 1 hour !!