Multistrada 1200

[LBD]

Any KBers with the new MTS1200 want to talk about the bike?

[LBD]

Surely some one on KB has the new multistrada...or some experience with one?

I sat on one and concluded I would need the lower seat....

[MIXONE]

I like the look of them but would need a step ladder to get aboard!

[LBD]

I was okay but on the balls of my feet...felt the same as the R1150GS I rode for a while....Initially I thought the 1098 was tall but not so now I am used to it....and the monster now feels like a cruiser/motard cross after the 1098...

There may just be an MTS in my near future...replacing the Monster...

[LBD]

Still no MTS 1200 owners out there yet?

[Idubbs]

I got mine ....white one of course (they're faster!) just last week. Sorry, a bit too early to give you an opinion. Ask me tomorrow after I do the coro run. I need to run the damn thing in, 1000km service, then Hampton Downs following weekend! All I can tell you is that the "sport" mode is something you don't take lightly....

Oh, ... and I got the standard model cos I'm a tight bugger. Or if you want to look at it another way I get to keep my other bike too!:woohoo:

[LBD]

Aha...there is one...congratulations, enjoy

And now that you have owned up...you will have to keep us informed.

I have one on order for delivery in Feb, so will look forward to hearing all about it from you...including any pitfalls I need to watch out for...

BTW I like the white one too, but have a red coming...Because it is a Ducati.

Clever move keeping both bikes...I am selling both bikes to buy the MTS...But then I may get to keep my license .....and marriage...two up touring instead of off on my own

As well as general impressions, I will be interested to learn your experience with...
Mods you may make, and would like to make.
Engine surging
Tire performance and wear...(A seppo only got 1720 miles on OEM tires)
Keyless ignition concerns
Actual fuel consumption.
Comfort and pillian comfort
Wind buffeting
Lighting at night

[LBD]

Waiting with baited breath....:whistle::zzzz::yawn::wait:

[Idubbs]

Waiting with baited breath....:whistle::zzzz::yawn::wait:

Righto..... ! Well, the painful part was getting some miles on the duc so that we could get the 1000km service out of the way before trackday last weekend. A leisurely ride over the Coro loop put paid to that. One thing that came to light was how noisy the stock windscreen was. Hardly surprised as it seems to be the norm with most "tall traillees". I've now got a Palmer adapter bracket fitted and I must say it makes a huge difference. I did the same with my wee-strom by adding a Madstad bracket. I also took an early opportunity to swap out the original Pirelli Scorpion tires for Michellin Pilot Pures not because theres anything wrong with the Scorps, but rather that I wanted to save them for next SI tour. i've also already fitted a Givi rear luggage rack and heated grips, plus extra wiring for GPS and Radar detector .... I'm all go.

Not being a seasoned Ducati owner unlike yourself, I can only describe the power delivery of this machine as INTOXICATING! Low / midrange torque is what it's all about and my ex-Tiger 1050 doesn't even compare, as good as the Tiger is reputed to be. And while mentioning the Tiger, the Duc feels and handles much lighter even though their dry weights are similar. Now the the Duc has had it's first track day, the engine is loosening very nicely now, it's great to know you're getting your full quids worth merely by twisting the wrist. Technically, I'm still running the bike in and I apologise to Mr Ducati for bouncing off the rev limiter at least a few time on track day. LBD, I have witnessed another MTS1200 in for servicing at our local Ducati agent with it's foot pegs severely ground down - that's a loong way over. guess that if it had a centre stand fitted that may now be non-existent. In my case, the Pures proved to be not bad tyre choice for the Duc, and technically as I am still running the bike in, at least I had the decency to save a few mm chicken strip for another day. For the day, I left the suspension stock standard (this is a standard MTS1200, remember) and dropped the tyre pressures down to 32psi f/r. This was fine for a greenhorn like me! The tyres really do take a beating though...

The only other comment I'd make is that the gearshift tends to feel quite stiff on the downshift, especially 2-1 gear. I struck neutral a few times convinced that it was first! Surging - none that I can distinguish as abnormal. I think alot of the overseas folks putt around on their bikes between 2-3K rpm and complain about surging? What's that about...? The Ducs don't feel alive until you hit 4k rpm onwards. Did I mention that the brute power felt INTOXICATING? (love that word!). Can't comment on lighting at night to date, and I have no keyless ignition concerns. I know where I keep my transmitter key (outside pocket, obviously!), so refueling at servos are no less inconvenient. At the mo' I'm running about 280km per 20L tank, light comes on at about 210km, and I know that there's about 4 litres of gas left.

One future concern I have will be cost of servicing! Even though the service intervals have doubled from previous models, I understand that it takes an hour and a half just to remove the tank! To fit the wiring for the heated grips was a 3 hour job! So I expect reasonably large service bills each 24K kms when they do the timing belt......

Did I mention about the power....! Oh, talking of, modes..... I have decided to leave it set on Touring mode as it gives you access to full power in a calm predictable manner. Sport gives instant throttle response - fine for the track, but I feel a bit over done for everyday road work. Urban I thought was more jerky around town than the Touring mode, and feels like a dead horse when pulling away from lights. Enduro.... never been there!

[LBD]

Great first impressions...thanks.

I believe the gear shift loosens up with time....hope so in your case. I am on my third Duc, the MTS will be 4, and that would be my experience....at least I do not notice the gearshift as much after running a while.

I will keep the Palmer screen in the back of my mind for the future...at 5' 7" I am not the tallest...and reaching the ground will be a slight problem...not sure if the screen will be..?

I used to get a lot of buffeting on the monster until I removed the mirrors and fitted barends. I will be interested to see if the same happens on the MTS...I have a nice set of Rizoma bar ends on hand to try out.

Did you go with OEM or aftermarket heated grips?

Intoxicating will be the correct word...my 1098 is scary enough and I believe the MTS has the same torque to 6500 as the 1198. The 6 to 10 k rush is fun.

So I can count of 280km per tank max safe (planning for a couple of rallys next year) not as much as I would have liked but is the same as I read elsewhere.

I have been looking at lighting upgrades, Not much we can do with the H11 globes, I cannot find any plus 90 globes...HID will not work because of the warm up time so the only option I can find is fitting a couple of "Fog" lamps on the nice brackets made by sw motech. Fog lamps are legal accessories, (Extra head/driving lights are not.)

Thanks again...look forward to more impressions and getting my own in a few months time

[Gremlin]

Looks like you could go to +30%: http://hella.co.nz/?t=9&View=Full&pcid=330&pid=1107

Not a lot, but perhaps better than nothing. Also possible they are excellent from stock.

ZX14 has H11 low, H9 high I believe, and they are incredibly good, even stock.

[Idubbs]

Looks like you could go to +30%: http://hella.co.nz/?t=9&View=Full&pcid=330&pid=1107

Not a lot, but perhaps better than nothing. Also possible they are excellent from stock.

ZX14 has H11 low, H9 high I believe, and they are incredibly good, even stock.

I've been advised, but not yet can confirm that the stock headlights are supposed to be quite good. None the less, I have now fitted the SW Motech light mounting brackets for LED lights yet to go on. These LED "fog lights" are extremely white and extremely bright one being a 24W wide beam and the other a 10W spot beam. The potential problem of course is the propensity to blind oncoming cagers not only at night but also in daylight. I managed to get hold of a dimmer which will hopefully keep a lid on these things. If anyone is interested in what and where I got these just PM me.

Hey LBD, the heat grips I got fitted were the standard Oxford ones which I have also had on my last two bikes. For me it standardises the grip feel for me which ever bike I rode..... and it beats paying $600+ for factory heated grips. As for the 6K-10k rpm rush..... yeah, I've experienced that, and I look forward to spending a bit more of life up there in that region once the bike loosens up more. Trouble is, apart from the track there ain't too many places on too many roads you can experience the best of these bikes without feeling legally guilty about it!

[LBD]

Thanks

I did not notice that little red 30% brighter the first time I looked at the Hella site.



Looks like you could go to +30%: http://hella.co.nz/?t=9&View=Full&pcid=330&pid=1107

Not a lot, but perhaps better than nothing. Also possible they are excellent from stock.

ZX14 has H11 low, H9 high I believe, and they are incredibly good, even stock.

[NZsarge]

ZX14 has H11 low, H9 high I believe, and they are incredibly good, even stock.

If you think that ZX14 headlights are good (which they are) you sould ride behind a new Concours 14 at night some time, I swear you'd be able to turn your own lights off!

[Idubbs]

If you think that ZX14 headlights are good (which they are) you sould ride behind a new Concours 14 at night some time, I swear you'd be able to turn your own lights off!

I did the same with my wee-strom. They come standard with a pair of H4 lamps, ie. what you would typically find set up on a car. I've now swapped them out with Hella Plus90's ! That's bright :yes:

[LBD]

Those plus 90's are a good improvment although my experience is they do not last as long...shame the H11 has only a +30....

[Gremlin]

If you think that ZX14 headlights are good (which they are) you sould ride behind a new Concours 14 at night some time, I swear you'd be able to turn your own lights off!
hmmm quick search says the 14 has H4 bulbs, so it must have a very good reflector shape.

I did the same with my wee-strom. They come standard with a pair of H4 lamps, ie. what you would typically find set up on a car. I've now swapped them out with Hella Plus90's ! That's bright :yes:
As LBD has commented, if you do night riding, carry spares. I have a +90 in my bike (only one headlight) and yeah, the bulbs definitely have a shorter life than +50 or standard. 6-9 months or 20k ish seems to be it.

[LBD]

2011 MTS sport is officially on order :woohoo: for delivery Feb, along with SW Motech TRAX luggage, fender extender, heated grips, mount for GPS, fog light brackets, Aluminum rear carrier, tank ring for tank bag, lots of 3M clear protection .

Will also fit Rizzoma Bar end mirrors, Scottoiler and shorter screen (I am more of a naked bike rider) radiator and oil cooler guard

The jury is still out on Full Termi exhaust, Centerstand, small exhaust bash plate.

Expect to see it on the TT2000:woohoo: and Rusty Nuts Southern Cross:woohoo: rallies next year...and out side the Dr Hook and Creedence Clearwater Revival concert in Gibbston Valley:woohoo:

[Hitcher]

You may as well add all the fruit. A bit more loose change invested on an excessively expensive ride should be neither here nor there...

[LBD]

5K + for exhaust, ECM and air filter...is not small change in my book....hinges on if both the S4Rs and 1098s sell....

[Hitcher]

5K + for exhaust, ECM and air filter...is not small change in my book

I'm sure that the lower cost, independent, aftermarket suppliers will be along shortly.

[LBD]

There are a couple out there now, but do not include the ECM....I am a bit of a do it once do it right/ keep waranty / go with the tested and proven type guy....If the $ are there I will go with OEM or nothing.

[Gremlin]

Its indicative when you sell two bikes to buy one. :shit:

Seriously nice looking bit of kit, but can't quite justify the price considering there is also only Haldanes in Auckland...

R1200GS for example isn't much cheaper, but bigger tank, more capable in my eyes etc. Still, the new MTS looks much more the part than the old one :yes:

[LBD]

Its indicative when you sell two bikes to buy one. :shit:

OFF WHAT? :blink:

Believe me there is more than a bit of :crybaby::crybaby: and :bye::bye:

But I guess I am a form follows function guy and a bit of a realist and pragmatist (At times) When I only ride at most 6 weeks a year, and when it will be a few years before these collectables begin to appreciate, and because I am paying rego and insurance on 2 bikes and because I have a soft spot :love: for her who wants to ride with me but finds the S4Rs and 1098 seat a little uncomfy after 1000km in one day....

If the MTS had not come along I probably would not have considered selling either of the other 2. I almost went for the R1200GS but it is not sporty (or Sexy) enough for me.

However.....I may pic up something like a DR400 for a bit of bush bashing as well one day.

[Idubbs]

Its indicative when you sell two bikes to buy one. :shit:

Seriously nice looking bit of kit, but can't quite justify the price considering there is also only Haldanes in Auckland...

R1200GS for example isn't much cheaper, but bigger tank, more capable in my eyes etc. Still, the new MTS looks much more the part than the old one :yes:

Well, that's what I originally thought. I had a test ride on a 1198 earlier this year and it was THAT donk that sold me! The bonus was of course that you also got what my previous Tiger 1050 had to offer and of the Monster that I always wanted. The 4 bikes in 1 concept rings true at long last. So much so, that my brand new Wee-strom is now redundant and looks soon to be on the market. I can't see a realistic comparison with the R1200GS as at least my purpose for this bike is quite different. Haldanes..... yes, well, that another thing.

[Idubbs]

You may as well add all the fruit. A bit more loose change invested on an excessively expensive ride should be neither here nor there...

You're right there! Another coupla grand for protective stuff is money well spent. Besides, you "invest" this much dough on a bike you'd want to keep it a while to enjoy - so you may as well have the fruit. For me a taller screen, rack and heated grips makes the bike useable every day long or short!

[LBD]

. I had a test ride on a 1198 earlier this year and it was THAT donk that sold me! The bonus was of course that you also got what my previous Tiger 1050 had to offer and of the Monster that I always wanted. The 4 bikes in 1 concept rings true at long last. So much so, that my brand new Wee-strom is now redundant and looks soon to be on the market. I can't see a realistic comparison with the R1200GS as at least my purpose for this bike is quite different. Haldanes..... yes, well, that another thing.

Could not agree more, the donk in the S4 made me buy the S4Rs....which in turn made me buy the 1098 with the full termi and ecm capable of very naughty speeds..I love that L2 torque rush from 5500 up. but....while I tour comfortably alone, I want my wife with me....and until now there has not been a bike that ticks enough boxes to fill my desires. my wife and I have toured on a R1150GS in europe that belonged to family and while plenty functional, it was not desireable enough to change.


You're right there! Another coupla grand for protective stuff is money well spent. Besides, you "invest" this much dough on a bike you'd want to keep it a while to enjoy - so you may as well have the fruit. For me a taller screen, rack and heated grips makes the bike useable every day long or short!

Agreed, the only fruit I am really choking on is the termi exhaust at 5k. The center stand is not perfect and grounds too easy. Screen? personal preference....I do not like looking throug a screen or having it in my lower vision....will wait until i ride the bike for a while before deciding on the screen

[Gremlin]

I presume you have already found this... but here's a page of links to stuff for the MTS1200, including an owners manual

http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentGeneric.wuyjdrgpolhdvlck&pageId=1199506

Generator is 500W, not too bad, 4x H11 bulbs, 2 each for low and high beam. I had to laugh when the manual shows you how to replace low and high beam bulbs, but for the parking light bulb... "contact an Authorised Ducati Service Centre" :facepalm:

On second glance... 500W may not be alright. Only 1x 10A circuit for power outlets, navigator etc. I know I'm using about 15A over 2x 10A circuits on the KTM. ABS has two fuses, 30 and 25.

[LBD]

I wish the globes were H4 so they could be upgraded, but they are H11 with only the +30 available....never mind I have the Fog Lights.

The GPS has its own dedicated power supply. There are auxilary out lets for other gear near the dash and as uou mention, two outlets for heated clothing on one 10 amp fuse....If that does prove to be a problem then I may need to rewire the second outlet with its own fuse. There has been a lot of talk about the power supply on this bike on the net, but so far no one has found it to be a problem.

3 1/2 month to go....

[Gremlin]

I wish the globes were H4 so they could be upgraded, but they are H11 with only the +30 available....never mind I have the Fog Lights.
If the reflector housing is good (and from pics, it looks pretty good), a top notch reflector will be better than a crap one with strong bulbs.

Re accessories, sure, there is dedicated wiring for a GPS, what about my CB radio, Baehr comms, Radar Detector? :innocent: I could plug the heated vest into the outlet, no problems...

[LBD]

Well....she should beon the way over the Tasman...I have the Stock code from NF and the VIN number...so I guess thats a start.

Accessories organised to date include
- Fog lamps with SW Motech brackets
- Trax aluminum panniers with extension bags
- Ducati expanding carrier frame
- GPS and Detector mount
- Black MRA sport screen
- OEM heated Grips.
- Rizzoma Bar end mirrors
- Tank bag mounting ring

Still to organise is...
- Lots of 3 M clear
- Chain Guard to minimise throw off.
- +30% globes

Jury is still out on...
- the exhaust and performance ECU
- A whole new CF front mudguard that is much longer and lower at the back

[Laava]

I had a sit on one of these at the cape a week or so back and it was really nice to sit on and had loads of HQ gear on it and all. Very jealous. But on the ride back down, I was having a ball on the V Strom and couldn't help thinking that I couldn't see it being 20k better than a new Strom! Of course, I haven't ridden one! Thanks to the owner tho for letting a stranger sit on his new and precious machine!

[LBD]

I had a sit on one of these at the cape a week or so back and it was really nice to sit on and had loads of HQ gear on it and all. Very jealous. But on the ride back down, I was having a ball on the V Strom and couldn't help thinking that I couldn't see it being 20k better than a new Strom! Of course, I haven't ridden one! Thanks to the owner tho for letting a stranger sit on his new and precious machine!

Thanks for the thought...bit of a Ducati fan if you did not realize...I sat on one at Haldanes....any taller and it would be a problem... as it is I will need to watch where I stop...those Vstroms are supposed to be a good allround ride as well....

[Idubbs]

Thanks for the thought...bit of a Ducati fan if you did not realize...I sat on one at Haldanes....any taller and it would be a problem... as it is I will need to watch where I stop...those Vstroms are supposed to be a good allround ride as well....

I got both these bikes .... well Wee-strom at least. V-stroms are not to be under estimated, but as capable that they are,.... it ain't a MTS1200. Ergonomically, the wee strom sits lower - you tend to sit in the bike whereas the MTS you definitely sit higher with the handlebars wider and closer - more like a motard. Still quite tall though, and infact I always seem to catch my heel against the topbox whenever I dismount .... annoying that! Once you're onboard the MTS it's a great natural and comfortable ride. Try one .... you'll like it!