2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S review

[JulesMaximus]

I dropped my bike off to have the fuel level sensor replaced (under warranty) and to have the oil changed and they let me take a new Multistrada home for the day. It is a 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S model in white. This is a demo model and it had 368 miles on it.

I own a 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S (red). The 2015 is a completely new bike and while it is very similar to my bike it is quite a bit different too. The new bike was announced just before the IMS in Long Beach and kind of spurred me to see if my local dealer was willing to deal on their stock of the 2014 models.

Anyway, back to the review. The seat is super comfy but it was in the lowest position for their inseam challenged customers. Great for them, bad for me. I didn’t have nearly as much legroom as I do on my Multistrada so despite the comfy seat I felt a little cramped on it. I also noticed there seemed to be a lot more heat pouring off the bike down by my feet and the bike didn't feel as narrow as mine does.

The new Multi is definitely not as tall as my bike. I’m 5’11” and I cannot flat foot my bike but I could easily flat foot this one. Also, I didn’t notice my left heel hitting the center stand like it does on my bike. Oddly enough, I am so used to this now that it felt strange having nothing there to hit my heel on. It is strange the things that kind of bug you at first that you get used to and then it feels strange when they aren’t there. Oh well, I guess Ducati didn’t want the left foot to get all the attention because on the new model your right foot hits the mount for the passenger pegs and exhaust to make up for it.

The keyless ignition is a little wonky, there is a switch at the front of the fuel tank that you turn to the on position and this turns the lights and the TFT dash display on, then you press the start button on the right hand grip. Key stays in your pocket. Ducati hasn’t changed the transmitter type with the new bike as I had to stop and get gas at a Mobil station and their speedpass system uses RFID which interferes with the keyless ignition in these bikes. If I fuel up at a Mobil station I have to push the bike away from the pump, fish the key out of my pocket and hold it near the dash or it thinks the key isn’t present and the bike won’t start. That TFT dash is quite pretty though and displays a wealth of information such as rpm, what gear your bike is in, how much fuel is left, how hot it is outside, how hot the engine is, what mode the bike is in along with a plethora of other information.

The exhaust sounds amazingly good. Nice and throaty right out of the box and it really growls when you open it up… which I did a number of times. The new motor cranks out 160hp and it really pulls but it didn’t really feel any faster than my bike (which makes 150hp). Another strange thing I noticed is that this bike turns in easier than mine, not to say that mine doesn’t turn in easy, it does, but this one is even more effortless, if that makes any sense. It feels lighter than my bike despite it actually being heavier.

Anyway, I’m glad to have my bike back. They always take good care of me at Moto Forza.

Here's a pic of the demo bike.

 

[ringtail]

Don't understand why buyers pay a premium for Ducati. Triumph, or Harley-Davidson when Japanese bikes are in fact of higher quality, are more reliable, and much less expensive for similar or higher, lower-vibration-(no vibranators needed) smooth as glass performance.

Not critial of it...simply don't understnd it. To me, I'll stay with Japanese bikes until the day comes I can buy one of Keanau Reeves special $70,000 bikes....doubt thst day will come...just don't need it.

LINKY for laughs

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

ringtail,

The exhaust sounds amazingly good. Why not pay $5K for that?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Don't understand why buyers pay a premium for Ducati. Triumph, or Harley-Davidson when Japanese bikes are in fact of higher quality, are more reliable, and much less expensive for similar or higher, lower-vibration-(no vibranators needed) smooth as glass performance.

Not critial of it...simply don't understnd it. To me, I'll stay with Japanese bikes until the day comes I can buy one of Keanau Reeves special $70,000 bikes....doubt thst day will come...just don't need it.

LINKY for laughs

Ducatis aren't $70k. I paid $16k for mine, brand new, and it came with the electronic suspension, hard shell side bags, heated grips and a center stand. MSRP for the new Multistrada 1200 S is $19k which is on par with the big BMW ADV bikes with which it competes directly. I think BMW's new S1000XR will be a real contender against the Ducati on the road but the GS will still be the ultimate ADV bike even though it is both heavier and less powerful, they just seem to nail that nitch.

If you want a Honda sport touring motorcycle your choices are the ST1300 which costs more than $18,000 and weighs over 700lbs or the Goldwing which is even heavier and more expensive. Honda makes a couple ADV bikes but the biggest motor they put in one of those is a 690cc parallel twin (I wouldn't consider this as in the same league as the Multistrada though). The ST1300 would be completely useless off-road.

Yamaha makes the Super Tenere which, like the Ducati, is labelled an ADV bike but power is way down compared to the Ducati and the Yamaha isn't that much cheaper at $15,000. For that $15k you get budget suspension and brakes and no luggage. This bike is probably decent off-road though.

Suzuki makes the V-Strom 1000 ADV bike for $14k but again, it is way down on power compared to the Ducati and also suffers from having lower budget supsension. It does come with luggage though. It is a very capable ADV bike, probably more capable off-road than the Ducati but nowhere near as capable as the Ducati on paved roads.

Kawasaki makes the Versys 1000 which comes with luggage for $13k but it is heavier and also down on power. Probably not as good off-road as the Suzuki but probably better on the road.

That pretty much covers the Japanese bikes... Honda doesn't make one, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki make ADV bikes but they are all more compromised in certain areas and not that much cheaper either. None of them are more powerful than the Ducati.

The Ducati weighs a bit over 500lbs and makes 160hp. It has an excellent chassis, superbike brakes, single-sided swingarm and a 190 rear tire. It handles more like a super sport than an ADV bike. It is so good on the road that I don't think I'll ever bother to take it off road. In fact, I switched to softer sport rubber on mine. With the Pirelli Scorpion tires it comes with it is capable of going off-road and it has throttle mapping and suspension settings loaded into the ride modes to make it better suited to off-road riding but it is really more suited to pavement pounding. Still, it is kind of cool that you can push a button and the suspension softens up, the throttle mapping changes to 100hp and the ABS and TC become much less intrusive.

One thing you definitely have me on is reliability. My own experience with Ducati is that they have not been without faults. None of them have ever left me stranded but they haven't been as trouble free as the Japanese bikes I've owned in the past either. I probably wouldn't touch a Ducati without the support of a great dealer (which I have nearby).

If you're into bikes and want something different I wouldn't discount Ducati as being something only the rich and famous ride. I know a great many Ducati riders and most of them are fanatics about the brand but not rich. Nearly all of their bikes are in the $10-16k range with only the supersport 1299 Panigale, Diavel and the Multistrada getting up into the $20k range.

Honestly, I like the Ducati because it is unique and because it is so very capable on the road yet the riding position is relaxed and comfortable. It's like a literbike but with luggage and without the aggressive riding position. Way more capable than a cruiser and way more comfortable than a sport bike. All bikes are a compromise, this one happens to be a compromise that fits my riding style. I guess we're lucky to have so many choices when it comes to motorcycles.

BTW-Love the link. :thumbsup:

 

[Greenman]

Don't understand why buyers pay a premium for Ducati. Triumph, or Harley-Davidson when Japanese bikes are in fact of higher quality, are more reliable, and much less expensive for similar or higher, lower-vibration-(no vibranators needed) smooth as glass performance.

Not critial of it...simply don't understnd it. To me, I'll stay with Japanese bikes until the day comes I can buy one of Keanau Reeves special $70,000 bikes....doubt thst day will come...just don't need it.

LINKY for laughs

Don't know about Ducati or Triumph, but I can tell you that the build quality of my Harley is second to none. The fit and finish is perfect, the paint is superb, the engine purrs without a hiccup. I don't see reliability as being an issue either. I know several fellows that have over 200k on their engine with no problems what so ever.
The only other machine I would consider is a BMW sport touring bike. Horsepower, handling, and comfort in a very tidy package. The $28k price tag is what keeps me from owning one.

 

[pauldun170]

Don't understand why buyers pay a premium for Ducati. Triumph, or Harley-Davidson when Japanese bikes are in fact of higher quality, are more reliable, and much less expensive for similar or higher, lower-vibration-(no vibranators needed) smooth as glass performance.

Not critial of it...simply don't understnd it. To me, I'll stay with Japanese bikes until the day comes I can buy one of Keanau Reeves special $70,000 bikes....doubt thst day will come...just don't need it.

LINKY for laughs

I take it you don't know much about motorcycles.

 

[pauldun170]

Don't know about Ducati or Triumph, but I can tell you that the build quality of my Harley is second to none. The fit and finish is perfect, the paint is superb, the engine purrs without a hiccup. I don't see reliability as being an issue either. I know several fellows that have over 200k on their engine with no problems what so ever.
The only other machine I would consider is a BMW sport touring bike. Horsepower, handling, and comfort in a very tidy package. The $28k price tag is what keeps me from owning one.

While I'm not a big fan of Harley culture I definitely respect their bikes. Some really nice stuff. Great touring bikes. Low maintenance.
I think the biggest issue is owners.

BMW is another one that seems to hold up well. My only complaint is that on some of their bikes, maintenance looks like a pain in the ass.

Triumph, I actually don't see as many triumphs on the road as I used to. There older ones from the 90's seemed to be prone to headaches but later models seemed fairly well sorted.

 

[pauldun170]

Ducatis aren't $70k. I paid $16k for mine, brand new, and it came with the electronic suspension, hard shell side bags, heated grips and a center stand. MSRP for the new Multistrada 1200 S is $19k which is on par with the big BMW ADV bikes with which it competes directly. I think BMW's new S1000XR will be a real contender against the Ducati on the road but the GS will still be the ultimate ADV bike even though it is both heavier and less powerful, they just seem to nail that nitch.

If you want a Honda sport touring motorcycle your choices are the ST1300 which costs more than $18,000 and weighs over 700lbs or the Goldwing which is even heavier and more expensive. Honda makes a couple ADV bikes but the biggest motor they put in one of those is a 690cc parallel twin (I wouldn't consider this as in the same league as the Multistrada though). The ST1300 would be completely useless off-road.

Yamaha makes the Super Tenere which, like the Ducati, is labelled an ADV bike but power is way down compared to the Ducati and the Yamaha isn't that much cheaper at $15,000. For that $15k you get budget suspension and brakes and no luggage. This bike is probably decent off-road though.

Suzuki makes the V-Strom 1000 ADV bike for $14k but again, it is way down on power compared to the Ducati and also suffers from having lower budget supsension. It does come with luggage though. It is a very capable ADV bike, probably more capable off-road than the Ducati but nowhere near as capable as the Ducati on paved roads.

Kawasaki makes the Versys 1000 which comes with luggage for $13k but it is heavier and also down on power. Probably not as good off-road as the Suzuki but probably better on the road.

That pretty much covers the Japanese bikes... Honda doesn't make one, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki make ADV bikes but they are all more compromised in certain areas and not that much cheaper either. None of them are more powerful than the Ducati.

The Ducati weighs a bit over 500lbs and makes 160hp. It has an excellent chassis, superbike brakes, single-sided swingarm and a 190 rear tire. It handles more like a super sport than an ADV bike. It is so good on the road that I don't think I'll ever bother to take it off road. In fact, I switched to softer sport rubber on mine. With the Pirelli Scorpion tires it comes with it is capable of going off-road and it has throttle mapping and suspension settings loaded into the ride modes to make it better suited to off-road riding but it is really more suited to pavement pounding. Still, it is kind of cool that you can push a button and the suspension softens up, the throttle mapping changes to 100hp and the ABS and TC become much less intrusive.

One thing you definitely have me on is reliability. My own experience with Ducati is that they have not been without faults. None of them have ever left me stranded but they haven't been as trouble free as the Japanese bikes I've owned in the past either. I probably wouldn't touch a Ducati without the support of a great dealer (which I have nearby).

If you're into bikes and want something different I wouldn't discount Ducati as being something only the rich and famous ride. I know a great many Ducati riders and most of them are fanatics about the brand but not rich. Nearly all of their bikes are in the $10-16k range with only the supersport 1299 Panigale, Diavel and the Multistrada getting up into the $20k range.

Honestly, I like the Ducati because it is unique and because it is so very capable on the road yet the riding position is relaxed and comfortable. It's like a literbike but with luggage and without the aggressive riding position. Way more capable than a cruiser and way more comfortable than a sport bike. All bikes are a compromise, this one happens to be a compromise that fits my riding style. I guess we're lucky to have so many choices when it comes to motorcycles.

BTW-Love the link. :thumbsup:

Ducati Monsters are all over the place. I don't recall them to be pricey or complicated.

As a someone who has ridden and worked on plenty of Japanese motorcycles, they can come with their own set of headaches depending on model.

 

[Greenman]

While I'm not a big fan of Harley culture I definitely respect their bikes. Some really nice stuff. Great touring bikes. Low maintenance.
I think the biggest issue is owners.

BMW is another one that seems to hold up well. My only complaint is that on some of their bikes, maintenance looks like a pain in the ass.

Triumph, I actually don't see as many triumphs on the road as I used to. There older ones from the 90's seemed to be prone to headaches but later models seemed fairly well sorted.

I don't care for the whole dress up like a pirate thing either, but it's common in american culture. Look at bicycle riders and the garb they wear.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Ducati Monsters are all over the place. I don't recall them to be pricey or complicated.

As a someone who has ridden and worked on plenty of Japanese motorcycles, they can come with their own set of headaches depending on model.

I got rid of the Monster back in November of last year and bought a 2014 Multistrada 1200 S. I had ridden the Multistrada a couple times after I bought my bike as loaners and always loved them. :wub:

When Ducati announced the completely redesigned 2015 Multi I inquired at my local dealer if they were willing to deal on the 2014s they had in stock. They really gave me a pretty good deal so I did it (thousands under MSRP). If you know Ducati they rarely budge on price.

Anyway, I traded the Monster in and bought the Multi. I've put 4,000 miles on it since then and I love it. It is way more complex than the air-cooled Monster 1100 I had before but then again it is way more bike too.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I don't care for the whole dress up like a pirate thing either, but it's common in american culture. Look at bicycle riders and the garb they wear.

If you've ever spent any serious time on a bicycle you would realize why they wear the garb they do. :biggrin: I've ridden a century on a bicycle and there is no way I would do it wearing a cotton t-shirt and cotton shorts.

Yeah, I don't get the gay pirate look either. I do like the Harley Baggers though... can't see me ever buying one but they look cool.

Don't know about Ducati or Triumph, but I can tell you that the build quality of my Harley is second to none. The fit and finish is perfect, the paint is superb, the engine purrs without a hiccup. I don't see reliability as being an issue either. I know several fellows that have over 200k on their engine with no problems what so ever.
The only other machine I would consider is a BMW sport touring bike. Horsepower, handling, and comfort in a very tidy package. The $28k price tag is what keeps me from owning one.

Build quality on my Ducati is pretty good IMO. More attention to detail than Japanese bikes anyway (why use machined aluminum when stamped steel will work just as well?).

There is a guy on the Monster forums with over 200k miles on his 1993 Ducati Monster 900. He is the original owner, he was featured in 'Me and My Bike' in Motor Cyclist a few years ago. He had 160k on the bike at that time.

 

[pauldun170]

If you've ever spent any serious time on a bicycle you would realize why they wear the garb they do. :biggrin: I've ridden a century on a bicycle and there is no way I would do it wearing a cotton t-shirt and cotton shorts.

Yeah, I don't get the gay pirate look either. I do like the Harley Baggers though... can't see me ever buying one but they look cool.

Their touring bikes are nice but their naming conventions still sends me to google.

The only Harley riders I ever see geared up properly are the younger newbies on Sportsters.
Anyone over the age of 35 seems to chuck the full face helmets and proper riding gear for vests and half helmets pretty quickly.

I guess when you the whole point of the ride is to ride to a bar or restaurant, real gear gets cumbersome to carry around.

 

[Greenman]

Their touring bikes are nice but their naming conventions still sends me to google.

The only Harley riders I ever see geared up properly are the younger newbies on Sportsters.
Anyone over the age of 35 seems to chuck the full face helmets and proper riding gear for vests and half helmets pretty quickly.

I guess when you the whole point of the ride is to ride to a bar or restaurant, real gear gets cumbersome to carry around.

The one thing that would stop me from buying a Harley touring bike is the air cooled engine. It's 2015, air cooled engines are for lawn mowers and scooters, they have no place in a modern touring machine.
If I ever make the decision to go to a touring bike, I'll end up converting my V-Rod. It's not the best answer, but it will have enough horsepower, a bullet proof engine, and be comfortable enough for the wife and I to do 500 miles a day. It will also be a hell of a lot less money.