My First Ducati - '22 Multistrada V4S
Discussion
Rather than take over the "a picture a day" thread I thought i'd start a new thread - apologies if you've already read my ramblings there!
New steed coming next Tuesday - quite the birthday present!
My old 2004 R1200GS, bought earlier this year, taught me I quite like the adventure bike thing for almost year-round close to every day use (20 year old me already had a crisis when I got into the super-nakeds already!) but I missed the power of my BMW S1000R, so I read all the reviews, watched all the YouTube videos, and tested a new KTM 1290 Super Adventure Sport - and just didn't gel with it - raw and unrefined, but not engaging? Especially the engine, thought it was fast, but dull - like the S1000R in that regard (the Golf R of the bike world?) but less enjoyable - and way more uncomfortable than the GS. I could go on, if you are interested. So on to Ducati...
I found the V4S felt both to touch and ride much more premium, more well polished, but without being at the expense of character. The V4 is a nice cross between the Boxer and the S1000R it seems, definitely encouraging racier, more revvy & faster riding than the GS though - hopefully I don't find that makes it less usable in time - the GS low down grunt is so usable and amusing - but the V4 is in different ways - and can still be pottered around on at low speed in surprisingly high gears.
One thing is for sure, the electronics were astonishing & unintrusive, full throttle in sport mode loads of times on new tyres on the demo bike, on a greasy morning
- not feeling held back, certainly shifting! I only used medium stiffness suspension, which wasn't bad, so it'll be interesting to see if soft or softest are as amusingly magic-carpet like as the GS.
This is a very clean high 20s thousand mile example, with Akra, top case, panniers, radar, carbon bits, full Ducati history, from a Duc dealer, but was cheap - and I intend to use the hell out of it, so I think it makes sense financially
I've read about faultless reliability, especially engine wise, on bikes with 60,80, even 90k miles use.
Unfortunately I can't keep every bike, so despite the bond we have after I did a new clutch, the R1200GS has to go, and S1000R likely too, with this covering as best as I can get to both bases I hope, leaving the Daytona 675 and Norton Commando 961.
I hope to pile the miles on this for a couple of years, so I might keep this as a diary of higher mileage modern Ducati ownership
New steed coming next Tuesday - quite the birthday present!
My old 2004 R1200GS, bought earlier this year, taught me I quite like the adventure bike thing for almost year-round close to every day use (20 year old me already had a crisis when I got into the super-nakeds already!) but I missed the power of my BMW S1000R, so I read all the reviews, watched all the YouTube videos, and tested a new KTM 1290 Super Adventure Sport - and just didn't gel with it - raw and unrefined, but not engaging? Especially the engine, thought it was fast, but dull - like the S1000R in that regard (the Golf R of the bike world?) but less enjoyable - and way more uncomfortable than the GS. I could go on, if you are interested. So on to Ducati...
I found the V4S felt both to touch and ride much more premium, more well polished, but without being at the expense of character. The V4 is a nice cross between the Boxer and the S1000R it seems, definitely encouraging racier, more revvy & faster riding than the GS though - hopefully I don't find that makes it less usable in time - the GS low down grunt is so usable and amusing - but the V4 is in different ways - and can still be pottered around on at low speed in surprisingly high gears.
One thing is for sure, the electronics were astonishing & unintrusive, full throttle in sport mode loads of times on new tyres on the demo bike, on a greasy morning
- not feeling held back, certainly shifting! I only used medium stiffness suspension, which wasn't bad, so it'll be interesting to see if soft or softest are as amusingly magic-carpet like as the GS.This is a very clean high 20s thousand mile example, with Akra, top case, panniers, radar, carbon bits, full Ducati history, from a Duc dealer, but was cheap - and I intend to use the hell out of it, so I think it makes sense financially
I've read about faultless reliability, especially engine wise, on bikes with 60,80, even 90k miles use.Unfortunately I can't keep every bike, so despite the bond we have after I did a new clutch, the R1200GS has to go, and S1000R likely too, with this covering as best as I can get to both bases I hope, leaving the Daytona 675 and Norton Commando 961.
I hope to pile the miles on this for a couple of years, so I might keep this as a diary of higher mileage modern Ducati ownership
Edited by 13aines on Tuesday 27th January 13:57
I have a 2021 V4S with all the toys, bought it as an ex demo with about 1500 miles on it now on 24k miles.
Its had servicing, a chain and sprockets and tyres that's it.
Electronics have been fine and the screen will even integrate to certain intercom units.
My one is my third Multistrada had a 2010 then a 2015 both went past 40K before being traded in for newer models.
The 2010 did do some italian stuff for a bit but ducati were very good with support even outside warranty
Its had servicing, a chain and sprockets and tyres that's it.
Electronics have been fine and the screen will even integrate to certain intercom units.
My one is my third Multistrada had a 2010 then a 2015 both went past 40K before being traded in for newer models.
The 2010 did do some italian stuff for a bit but ducati were very good with support even outside warranty
Thanks all! I hope to pile the miles on this for a couple of years, so I might keep this as a diary of higher mileage modern Ducati ownership
I posted a welcome message on the Ducati UK forum (to gain access to classifieds
) and unearthed both previous owners - the first had it for 22k miles from new until late 2024, and one from then until the tail end of last year. Both reported little to no issues and filled me with confidence. The bike was delivered last Tuesday and exactly as described - top notch service from J&L Motorcycles in Carlisle.
It has a little damage on both sides of the carbon front mudguard from disc locks, but my friend who makes F1 carbon should be able to make them look even more subtle & strengthen. There's stone chip peppering on the swingarm between the shock and the rear wheel, and a couple of small chips on the RH gold engine cover, which I might touch up to prevent the finish lifting - otherwise pretty much immaculate, amazing for 28k miles - they do them well.
Been very wet here, but done about 200 miles so far, including 130 miles on Saturday to the coast - and loving it! Definitely the right choice. It's thirsty though, but touring with superbikes, I won't be the limiting factor... I've got the touring mode set for extra soft suspension, but retain full engine power, and it's pretty easy to ride and almost GS smooth - Skyhook is good. Sport remains in medium, and I haven't really needed or wanted stiffer, yet - even the anti-dive is decent. The electronics are mad - not fiddled much yet, but as set, seem unobtrusive, especially wheelie and traction control, barely notice them, and able to use masses of throttle for winter, many liberties. QS up and down is great. The engine note on song is addictive for sure, and shifting up right on the limiter makes it almost a different bike to short shifting at 8-10k - with the Skyhook gubbins, a very very jekyll and hyde bike.
On the way now to get it to the spec I want:
Also moved over:
I've (rough) 3d printed a chain slack measurement tool, as that was missing from the toolkit, a stop button cover I found online to prevent further disc lock damage, and currently refining an adapter block to move the (arguably too large) Carpuride unit towards the screen a bit, and down a little - it was a stretch away on the GS, and now it feels like it's in my face
- limited by screen rake, but this should help - will be black nylon in the end. The sticky outy bit sits on a thermal pad and acts as a heatsink for the device, else i'd just print a new lower profile offset back plate.
The screen is a little low even on the highest setting (seat on high also, gentler on the knees) so will pop a deflector (cheap chinese one on the GS just broke!) or larger screen on in time. The seat isn't quite GS comfy - will keep an eye out for the taller version, as I could fit it in the low position, or get mine re-padded locally but keep it factory looking. Beyond that, the only other annoyance is the lack of keyless filler cap, but they're pricey from Ducati - i'll keep an eye out for an eBay bargain.
Until then, got to get the aux lights on & working, new pegs on, decat done, and just XCP or ACF50 it & use the hell out of it.
I posted a welcome message on the Ducati UK forum (to gain access to classifieds
) and unearthed both previous owners - the first had it for 22k miles from new until late 2024, and one from then until the tail end of last year. Both reported little to no issues and filled me with confidence. The bike was delivered last Tuesday and exactly as described - top notch service from J&L Motorcycles in Carlisle. It has a little damage on both sides of the carbon front mudguard from disc locks, but my friend who makes F1 carbon should be able to make them look even more subtle & strengthen. There's stone chip peppering on the swingarm between the shock and the rear wheel, and a couple of small chips on the RH gold engine cover, which I might touch up to prevent the finish lifting - otherwise pretty much immaculate, amazing for 28k miles - they do them well.
Been very wet here, but done about 200 miles so far, including 130 miles on Saturday to the coast - and loving it! Definitely the right choice. It's thirsty though, but touring with superbikes, I won't be the limiting factor... I've got the touring mode set for extra soft suspension, but retain full engine power, and it's pretty easy to ride and almost GS smooth - Skyhook is good. Sport remains in medium, and I haven't really needed or wanted stiffer, yet - even the anti-dive is decent. The electronics are mad - not fiddled much yet, but as set, seem unobtrusive, especially wheelie and traction control, barely notice them, and able to use masses of throttle for winter, many liberties. QS up and down is great. The engine note on song is addictive for sure, and shifting up right on the limiter makes it almost a different bike to short shifting at 8-10k - with the Skyhook gubbins, a very very jekyll and hyde bike.
On the way now to get it to the spec I want:
- Second hand original clear screen & side deflectors - £150 (only to find original deflectors in the top box )
- Second hand decat link pipe - to go on once warranty out, unchoke it a little
- £150 - Second hand Ducati aux lights - having missed the R1200GS' verge & hedgerow lighting - need fitting, then coding in probably - £130
- Second hand heated pillion seat - plug & play - £70
- Second hand SW Motech Evo pegs - standing on originals better since rubber inserts removed but wider + adjustable height & angle nice - £45
- Carplay screen bracket - £25
- 7x5 plate - £10
- Throttle spacer to remove the initial slack - £10
Also moved over:
- 7" Carpuride - wired into Ducati GPS connector
- Quadlock hardwired wireless charger puck - wired into Ducati GPS connector - for longer trips
- Quadlock Pro handlebar mount off the Norton, to be replaced before the spring comes
I've (rough) 3d printed a chain slack measurement tool, as that was missing from the toolkit, a stop button cover I found online to prevent further disc lock damage, and currently refining an adapter block to move the (arguably too large) Carpuride unit towards the screen a bit, and down a little - it was a stretch away on the GS, and now it feels like it's in my face
- limited by screen rake, but this should help - will be black nylon in the end. The sticky outy bit sits on a thermal pad and acts as a heatsink for the device, else i'd just print a new lower profile offset back plate.The screen is a little low even on the highest setting (seat on high also, gentler on the knees) so will pop a deflector (cheap chinese one on the GS just broke!) or larger screen on in time. The seat isn't quite GS comfy - will keep an eye out for the taller version, as I could fit it in the low position, or get mine re-padded locally but keep it factory looking. Beyond that, the only other annoyance is the lack of keyless filler cap, but they're pricey from Ducati - i'll keep an eye out for an eBay bargain.
Until then, got to get the aux lights on & working, new pegs on, decat done, and just XCP or ACF50 it & use the hell out of it.
Edited by 13aines on Tuesday 27th January 14:22
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