Rejoined the bikers with a Ducati Multistrada 1000DS
Discussion
Afternoon
So, it was my 55th birthday the other day and decided to get another bike. My last bike was about 12 years ago - a new Yamaha R6 at the time. Absolutely loved it, but had to sell it after about a year because it just demanded to have the nuts wringed off it at all times. I was going to lose my licence so off it went sadly. Bloody amazing bike though. Anyway, I have been going around in circles trying to decide what I wanted this time; I really wanted a GSKR1000K1/K2 but was worried about my elderly wrists... last time I went on a GSXR I was in my forties and it killed my wrists, so it was just going to get worse I presumed. Then I saw a mint GSXR1000K5 with 9000 miles near me, *slightly* kinder on the wrists perhaps? But eventually decided against that as I would just end up keeping it as a garage Queen as it was so mint. Then this 2006 Multistrada appeared just up the road from me, and at a price that was less than second hand 125s - £2750. Full Ducati panniers and top-box, female owner, 19k miles, so I went over, looked at it and then bought it on the spot. I really liked these when they came out, although they do remind me a bit of a hoover from the front, although I think age has been kind to them personally. I really like it now, and you don't see many on the road these days.
Of course, every single day since I got it, it has been tipping down with rain, so my getting to know the bike has been painfully slow so far. I have never owned a big twin before, I was into two strokes and inline fours as a lad. It's lovely to ride though, really comfy and sounds nice with the Termi's on. I'm dying to get it out on a better run when the weather stops bloody raining here in Sussex.
Things to do? Well, the tyres probably need replacing - plenty of meat on them, but mismatched (Bridgestone front, Metzeler rear) and the front is 8 years old and the rear over 5, so I think time for new ones. Going to sort some Dunlop Mutants which seem a good fit for the bike so I have read. Going to change the belts of course, I've ordered a pair of new Ducati ones. Belts are a pretty easy job as she's air cooled. It's had an oil service and 12 month MOT about 2 weeks ago and everything else is fine. After that, I will be replacing the odd worn or missing fastener or rubber panel bung, but thats it really. Just keep her in good running order and use her.
Obligatory pictures:
Advert photos with Ducati panniers and top box fitted
Advert photos with Ducati panniers and top box fitted
Cleaned again after the rain...
Anyway, love to hear from anyone else who has had one, or an aircoooled Duke... or has any useful advice for me!
Cheers
So, it was my 55th birthday the other day and decided to get another bike. My last bike was about 12 years ago - a new Yamaha R6 at the time. Absolutely loved it, but had to sell it after about a year because it just demanded to have the nuts wringed off it at all times. I was going to lose my licence so off it went sadly. Bloody amazing bike though. Anyway, I have been going around in circles trying to decide what I wanted this time; I really wanted a GSKR1000K1/K2 but was worried about my elderly wrists... last time I went on a GSXR I was in my forties and it killed my wrists, so it was just going to get worse I presumed. Then I saw a mint GSXR1000K5 with 9000 miles near me, *slightly* kinder on the wrists perhaps? But eventually decided against that as I would just end up keeping it as a garage Queen as it was so mint. Then this 2006 Multistrada appeared just up the road from me, and at a price that was less than second hand 125s - £2750. Full Ducati panniers and top-box, female owner, 19k miles, so I went over, looked at it and then bought it on the spot. I really liked these when they came out, although they do remind me a bit of a hoover from the front, although I think age has been kind to them personally. I really like it now, and you don't see many on the road these days.
Of course, every single day since I got it, it has been tipping down with rain, so my getting to know the bike has been painfully slow so far. I have never owned a big twin before, I was into two strokes and inline fours as a lad. It's lovely to ride though, really comfy and sounds nice with the Termi's on. I'm dying to get it out on a better run when the weather stops bloody raining here in Sussex.
Things to do? Well, the tyres probably need replacing - plenty of meat on them, but mismatched (Bridgestone front, Metzeler rear) and the front is 8 years old and the rear over 5, so I think time for new ones. Going to sort some Dunlop Mutants which seem a good fit for the bike so I have read. Going to change the belts of course, I've ordered a pair of new Ducati ones. Belts are a pretty easy job as she's air cooled. It's had an oil service and 12 month MOT about 2 weeks ago and everything else is fine. After that, I will be replacing the odd worn or missing fastener or rubber panel bung, but thats it really. Just keep her in good running order and use her.
Obligatory pictures:
Advert photos with Ducati panniers and top box fitted
Advert photos with Ducati panniers and top box fitted
Cleaned again after the rain...
Anyway, love to hear from anyone else who has had one, or an aircoooled Duke... or has any useful advice for me!
Cheers
I ran a Multi 1100s for 7 years (have the 1260s now)
Great bikes but not without their issues.....
What would I recommend ?
Get yourself over to Multistrada.net, the best resource for these bikes.
The termi end can, the bike should have a ECU flash to match, check that's been done. When new they came with DB killers, most get lost but I used mine to take the edge of the noise level. I couldn't ride it without them.
To get the engine to run as sweet as possible, its TPS reset, balance the throttle bodies and trim the co level. Spend some time getting this spot on and they feel like a different bike (use a good indie Ducati spanner man if needed)
Drop a tooth on the front sprocket if you find it geared too hi (most do)
The tanks are prone to swelling due to modern fuel. I coated mine with a product used to seal old fuel tanks (caswell coating I think ?)
The syphon valve at the back of the tank can play up, strip check and clean.
Fuel gauges play up, most go off the trip meter to refill.
Apart from that get out and ride it !
Great bikes but not without their issues.....
What would I recommend ?
Get yourself over to Multistrada.net, the best resource for these bikes.
The termi end can, the bike should have a ECU flash to match, check that's been done. When new they came with DB killers, most get lost but I used mine to take the edge of the noise level. I couldn't ride it without them.
To get the engine to run as sweet as possible, its TPS reset, balance the throttle bodies and trim the co level. Spend some time getting this spot on and they feel like a different bike (use a good indie Ducati spanner man if needed)
Drop a tooth on the front sprocket if you find it geared too hi (most do)
The tanks are prone to swelling due to modern fuel. I coated mine with a product used to seal old fuel tanks (caswell coating I think ?)
The syphon valve at the back of the tank can play up, strip check and clean.
Fuel gauges play up, most go off the trip meter to refill.
Apart from that get out and ride it !
I had one, ran it for a couple of years doing 500 miles a month commuting South London to Slough. They are very comfortable, but not without their issues.
There are two things that kill these and make them cheap. It's why I got rid.
1. The side stand. This has a steel bolt going into an alloy case and over time it makes the hole bigger and the stand fall out! I had mine helicoiled a few times but if you're unlucky it can split the casing. Find the factory centre stand - they are like unicorn tears but it's a must.
2. Ethanol petrol swells the tank, and then they leak our at the bottom, around the fuel pump, and straight onto the exhaust. Super unleaded has less ethanol than standard. A Caswell lining in the tank can help, though I understand it's not a permanent solution. I got shot of mine before I fully found out. If I were you I'd get in touch with the guy who chops these up and paints them orange that comes on here. He seems to fit steel Monster tanks which takes care of the issue, though you've then got to find somewhere to sit given the way the tank works.
As someone says, join Multistrada.net, where you can also get advice on how to burp the tank when it won't fully fill. You should get 150 miles with a bit to spare out of the tank.
When they are running well they are fabulous. The electrics (largely Mitsubishi) aren't great. Oh, and remove the earth bolt at the front left of the engine and clean it up every so often, plus the crank position sensor that sits underneath. That's what causes error 34 on the dash.
I might even have the factory service manual somewhere to dig out and DM you.
There are two things that kill these and make them cheap. It's why I got rid.
1. The side stand. This has a steel bolt going into an alloy case and over time it makes the hole bigger and the stand fall out! I had mine helicoiled a few times but if you're unlucky it can split the casing. Find the factory centre stand - they are like unicorn tears but it's a must.
2. Ethanol petrol swells the tank, and then they leak our at the bottom, around the fuel pump, and straight onto the exhaust. Super unleaded has less ethanol than standard. A Caswell lining in the tank can help, though I understand it's not a permanent solution. I got shot of mine before I fully found out. If I were you I'd get in touch with the guy who chops these up and paints them orange that comes on here. He seems to fit steel Monster tanks which takes care of the issue, though you've then got to find somewhere to sit given the way the tank works.
As someone says, join Multistrada.net, where you can also get advice on how to burp the tank when it won't fully fill. You should get 150 miles with a bit to spare out of the tank.
When they are running well they are fabulous. The electrics (largely Mitsubishi) aren't great. Oh, and remove the earth bolt at the front left of the engine and clean it up every so often, plus the crank position sensor that sits underneath. That's what causes error 34 on the dash.
I might even have the factory service manual somewhere to dig out and DM you.
Stevemr said:
Can not go wrong at that price!!!
Change the tyres as soon as possible!
When I returned to bikes after a few years, I said to my wife, I feel I’m back at 100% after only living at 80%.
I think once they are in your blood, they always are!
Very true, after so many years off the bike, within minutes I felt that soaring of the soul only a bike can seem to deliver Change the tyres as soon as possible!
When I returned to bikes after a few years, I said to my wife, I feel I’m back at 100% after only living at 80%.
I think once they are in your blood, they always are!
Edited by Stevemr on Sunday 31st August 22:56
Tyres booked in Thursday!
dibblecorse said:
Great bikes, loved mine, had the 1000 S DS, cracking bit of kit, did everything effortlessly from commuting into London all year round to riding out on sunny Sundays with the wife on the back ...
An S would have been even better, but I'm pretty sure the standard one will be fine for me these days! Of course it STILL hasn't stopped bloody raining!pcn1 said:
I ran a Multi 1100s for 7 years (have the 1260s now)
Great bikes but not without their issues.....
What would I recommend ?
Get yourself over to Multistrada.net, the best resource for these bikes.
The termi end can, the bike should have a ECU flash to match, check that's been done. When new they came with DB killers, most get lost but I used mine to take the edge of the noise level. I couldn't ride it without them.
To get the engine to run as sweet as possible, its TPS reset, balance the throttle bodies and trim the co level. Spend some time getting this spot on and they feel like a different bike (use a good indie Ducati spanner man if needed)
Drop a tooth on the front sprocket if you find it geared too hi (most do)
The tanks are prone to swelling due to modern fuel. I coated mine with a product used to seal old fuel tanks (caswell coating I think ?)
The syphon valve at the back of the tank can play up, strip check and clean.
Fuel gauges play up, most go off the trip meter to refill.
Apart from that get out and ride it !
Excellent tips, many thanks! I thought the pipes were very loud initially, but they aren't that bad. The clutch is just as loud! It has a cut-away cover on it, so I will be planning to get a stanbdard Ducati one for it.Great bikes but not without their issues.....
What would I recommend ?
Get yourself over to Multistrada.net, the best resource for these bikes.
The termi end can, the bike should have a ECU flash to match, check that's been done. When new they came with DB killers, most get lost but I used mine to take the edge of the noise level. I couldn't ride it without them.
To get the engine to run as sweet as possible, its TPS reset, balance the throttle bodies and trim the co level. Spend some time getting this spot on and they feel like a different bike (use a good indie Ducati spanner man if needed)
Drop a tooth on the front sprocket if you find it geared too hi (most do)
The tanks are prone to swelling due to modern fuel. I coated mine with a product used to seal old fuel tanks (caswell coating I think ?)
The syphon valve at the back of the tank can play up, strip check and clean.
Fuel gauges play up, most go off the trip meter to refill.
Apart from that get out and ride it !
Very interesting about the ECU flash. I will investigate that, thanks. I did see comments about the front sprocket, I havent ridden it enough to decide yet but will bear that in mind.
Marquezs Stabilisers said:
I had one, ran it for a couple of years doing 500 miles a month commuting South London to Slough. They are very comfortable, but not without their issues.
There are two things that kill these and make them cheap. It's why I got rid.
1. The side stand. This has a steel bolt going into an alloy case and over time it makes the hole bigger and the stand fall out! I had mine helicoiled a few times but if you're unlucky it can split the casing. Find the factory centre stand - they are like unicorn tears but it's a must.
2. Ethanol petrol swells the tank, and then they leak our at the bottom, around the fuel pump, and straight onto the exhaust. Super unleaded has less ethanol than standard. A Caswell lining in the tank can help, though I understand it's not a permanent solution. I got shot of mine before I fully found out. If I were you I'd get in touch with the guy who chops these up and paints them orange that comes on here. He seems to fit steel Monster tanks which takes care of the issue, though you've then got to find somewhere to sit given the way the tank works.
As someone says, join Multistrada.net, where you can also get advice on how to burp the tank when it won't fully fill. You should get 150 miles with a bit to spare out of the tank.
When they are running well they are fabulous. The electrics (largely Mitsubishi) aren't great. Oh, and remove the earth bolt at the front left of the engine and clean it up every so often, plus the crank position sensor that sits underneath. That's what causes error 34 on the dash.
I might even have the factory service manual somewhere to dig out and DM you.
More good advice, thanks.There are two things that kill these and make them cheap. It's why I got rid.
1. The side stand. This has a steel bolt going into an alloy case and over time it makes the hole bigger and the stand fall out! I had mine helicoiled a few times but if you're unlucky it can split the casing. Find the factory centre stand - they are like unicorn tears but it's a must.
2. Ethanol petrol swells the tank, and then they leak our at the bottom, around the fuel pump, and straight onto the exhaust. Super unleaded has less ethanol than standard. A Caswell lining in the tank can help, though I understand it's not a permanent solution. I got shot of mine before I fully found out. If I were you I'd get in touch with the guy who chops these up and paints them orange that comes on here. He seems to fit steel Monster tanks which takes care of the issue, though you've then got to find somewhere to sit given the way the tank works.
As someone says, join Multistrada.net, where you can also get advice on how to burp the tank when it won't fully fill. You should get 150 miles with a bit to spare out of the tank.
When they are running well they are fabulous. The electrics (largely Mitsubishi) aren't great. Oh, and remove the earth bolt at the front left of the engine and clean it up every so often, plus the crank position sensor that sits underneath. That's what causes error 34 on the dash.
I might even have the factory service manual somewhere to dig out and DM you.
I will investigate the tank thing, and the side stand too. I have just got a paddock stand for her when at home. All the electrics are working fine at the moment, although the headlight is a bit crap, although I understand this is standard.
I have Ducati belts and tensioners on order; I checked the belts the other day and they look fine and the tension is okay, but there is no record of last change and the tensioners look a little grotty so I will do those. I'll check the valve gaps whilst I'm at it too.
I have found the Workshop Manual and User manual as PDF files and I have put them in Google's LMNotebook app, which is brilliant as I can ask it anything in plain english and it tells you based on those. I do have all the original books and stuff as well.
robsa said:
More good advice, thanks.
I will investigate the tank thing, and the side stand too. I have just got a paddock stand for her when at home. All the electrics are working fine at the moment, although the headlight is a bit crap, although I understand this is standard.
I have Ducati belts and tensioners on order; I checked the belts the other day and they look fine and the tension is okay, but there is no record of last change and the tensioners look a little grotty so I will do those. I'll check the valve gaps whilst I'm at it too.
I have found the Workshop Manual and User manual as PDF files and I have put them in Google's LMNotebook app, which is brilliant as I can ask it anything in plain english and it tells you based on those. I do have all the original books and stuff as well.
I thought the headlight was really decent on mine. As it's a projector they are ripe for HID conversion which can turn night into day - but can cause issues with the immobiliser. I got away with it on mine but others reported issues. There's a lot of space so you should get an LED in there as well. I will investigate the tank thing, and the side stand too. I have just got a paddock stand for her when at home. All the electrics are working fine at the moment, although the headlight is a bit crap, although I understand this is standard.
I have Ducati belts and tensioners on order; I checked the belts the other day and they look fine and the tension is okay, but there is no record of last change and the tensioners look a little grotty so I will do those. I'll check the valve gaps whilst I'm at it too.
I have found the Workshop Manual and User manual as PDF files and I have put them in Google's LMNotebook app, which is brilliant as I can ask it anything in plain english and it tells you based on those. I do have all the original books and stuff as well.
mrtomsv said:
I never liked the looks of these when they were new, but I was too young for them then. I saw a couple at Trac Mon the other week and thought, hmmmm? Maybe…
They got a lot of stick back in the day, 'Fuglistrada' etc. but I quite liked them in an odd sort of way. Mind you the 999 also got some stick but maybe because it just wasn't an evolution of the 916.I definitely think they've grown into their looks though with many other bikes also not the prettiest around.
I'd quite like one, though I'd probably remove the fairings and make it more Hypermotard-like, looks better in black IMO.
Nice bike and a good price.
catso said:
They got a lot of stick back in the day, 'Fuglistrada' etc. but I quite liked them in an odd sort of way. Mind you the 999 also got some stick but maybe because it just wasn't an evolution of the 916.
I definitely think they've grown into their looks though with many other bikes also not the prettiest around.
I'd quite like one, though I'd probably remove the fairings and make it more Hypermotard-like, looks better in black IMO.
Nice bike and a good price.
Thanks! Yes they were, er, 'radical' looking back then but I always rather liked them myself and I think they look less weird now. I really love it, it rides nicely and it was so cheap. Looking forward to getting fresh tyres on it and taking her out when the rain has stopped... July 2026 presumably!I definitely think they've grown into their looks though with many other bikes also not the prettiest around.
I'd quite like one, though I'd probably remove the fairings and make it more Hypermotard-like, looks better in black IMO.
Nice bike and a good price.
robsa said:
A500leroy said:
All I will say is it BSb at Donington park Friday to Sunday and the weather is forecast to be glorious, could be a good excuse for a ride out?
I like your thinking! Sadly family commitments means zero chance of a weekend away at such short notice. Good idea though...
carinaman said:
Congratulations. That looks very smart. I don't have an issue with the looks.
If it gets ridden in the dark your view on headlamp performance would be appreciated but don't go out of your way for me.
Chance would be a fine thing at the moment - driving rain and gale force winds ever since I got the thing!If it gets ridden in the dark your view on headlamp performance would be appreciated but don't go out of your way for me.
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