Tank Slap - Motorcycle Forum

Bike was a 1200S with the semi active suspension.

I didnt take it out for too long but did use the same raods i rode my Multi in on.

Thoughts are:

The engine is a corker. Smoother than mine but with an induction roar similar to the Panigales. Pulls like a train, though doesn't feel quite as fast as mine but i think that's down to it being much smoother. The speedo said my mind was playing tricks.

Colour dash is very nice and loads of info but they are prone to scratches.

The suspension is superb. Loads of feedback, firm when you want it but still smooths out all the bumps.

The electronics keep everything nicely under control even when opening the throttle wide and fast.

Handling is a bit quicker than mine and turns very nicely indeed.

Now the bad bit: The seat is a big step backwards in my opinion. A lot of people complained that the earlier Multis were too high, so they have lowered the seat and lost that lovely high-up position which gives you a commanding view of the road. Its not as comfy either. The height is adjustable though it involves fitting a rail underneath the seat. The seat was on the low position but the adjusters were not available to fit and have to confess that the seat was poorly made and thought through probably to appease all the short arses in the world.

If they fix the seat I would buy one. everything about if other than that is better but its a very important part of the bike to me. As it is I might keep hold of mine for another year and await the updated version.

I see it's got those horrid side reflectors. I'm guessing you need those later on for the MOT.

That i'm not sure on but its a Euro 4 requirement so all new bikes will have them from January 2017.

They are stuck on with double sided tape and a few Multi owners have removed them with a piece of fishing line, some glue remover and lots of elbow grease.

When does the new 4 year timescale for an MOT announced in the last budget start?

Is there another version next year Duke ? You.mention waiting for the updated version.

I m sure some one like caulfield leather could fix the seat issue. They did a sterling job fitting the gel insert in mine.

Not sure. I thought the government said they were still looking into it?

The bike sounds refined. Do you think Ducati will offer an aftermarket seat for it?

There is a Ducati/Touratech seat offered as an option apparently. The bike is more refined than mine and the electronics are superb. Everything is so totally under control all the time. Whether that is a completely a good thing or not I'm not quite sure. Certainly makes it very easy to ride fast.

Blade, in recent years Ducati have updated their important bikes every two years. This bike has lots of new technology on it and going by their experiences with the earlier Multi and the Panigale and Diavel you would think they would make the necessary improvements fairly quickly in what is becoming the most competitive part of the bike market.

I really liked it but the seat would have to be improved for me to make the change.

I love sitting up so high with that commanding view on my bike. I will try it again when i can have the seat fixed in the high position.

Sounds a good bike Duke and impressive that Ducati are updating every 2 years. The Japanese manufacturers could learn a thing or too from Ducati, especially Honda with the Blade which apart from a few tweeks in 2012 is a 2008 model bike.

Clearly they are opening up to a new market to the guys who want one but can't reach the floor which is good in a way as I'm sure it will appeal to a fair few guys and girls in this world

That seat does look oddly low.... Nice package that. What do they cost?

Im gonna ask homologation about the reflector law. Ot heard anything about it

I haven't bothered test riding the new DVT yet, TBH i'm enjoying my current Multi so much what's the point in changing. My only concern is what happens when it runs out of warranty ?

Sell it or buy an extended warranty?

Blade has one on his zx10r and I'll be extending the warranty on my SX.

looking on the Ducati forum, I think there is a problem with getting an extended warranty, Maybe Duke can clarify he seems to know everything Ducati.

They have stopped doing extended warranties currently. It was said to be a legal issue with the company providing the cover ( even though it was factory backed) but there is no info on anything new to replace it.

My extended warranty runs out next June so that was why i have started looking at options but currently I have not seen anything that makes me want to replace the Multi. I might try a Hypermotard at some point but with all new bikes having to be Euro 4 compliant from January 2017 I suspect that this time next year there will be some real bargains out there on new bikes as currently the new Multi is the only available Euro 4 compliant bike as far as I am aware.