| Author | Message | ||
     Dr_greg |
After I recently mentioned that my '06 Uly got a 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring as a stablemate, some of you said you wouldn't mind hearing about my experiences with it. So following are some of my opinions, interspersed with riding scenes from northern New Mexico... 1. Introduction. Many of you know me as one of the very first Uly owners; I bought S/N 044 on October 1, 2005. Mrs. Greg will tell you that I sent her many a text over the next few years like, "I love this bike"..."Man, this Uly is the best..." It was the most satisfying bike I had ever owned, and I hit 20,000 miles on exactly its first anniversary. The Uly was not trouble-free, with my worst experience being the spark plug blowout at 55,000 miles. I removed both heads and did a Time-Sert repair on each. On the very next ride I hit a deer and totaled him (both the deer and the bike). Undeterred, I found '06 Uly S/N 564 and brought him home. After 30,000 more miles, he was running great until he stranded me FOUR CONSECUTIVE TIMES. Two of those being my trip to Homecoming...still miffed that I didn't get to meet many of you. During one of the rescues Mrs. Greg and dropped the Uly while loading:  In the meantime BMC was killed by H-D, and---like some of you---I had thoughts of another bike. Mrs. Greg will tell you that I had said "I love this Uly so much I'll NEVER get another bike! But...I started looking around. I wanted a bike in the same vein as the Uly, which seemed to suggest the GS (in this article "GS" means R1200GS) and the KTM 990. I didn't consider alternatives like the VStrom or Tiger...just wasn't interested, I guess. I took an extended test ride on a GS (an LE of all things...my ride was well documented on BB&D) and---while quite an enjoyable mount---it was TOO BIG for my diminutive size (5-9, 140). I'll make references to the GS later on. Here was the bike:  Only got as far as sitting on a KTM 990 ADV in the showroom...  ...but it didn't really capture my imagination. I don't do all that much dirt riding; mainly Forest Service roads getting to backcountry campgrounds. But there was this other bike that was getting a lot of buzz... 2. My Ducati Multistrada 1200S Test Ride. 2.1 My Ducati connection. Now I own a 1992 Ducati 900SS, on which I've put 41,000 miles (at which point it ate a main bearing, inner race below):  I rebuilt the engine,  but nobody in The Dr. Greg Family is riding it right now (I'm sure one of you would volunteer):  Anyway, I LOVED every aspect of that 900SS, so I was favorably disposed to things Ducati. So...when the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S "demo bike" arrived at PJ's Triumph/Ducati/Husqvarna, I talked PJ (he's in the pic below) into an "extended (80-mile) test ride" including about 15 miles of fair quality dirt road.  BTW, neither the BMW nor KTM dealers would let me test ride a bike over that road. So much for the GS and 990's dirt superiority. Kudos to PJ. Unfortunately, both the BMW and KTM dealers knew what they were talking about, because during my test ride on the dirt road I was having so much fun I stopped to take a picture, the bike began rolling, the bars twisted, and...  Talk about your WORST NIGHTMARE... PJ was pretty philosophical about it, but I was sure rattled. Hurt my back trying to pick it up (back still not completely recovered). But man, what a bike! At PJ's suggestion, I slept on it (no, not on the bike), but the next day---at Mrs. Greg's urging (what a woman!)---I went back to PJ's and put a deposit down on a RED 2010 Multistrada 1200S Touring model. Then I settled down to wait for a couple months... 3. Life with the Multistrada 1200S. My first ride---of course---had to be up to Sandia Crest. This is about 15 miles of sportbike delight, culminating with a view from the top:  I would have taken the dirt road (on which I dropped the demo bike) up partways, but my back is still a little sore, and the jarring of poor road surfaces is a little painful. At the fuel stop at the bottom of the "Crest Road" one of my competitors pulled up alongside (fully farkled GSA):  But I was also on a pretty cool bike. Mr. GSA walked over, appraised the Multi, and said "have fun." I was! BTW, until I got a tank bag for the Multi, I was using the Buell tank bag bungee-corded in place:  So that justifies me posting this review in the Uly forum... I've currently got 3,011 miles on the Multi, and I'll post my opinions of this bike in the categories below. Since I've ridden my last 85,000 miles on the '06 Uly, I may make occasional comparisons to it. 3.1 Handling and Riding Modes. Let me just say this: I have NEVER ridden a motorcycle that comes close to the pavement handling of ths MTS 1200. Up until then, I considered the Uly to the best handling bike I'd ever ridden (better than my 2000 Aprilia Mille RSV, for example). But the Multi is in another category. In SPORT mode, the Ohlins suspension is firm, but not harsh. I'd never experienced behavior quite like that before. With the 60-inch wheelbase, one might expect the Multi to be slower to turn in. Not true! It has a delightfully quick and light feel, with ABSOLUTE stability. You have to ride it to believe it. I am going through corners 10 mph faster than on the Uly, without trying hard. It's like riding a laser beam. And, yes, I have the rear Trail fully scrubbed in. No chicken strips on the Multi, amigos. On the dirt, I'd say the handling is on a par with the Uly. The longer wheelbase helps a little bit, but realistically the Multi is a road bike that can be ridden---like virtually any motorcycle, for that matter---on dirt roads. It is fully capable of getting me and my camping gear back to the same campgrounds as on the Uly. That's the reason I included the ill-fated dirt section on my test ride. Suspension changes in the different riding modes (URBAN, ENDURO, TOURING, SPORT) are VERY noticeable. Moreover, every aspect of the suspension is adjustable; I've reduced the front & rear preload, rebound and compression damping in several of the modes to correspond to my weight. In each of the four modes there is also (1) rider-only, (2) rider+luggage, (3) rider+passenger, (4) rider+passenger+luggage. Everything is adjustable! Note that front preload is manually adjustable; hafta get out the wrench... A high point in a recent ride through the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico was a stop to buy some "oven bread" from the Pueblo Indians (the oven bread is a family favorite):   I had the top case on since this was a ride in which I left directly after work. The top case is somewhat wider than the "standard" Uly top case. 3.2 Engine and Transmission. My 90-year old ex-test pilot neighbor Bruce says that "...too much power is almost enough..." Well, the MTS 1200 has enough. It is truly an AMAZING engine. In SPORT mode (150 HP w/fast throttle response) it is absolutely the best vehicle ever for overtaking. Even in TOURING mode (150 HP w/milder throttle response) there is enough power to reduce overtaking risk. And that is nice. In the 100 HP mode the engine is pretty docile; I don't use that mode very often, although on dirt roads of course that's what you want. The Testastretta 11-degree is very smooth; will pull from 2,500 rpm, but is unfortunately set up a little too lean in the lower rpm ranges. This results in a little "surging" which some people find annoying. I've come to grips with it, but it could be better. This is the only blemish on an otherwise jewel of a powerplant. That said, on my first ride back on the Uly (my commuter) I almost scared myself with the low-end torque! The Thunderstorm 1203 definitely has the Testastretta beat in that department. It's a great engine as well, IMHO. The transmission shifts cleanly. Firm pressure is required to engage first, and it is not a "snick-snick" gearbox, but I haven't missed a shift. I'd say it shifts similarly to the Uly (on which I never missed a shift either). First gear is a little lower than the Uly (XB12 primary), but could still be lower yet for some off-pavement situations. Sixth gear is definitely an overdrive, and is most useful at 75+ mph. I frequently forget to shift into 6th gear, but after a while I look down at the dashboard and see the gear indicator. Overall, the tranny is quite good enough. After stopping to buy bread, there is a favorite "swimmin' hole" of mine in Jemez Creek. Due to recent rains, the water was not as clear as sometimes...  But that didn't deter Dr. Greg...it was a HOT day! After the swim I had to dry off a little...  No, of course there wasn't anyone around... 3.3 Brakes. The front brakes are the typical dual-disc setup, with Brembo calipers. I'd say they work as well as the Uly ZTL disc setup. Maybe a little better. There is virtually no tendency to stand up in corners under front braking. The rear brake feels a little stronger than the Uly. One thing I DO like a lot is that finally I have a bike with ABS. I don't consider myself a braking expert, and I really appreciate having ABS. Probably Buell would've had ABS next year. Oh, well... The high point of the Jemez Mountains is the Valle Grande, a huge volcanic crater. New Mexico has some pretty country, no?  On another ride the Multi and I find ourselves in Angel Fire, NM. This is home to a Vietnam Memorial. It's been a while since I've stopped, so this time we stop.     It is a sobering memorial. I sat through the entire movie about Vietnam, and it brought back many memories. Let me hasten to add that I am not a Vietnam veteran; I did not pass the military physical in 1971. I was all set to do my two years and go back to grad school, but oh well... So I missed Vietnam, then got hit by a truck while on a cycling training ride...killed my best friend and I spent two months in traction and was unconscious for two weeks with a severe concussion. Shoulda gone to Nam. However, I honor those who did serve, and touring the Angel Fire Vietnam Memorial is always an emotional experience for me. 3.4 Ergonomics. Riding position is similar to Uly, which means very comfortable. I think the footpegs are very slightly forward of the Ulys. The 1198 L-twin is a fair bit smoother than the Thunderstorm 1203, but still maintains some "V-twin character." I added a Laminar Lip (like on the Uly), and wind protection is definitely better on the MTS 1200. The stock screen alone induces a fair bit of turbulence, which the Laminar Lip cleans up. Some other Multi owners chafed a bit at the Lip's appearance, but I'm an engineer, and form follows function. Right? Right. You can see the Laminar Lip in the "Valle Grande" picture above. The '06 Uly "standard" (i.e. tall) seat is the very best that I've ever experienced.  The standard (i.e. non-touring) seat on the MTS 1200 is actually not half bad.  With the passenger seat constraining you, there's not much room to slide fore and aft, but it's good for 100-150 miles at a stretch, which is good enough for me. BTW, seat height on the Multi is pretty close to the Uly, which I like since it means you're sitting up nice and high in traffic. The MTS handguard/turn signals are vulnerable in a tipover (DAMHIK); I may try to add the metal backbone from Barkbusters to strengthen them. The only question is how to integrate that with the Kaoko throttle lock which I have on the Multi. We'll see. I guess the real answer is "don't fall." One notable issue compared with the GS: when I rode the GS I was astounded just how LONG the thing felt...there was all this bike extending WAAAAY out in front of me, and a fair bit behind. The MTS 1200 does NOT have that feeling at all. It feels much more like the Uly. Much more compact. I sat ON the Uly, while I sit IN the Multi. I have a little better feeling of control on the MTS 1200. 3.5 Luggage. This is the weak point. The top case is all right, but the side cases are flimsy, and the lids fit poorly. I also ordered the larger side case lids, which fit a little better. But worst of all, the side case latches are prone to a "false latch." At least four experienced owners have had the lids open up while riding. One of them was me, and I didn't notice till I heard something scraping during a right-hand corner:  Gotta get some more Ducati touch-up paint (my 1994 tube has dried out). I also lost a pair of riding pants when the case opened. Grumble, grumble. Finally, the side case covers did not come with elastic straps, so I had to install my own. This is really unacceptable on a $20,000 bike. All of us owners are complaining... 3.6 Fuel Mileage and Range. Just like I get pretty good tire mileage, I get pretty good fuel mileage. Here is a composite photo from a recent ride:  I had ridden 220.6 mile between fuel stops (the odometer is EXTREMELY accurate; my GPS indicated 220.7 miles), I had 37 miles remaining, I had averaged 69 mph (over mainly mountain roads), and I got 50.5 mpg for the entire day (that MPG reading is a LITTLE optimistic; I calculated about 49 mpg). So the claimed 250-mile range is actually realistic, for me at least. That's pretty darn good for a 150 HP motorcycle! 3.6 All the Electronic Gizmos. I really LIKE all the electronic goodies! All of them are things that have been done before, but no bike has had them all integrated like the MTS 1200. Will the electronics be reliable? Time will tell. The Multi is a CANbus bike; some don't like that, but many cars are CANbus and we have two research robots that are driven over CANbus and they've been stone reliable. I do wire all my accessories directly to the battery, however. The state of electronics has come a long way, but the first time I can't release the servo-actuated steering lock I'll be wishing for the Uly, that's for sure... When I've hit, say, 30,000 miles w/o a major problem of any kind will be the time to boast. Not yet. 4. The Main Problem... The MTS 1200 likes to cruise a little faster than the Uly; I got my first speeding citation in ten years:  Here's hoping it'll be another ten years till the next. However, I've managed to tame down my 80 mph cruising to more like 70-75 mph. I suppose I could try to fit another radar detector... Anyway, with 3,011 miles on the bike I'm very happy with it. Even the dreaded chain is working out all right. Yes, I lube and clean it now and then; I don't mind doing SOME maintenance. The real trick will come at 15,000 miles, when I'll do a valve clearance check/adjustment, fork oil change, etc. Something tells me that wrenching on the Multi will be a little trickier than on the Uly. But hey, I'm a degreed mechanical engineer, right? No problem! I do hope there'll be some kind of "shop manual" for it by then...nothing yet. Can't believe the manual will be anywhere near the FSM for the Uly, which is the best ever. I probably won't make a regular occurrence of posting Multistrada stuff here, but I know some people were interested. Feel free to PM me, or respond to this posting. Y'know, I was one of those guys who pooh-poohed an 1125 Uly, but now that's what I've essentially got. And it's pretty neat. --Doc | ||
| Dfishman |
Thanks for the report.Lots of good info.That bike sure looks like it does the job. | ||
| Odie |
Nice bike and nice write up. Enjoy! | ||
| Whisperstealth |
Thanks for the report. I like the bike, a lot. Maybe someday. Price is a mother though. But I figure I got another 70,000 miles or so left on the Uly  | ||
| Seanp |
Thanks for the report, Dr. Greg. There's a Multistrada at the dealer where I bring my Daytona for maintenance, and I've been toying with taking it for a test ride. I think I'd better put off the test-ride until I have an extra $20K in my checking account... | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Nice write-up, really loved it - but this picture hands-down gets my creepiest thing I've ever seen on BadWeb award. | ||
| Idaho_buelly |
Nice write up,always enjoy reading your write ups..  | ||
| Windrider |
Nice write up Dr Greg. That is an amazing piece of Italian motorcycle art you are riding these days. It was nice to compare it to the Uly: I can't help but think that comparison is a bit unfair given that the Ducatistrata costs just under 2X the list price of a Ulysses when you used to be able to buy them..... | ||
| Dynasport |
Thanks for the write up. Honestly I was surprised the Uly compared as favorably as it did compared to the MS1200. The MS1200 sounds like a great bike. The flimsy bags and low speed surging are disappointing, though. The race ECM would probably fix the surging, but that is not cheap. The bags look great, but for the money should really be better. While I really like my XT, I would not have complained to get the 1125 motor in it. Oh well. | ||
| Blasterd |
Thanks Dr Greg, that was a great write up on the Multi. Glad you are enjoying it so far! Thanks for the black box also... | ||
| Strokizator |
Congrats on the new Duc. It is an expensive bike but at least you do get some trick stuff for the money. To anyone who has never asked for a more dirt-worthy Uly, and can afford the price of admission, the Multistrada may well be the ultimate bike. I went through NM in June and appreciate the tips you gave me. The NE corner of the state near the CO border was my favorite. | ||
| Buellhusker |
Doc are you going to attend the SouthWest ride in at Red River. Sure would like to check out that new Duck you have. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Doc, nice write-up! I visited Chicago Cycle (Ducati dealer) yesterday hoping to get a look at that motorcycle in person. They sold all that they were allotted and were only available special order with a waiting list so I guess I'll have to wait till the Chicago IMS to finally see one. Enjoy your new bike and keep posting your rides here on Badweb because we enjoy hearing about them. | ||
| Blackdog |
Nice report, I need to do a 1200GS/XB12XT write up. Are top loading square bags avalable yet? | ||
| Jphish |
Fine lookin Duc Doc ! After its around the USA trip last spring, I've relegated the Uly to regional riding (NW states) & using the Tiger for longer trips. It's that 'parts thing' - plus want to conserve whatever miles Uly has left in her. Are you still contemplating retirement from full time work ? I may go back for a few months this winter to make some 'Duc Dollars'. Appreciate your Multi report - That wonderful 'Italian Red' ought to give any wildlife fair warning. TTFN, j | ||
| Hooper |
So, is Duc pronounced "duck" or "duke"? I'm sure the ticket wouldn't have happened on the Uly: "Unit 4 to base, I've got a visual on a red Ducati on Highway 8." "Roger that, Unit 4. Pull it over. It must be speeding." | ||
| Jlnance |
I've ridden in NM. All that empty space and you managed to find the law. Sorry about your ticket. | ||
| Court |
Dr. At the very least . . . .this is one of the more entertaining/informative threads I've read in a good long while. I, since Reg Kittrelle first shared his impressions, have always been a bit of a fan of the Multistrada and know it to be a capable mount. I'm perfectly happy with my Uly at 50% of the price but am going to enjoy, and I sure hope you'll continue to share them here, the tales of the Ulysses. What I admire most is the fact that you derive so much enjoyment from riding. Well done, Court | ||
| Reepicheep |
The multistrada would be one of my "won the lotto bikes" as well. The Hypermotard also. And a KTM 300 two strok. And I'd need a bigger garage. Nice writeup! | ||
| Ourdee |
Thanks Doc. Please report back before 10,000 miles. | ||
| Motorfish |
Great writeup! I`d love to take one for a ride. Thanks Doc, and best of luck with it. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Dr. Greg, What will you do with your Ulyssi? | ||
| Blake |
Great article professor! | ||
| Matchanu |
You got the ticket because you have a red bike, orange is invisible to Johnny Law you know. | ||
| Dr_greg |
I'll respond to a few of you, plus add an addendum of my own following a 360-mile ride through the San Juan (Colorado) mountains yesterday. Thanks for the report. I like the bike, a lot. Maybe someday. Price is a mother though. But I figure I got another 70,000 miles or so left on the Uly Yes, I was hoping to get S/N 044 to 100,000 miles. But the &*^%$ forest rat intervened. I'm sure he would have made it. Thanks for the report, Dr. Greg. There's a Multistrada at the dealer where I bring my Daytona for maintenance, and I've been toying with taking it for a test ride. I think I'd better put off the test-ride until I have an extra $20K in my checking account... Well, Mrs. Greg taught me that bikes are like food: they're not good or bad...it's whether YOU like them or not. There are riders who do not particularly care for the MTS 1200 after a test ride. Nice write-up, really loved it - but this picture hands-down gets my creepiest thing I've ever seen on BadWeb award... Creepy? Creepy?! Hey, I resemble that remark! You should be grateful for the "black box"...there was really nothing X (or even R) rated about that pic. Just like to put a little "human nature" into my reports. It was nice to compare it to the Uly: I can't help but think that comparison is a bit unfair given that the Ducatistrata costs just under 2X the list price of a Ulysses when you used to be able to buy them..... I absolutely agree with you. The only reason to compare with the Uly is that the Uly is the only bike I've ridden for the last 85,000 miles. I could also compare to GS, but only put 100 miles on it. For me, there was no comparison between MTS 1200 and GS LE. MTS was lighter, handled better (on pavement), was smoother, shifted better, had better brakes, was MUCH easier for me to maneuver (off the bike), had more power, better suspension. Just about everything. OK, MTS stock windscreen wasn't as good, but Laminar Lip fixed that. Thanks for the write up. Honestly I was surprised the Uly compared as favorably as it did compared to the MS1200. The MS1200 sounds like a great bike. The flimsy bags and low speed surging are disappointing, though. The race ECM would probably fix the surging, but that is not cheap. The bags look great, but for the money should really be better. While I really like my XT, I would not have complained to get the 1125 motor in it. Oh well. Well, the Uly is a great bike. Oops, I mean that like it a lot! You might be surprised by how much you'd enjoy a little more power. Yes, it does come at the expense of more complication, but I guess nothing is free. Read my addendum at the end for why more power is nice. Doc are you going to attend the SouthWest ride in at Red River. Sure would like to check out that new Duck you have. Let's see, can you remind me again of the dates? With my sabbatical this fall, I have a four-day camping trip to the North Rim (Grand Canyon) planned for the near future, then there's my Sept/Oct cross-country trip. Plus I am doing some consulting work for a small company this fall (gotta make some $$$ to pay off the Multi). Nice report, I need to do a 1200GS/XB12XT write up. Are top loading square bags avalable yet? Please do; we're always interested in riders' opinions. Like I said, bikes are like food... Re other cases: there's a pic of some, but no promise of production. I actually don't mind the stock cases, now that I've got them figured out. So, is Duc pronounced "duck" or "duke"? I'm sure the ticket wouldn't have happened on the Uly: "Unit 4 to base, I've got a visual on a red Ducati on Highway 8." "Roger that, Unit 4. Pull it over. It must be speeding." Well, I say "Ducati" instead of the shortened form, so I don't really know. Duke sounds a little classier, but my friend Tom Rolland (of Ducati belt buckle fame) says "...nothing flies like a Duck." Re the sheriff: I have no idea where he was; can't believe he nabbed me like that. You're right, though...wouldn't have happened on the Uly. Dr. At the very least . . . .this is one of the more entertaining/informative threads I've read in a good long while. I, since Reg Kittrelle first shared his impressions, have always been a bit of a fan of the Multistrada and know it to be a capable mount. I'm perfectly happy with my Uly at 50% of the price but am going to enjoy, and I sure hope you'll continue to share them here, the tales of the Ulysses. What I admire most is the fact that you derive so much enjoyment from riding. Well done, Court Why thank you, Court, I value your opinion very highly. My '06 Uly (which I will never sell) still puts a smile on my face every time I ride him. A great bike, and a great bargain. The Multi has changed a bit since Reg's version, but the older version---as I understand it---was a great bike as well. Air-cooled (you recall I'm a big fan of the 2V Ducati mill), simpler...kinda like the Uly. If I had to give up riding, my life would indeed be the poorer. Looking forward to the ride tomorrow: Pagosa Springs, CO--Chama, NM--Antonito, CO--South Fork, CO--Pagosa Springs, CO. Amazing country on an amazing bike. Thanks Doc. Please report back before 10,000 miles. Yes sir. It won't be long. Dr. Greg, What will you do with your Ulyssi? S/N 044 is the parts bike, and sits out on my back patio. S/N 564 is my commute bike, and gets ridden M-F. It would also be the bike my kids would ride if I could ever convince any of them to go for a ride (or a camping trip) with me. I'll keep both Ulyssi forever; at least that's my current expectation. You never know what curves life will throw you, though...DAMHIK. Addendum: Yesterday's Colorado Ride. Mrs. Greg and I are currently at a resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, for a week's R&R. I rode the MTS 1200 up from Albuquerque, while the Missus brought the VW Golf TDI. Yesterday (Monday, August 23) I took what might be the most "complete" ride I've taken yet on the Multi. Left Pagosa Springs at 0645 hrs with heavy rain clouds everywhere around. Up over the wet roads of Wolf Creek Pass with the heated grips on "MED"...they work great; nice having three heat levels. BTW, I took only TWO photos on this ride; decided to just enjoy the ride and not take anyone along. Sorry. Some nice twisties (and a drier road) leading into South Fork, so selected SPORT mode to have some fun. On the Uly I would have refuelled at South Fork, but with the Multi's greater range I just hung a left and headed for Lake City. Road was straighter and wetter, so back into TOURING mode. More comfort from the suspension, too (although the Ohlins units manage to be both firm and compliant...riddle me that!). Tackling the climbs & descents of Spring Creek Pass and (especially) Slumgullion Pass I took it pretty easy, since the roads were very wet and I am not that familiar with them (only ridden once before). Heated grips still on, and glad I'm wearing my cool-weather riding gear. After the tricky, rainy, descent into Lake City, time for a fuel stop. Mileage was 46.5 mpg...not bad for the kind of riding I'd been through. If you stay on CO 149 down into the valley of the Gunnison River, you make a big swing out to the east, then back. There is a dirt-road "cutoff" that bypasses all that... So about 12 miles N of Lake City I took the "Blue Mesa Cutoff," which is about 20 miles of pretty good dirt road. Naturally, I selected ENDURO mode. I was stationary when I changed modes (you can also easily change on the fly) and it was kind of weird to feel the rear preload increase and the bike rise up a little. I had previously reduced the rebound and compression damping to correspond to my weight.  BTW, you can see my new tank bag in the pic above. It latches onto a "ring" that bolts to the fuel cap mount. Kinda nice not to have to mess with straps, etc. I would say that the MTS 1200 feels more stable than the Uly on the dirt. This 20-mile stretch was the first dirt I'd ridden on MY bike (as compared to the demo bike). Probably the 60-inch wheelbase helps, plus the suspension is SOOO good. The engine was in 100-HP mode, and was very tractable (although w/o the immense low-end torque of the Thunderstorm). The countryside hereabouts was very wide-open, and I enjoyed the section of dirt immensely. Almost sorry to see the junction with US 50.  Granted, this was a "milk run" of dirt road. The roughest dirt I've been through on the Uly was FR 96 from Sipapu to Angel Fire during the ADVrider.com "WestFest 07" in New Mexico. I would not hesitate to take the MTS over the same road. And maybe I will, but not alone. The 40-mile stretch of US 50 from here to Montrose has a few very fun twisty sections, and is also populated with loads of RV's of various types. I can't convey just how satisfying it is to see a stretch of curves coming up, select SPORT mode, feel the bike sort of tense up like it's ready for anything, pass all the intervening RV's in what seems like no distance at all (this is what 150 HP is for), and absolutely RAIL through the corners with complete composure. Then when the road straightens, it's TOURING mode and Clark Kent behavior again. There is nothing else like it, fellas. Take it from me. Lunch stop in Montrose (no need for fuel), and the last stretch of great curves coming up through Ouray and Silverton. Can't wait! Immediately leaving Ouray the switchbacks started. Where's the traffic? Somehow I had a clear road for miles and miles. There are no guard rails here, and the dropoff below is dramatic. Makes you want to back it off a notch or two (not saying whether I did or not). After having almost too much fun, I dropped into Silverton and immediately began climbing back out. More traffic now... One fact of summer in the higher mountains is the existence of road construction projects. Gotta get it done during the summer or else... After climbing out of Silverton on the switchbacks, I encountered the first of two such construction delays. Since there were only three cars waiting, and a good gap between the front car and the "flagperson," I rode up to the front place in line. I sometimes have the chutzpah to do that, other times I use an alternate strategy. Dismounting, I walked up to chat with the flagman (he was a man, not a person). In fact, he was a very affable American Indian who had recently moved up to Durango, CO from Albuquerque. We had a great time talking and he wished me a safe and enjoyable ride. Yessir, that's my intent! After leading the pack through the construction zone, the Ducati Multistrada 1200S and I set sail for Molas Pass. In SPORT mode, obviously. Yowza! Then I came up on the second construction zone. They were just letting the group through, and I was the last vehicle...gotta join the pack. This is when one employs the SECOND strategy. I waited till I was through the construction zone, then pulled off to the side of the road and took a break. It was a perfect spot: creek running down below, beautiful view of mountains... In fact it was TOO perfect. The idea in this case is to wait until the next group comes through, and resume riding just in front of them. But I waited too long!! Couldn't get my gear on fast enough...RATS! Nothing for it but to wait through another cycle. I darn sure wasn't gonna miss it again. I didn't, and had another heart-stopping ride down into Durango. Not my heart, y'unnerstand, but maybe the hearts of some of the RV's I passed... Leaving Durango I refueled for the second time (not bad for a 360-mile ride through the mountains). US 160 from Durango to Pagosa Springs is pretty tame, but still scenic and enjoyable. Pulled in to my resort unit about 1600 hrs to Mrs. Greg's big smile. Mine, too, courtesy of this AMAZING BIKE!!! Fellas, I know the Ducati MTS 1200S is expensive (although not far off a likewise farkled GS) but it is truly mindblowing. It does everything for which it's intended (I'd say it's an "all roads" bike like the Uly and the 17/17 Tiger) with such competence, nay, brilliance, that one can't help but marvel. I've always thought the Italians knew how to build an engine...seems like now they've figured out the rest of the bike, and taken a step ahead of everyone while they were at it. --Doc P.S. During the day I saw many bikes (hey, this IS summer in Colorado)...the vast majority were Harleys (as usual), but there were a number of "adventure" or "sport-touring" bikes (e.g. Stroms, GS's, FJR's) as well (no Ulyssi). But NONE of them were riding at anything I would consider a spirited pace. The Harleys I understand, but I know from personal experience that a GS can be ridden damn fast through the twisties. Doesn't anybody enjoy going FAST anymore? Of course there was that detour with the sheriff a couple weeks back... Anyway, thanks for reading. Tomorrow's ride is only 224 miles...I couldn't figure out a route any longer without making it really long. So I guess I'll just take more breaks. Maybe take more pics next time. No dirt, though. P.P.S. D'ya suppose anyone would mind if I showed up at "Homecoming" next year on the Multistrada 1200S? | ||
| Scooter808484 |
Outstanding reporting Dr. Greg! Thanks and keep it up. I love the idea of the Multi 1200, except perhaps for the cost, as others have noted. In addition to a GS comparison, I'd love to see someone try a Triumph Sprint GT when they become available. Not too off-roady, but might fill the sport-toury functions that I end up using my bikes for more than dirt. 135 HP and ABS at about $13k. Has me interested. | ||
| Chadhargis |
One of these days I'll own one of these. 2010 has not been a great year for me financially, but once I get back on my game and sock some money away, I'll own a Multistrada 1200. In the immortal words of Wayne: "Oh yes, it will be mine"  | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Thanks Doc for another nice write-up about your ride. Keep posting them!  | ||
| Buellhusker |
Doc the Red River (short ride for you) gathering is this coming weekend Aug 27-28-29 Meeting at Lifts West Hotel & Condo with a group ride and lunch on Sat. Hope to see you there. | ||
| Smac |
Dr. Greg, The surging complaint you have on the Multistrada (i.e. too lean condition) must be a common issues with Ducs. My friend recently purchased the an 1198 and experienced the same problem. The dealership of course told him that the EPA has Ducati's hands tied and that there is nothing they could do with the stock setup. The dealer said the only way to get rid of the low rpm surging was to purchase a new chip and set of Termi's which only costs $1,800! My friend Cliff was no annoyed with the issue, that he forked over the cash for the mods and low & behold, the problem went away! I don't know if I could have swallowed that pill after just dropping $17k on a brand new bike, but Cliff says the improvement was WELL worth the cost...and that thing now sounds like a raped ape! |
