First generation Ducati Multistrada, opinions?

HardDrive · 07-24-2011, 06:34 PM

Kie Roberts (he's a Pelican) has a 2004 Multistrada at his shop for sale. 1000ds. Anyone have/had one? They're a bit fugly to be sure, but I'm getting the itch for an air cooled Duc again, and the riding position would suit me.

I drove around my Royal Enfield today for quite a while. Its a tough little bike, and it makes a damn cool sound when you twist the throttle. But that sound does not translate into a heck of a lot of forward thrust....

LJ851 · 07:05 PM

Been a professional Ducati tech for 15 years or so. Pretty solid bikes that ride a lot better than they look. Rotors can warp, valve guides can go early ala 3.2 carrera's. There are good aftermarket valve guides available. Gauge clusters can act up too and are not cheap.

HardDrive · 07-24-2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJ851

Been a professional Ducati tech for 15 years or so. Pretty solid bikes that ride a lot better than they look. Rotors can warp, valve guides can go early ala 3.2 carrera's. There are good aftermarket valve guides available. Gauge clusters can act up too and are not cheap.

Thank you!

nynor · 07-24-2011, 09:16 PM

check here: canyonchasers.net

they ride multistradas all over the nation.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I loved my Multi - mine was a 2005. Valve guides were done under warranty on mine. Throw a rear box on and ride anywhere.

gtc · gtc's Garage

I think Rich Lambert was going to sell his. Not sure if it's happened yet.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

The non-S models should be dirt cheap at this point. They depreciated quickly and command a much lower price. Unless you're trying to wring out max performance it actually doesn't make that much different between the two models. Biggest issue is the valve guides. If you don't have documented proof they were redone properly then assume that they'll have to be done. I believe my local shop had about 100% failure rate on the early Multis that went through their doors.

LakeCleElum · 07-26-2011, 07:49 AM

HD - I have to admit I raised an eyebrow when you bought that Royal Enfield. You have my full endorsement now. Two Thumbs up. I've always wanted to add an Italian Harley to my stable. Enjoy.

trader220 · 09:55 AM

I picked up a 1999 ST4 with only 57oo on the clock last week. Its good to be back on a bike, the older 916 race motor is pretty stought and the riding position is not all that bad for a 47 year old guy. I believe its about 100 bhp at the crank.

HardDrive · 07-26-2011, 10:48 AM

Bike was ridden hard, its a commuter bike. Engine got the 6k service but it hasn't had 12k, and its got 16k on the clock. My understanding is that after the 6k service, the 12k service usually doesn't yield much change in the clearances. Still, needs to be done. He's priced the bike accordingly.

Bike was started up cold, and didn't blow any smoke, ran smooth. I did not get a chance to ride it yet (because its been MFing raining and cold for weeks here in Seattle

). When I do ride it, I'll get it warmed up and see what happens on deceleration.

I asked Duc Seattle about having the valve guides done. I was a bit shocked at the price. Anyone know how much this should run on a Ducati 2 valve? I've seen prices all over the map. The 12k service and the valve guide job share many tasks so there would some savings to have it all done at the same time.

YTNUKLR · YTNUKLR's Garage

My 2008 Monster S4RS-T may be available in a few weeks. 6000 miles, and fully serviced. Not air-cooled, but a fun ride... Ohlins, Marchesinis, gutted pipes, etc. E-mail me if you're interested

kindersport@gmail.com [I'm looking for an econobox commuter car.]

nynor · 07-26-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

HD - I have to admit I raised an eyebrow when you bought that Royal Enfield. You have my full endorsement now. Two Thumbs up. I've always wanted to add an Italian Harley to my stable. Enjoy.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Bike was ridden hard, its a commuter bike. Engine got the 6k service but it hasn't had 12k, and its got 16k on the clock. My understanding is that after the 6k service, the 12k service usually doesn't yield much change in the clearances. Still, needs to be done. He's priced the bike accordingly.

Bike was started up cold, and didn't blow any smoke, ran smooth. I did not get a chance to ride it yet (because its been MFing raining and cold for weeks here in Seattle

). When I do ride it, I'll get it warmed up and see what happens on deceleration.

I asked Duc Seattle about having the valve guides done. I was a bit shocked at the price. Anyone know how much this should run on a Ducati 2 valve? I've seen prices all over the map. The 12k service and the valve guide job share many tasks so there would some savings to have it all done at the same time.

I would walk away unless it is dirt cheap. You will need valve guides and he should have done the 12K service. You can no doubt find one that has been well cared for. I can't remember what my valve guides cost as it was done under warranty. I don't believe it was cheap though. You can ask here:

Multistrada.net :: Home

LJ851 · 07-26-2011, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Bike was ridden hard, its a commuter bike. Engine got the 6k service but it hasn't had 12k, and its got 16k on the clock. My understanding is that after the 6k service, the 12k service usually doesn't yield much change in the clearances.

This is not true, especially with the DS engines. The desmo valvetrain is not the most stable and the service intervals get smaller with high rpm use. A trackday only bike would like a valve inspection at half the distance of a commuter. Some ducati engines are very hard on the half rings and some are gentler. The DS engines uses the smallest(7mm) half rings and has the biggest diameter valves. Almost every DS has broken half rings @ 6k miles and worn valve guides don't help the situation. A good valve adjustment will hold the clearances longer than a poor one.