[duc-dog]

Ran across this site the other day. I've read a few posts here and there and it looks like a great site and a good place place for some information and feedback. I have been riding bikes for 36 years although the last number of years found myself too busy to ride. I sold my beloved Z1-R a few years ago (which I owned since new) to a collector overseas. Since then it seems something has been missing in my garage. Over the last year I have been doing some research on what type of bike to buy should I jump back in. The Multi seems to be at the top of the list. Other considerations are Yami FZ1, 07 Triumph Tiger, Buell Ulysses although I did some saddle time on the Uly and the limited steering lock is undesirable.

I would be doing a multitude of different riding and the most off road would be a gravel road in all likelyhood. Being from Canada bike would be used 6 months of the year only. I have looked at the 07 and from my research it has bigger displacement, slightly more hp and torque, wet clutch, better fuel guage, anti vide Hbar mounts and perhaps a few other goodies. The S model I don't think would be worth the extra coin for me. The other consideration is a new non current. I have found a new 04, and a new 06 S model. Used machines around here seem non existent. I have only seen one of these on the road over the last few years. I think I would like to stay 05 or newer and would seriously look at the 06 with Ohlins over the 07 (06 is cheaper too) Is there enough with the 07 to grab one over an 06? As far as maintenance intervals I see they have been reduced seems due to performance and stats over the years. Thus could one follow the 07 maintenance schedule on an 05 or 06?

I'm certain to have more qustions. The other issue is relaibility. The nearest dealer is 2 hours away. How do these rank on reliability?

BTW I have actually never ridden a Multi. Any help would be appreciated.

[Multi Rider in Md]

Duc-dog,

I am new to Ducati/MTS ownership; however, I can tell you that after test riding the 06 and the 07, selecting the 07 1100s was an easy choice for me. The real tie-breaker was the clutch.

Regards and good luck,
Chuck

[bone]

[huskyduck]

Really wouldn't matter which year you buy, as it's a win win proposition.

If cost is of major concern, go for the discounted 06/04 model.

Reliability wise, the DS motors have been reputed as the best motors to ever come out of the factory. There are some niggles here and there, but overall--extreamly reliable.

Just realize, no matter which model you buy, you WILL be spending a bunch of cash for a proper exhaust. It's something ya just gotta do. So go ahead and factor that cost in to the decision making.

Good luck in your quest !!
Your gonna love the MTS.

[sailwa66]

See if you can ride a used 04-06 model.

The changes to 07 didn't change the character of the bike (I personally like the signature Ducati dry clutch chatter) enough to make it much more desirable or valuable. As stated, the DS motors are proving quite stout, and have the rev range the Uly sorely lacks.

All the Multi needs for dirt road/two-track duty is a decent set of tires, Pirelli Syncs or Dunlop D616 are good choices.

S or non-S version is a polarizing thing around here. What everyone can seem to agree on is the fact that the standard Showa suspension is quite decent to begin with.

One ride, and you'll be hooked!

[Scrambles]

Here's a topic on reliability. There are many more:

http://www.multistrada.net/forum/viewtop...;highlight=ugly