Wanna buy » Cost of ownership

[Ned the Red]

I've been looking at bikes for a while now and really like the Moto Guzzis but worry about the fact that there aren't a lot of dealers around. I just don't like the Japanese bikes, and BMWs don't ring my bell. But the Multistrada is a great looking bike - I just wish they still made the smaller engine version. So, the question, assuming I can find a good used 620 out there, what's the cost of ownership? Other than normal oil changes and tuneups, what's required and at about what mileage? And, of course, at what cost? I noticed one post suggesting that a clutch would probably need to be replaced at about 25k, is that right?

I'd like to use this as a daily rider since the weather here in Dallas is usually pretty good and I only live about 10 miles from where I work.

Thanks in advance.

[jcs182 2004 1000 DS (Red)]

Ned,

If your slightly handy you can do the majority of the service work yourself. The only job that is usually over the shade tree wrench twisters head is a valve adjustment.

The clutch on the 620 is wet (in the oil) and has excellent life. I have a riding buddy that has almost 80K on his 750 Monster original clutch.

The 2 valve motor is bulletproof and great for a daily driver. GO FOR IT!!

[Ned the Red]

Thanks - that's exactly what I wanted to hear. I've worked on cars all my life but a motorcycle will be a new experience for me.

[archkevinbrown]

As daily commuter bikes go, an MTS 620 is, by any objective criteria, fairly extravagant. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being a moped, 10 being an Ecosse or Confederate), I'd give it a 7. Whether it's an extravagance you can afford is another question, which only you and your accountant can answer.

But it's not outrageous, either. You may pay a premium for parts and service, but not double what you might pay otherwise or anything like that.
Generally speaking, it seems that ownership costs are highly dependent on riding style. One can imagine a conservative rider could spend less operating a Bimota than an agressive rider might spend operating a Kawasaki over the same number of miles.
As an example, I'd consider myself a moderately conservative rider. At 6k, I had to get the timing belt replaced, and at 12k, will get rear brake pads replaced (I know, some will wonder why one would EVER need to service the rear brake, but I like to use it for trail braking). I'll probably get the chain replaced then, too, since I'm not very good about maintaining it.
As for mileage, you'll find more detailed discussions elsewhere, but with stock exhaust, no luggage and an easy throttle, you can easily get in the 50mpg range.
In the end, I really think first cost and farkles are where you'll find the greatest difference between a Multi and a more 'economical,' yet competent mid-sized bike like, say, a SV650. If you're comfortable with that, you should be comfortable with operating costs, too. Needless to say, it will be worth it.

[bgk 2006 620 Dark (Flat black)]

Ned,

A year ago, my outlook on a prospective motorcycle purchase was very similar to your outlook today.

I was looking for a sport touring bike, but something a little different than the “standard” style 4-cylinder Universal Japanese Motorcycles (UJM) that I had been riding for the past 30 years. Over the years, the cylinder displacement of my bikes had “creeped-up” from the 550 class, through the 750 class, and into the liter bike class. As I was gracefully (or not so gracefully) entering middle-age, I decided that I didn’t need 4-cylinder liter bike power any more, and was looking for something a little more “relaxed”, more comfortable, more touring-oriented, but not too heavy.

A year ago, I was considering a Moto Guzzi Breva 1100, or possibly a Breva 750 or California, and also was considering a BMW R1150R or maybe an older R850R or K75. I had numerous rides on these various bikes, either friend’s bikes or test rides at motorcycle dealers, but somehow, these bikes just “didn’t quite do it for me”. Also, like you, I was concerned about the long-term ownership costs of these bikes, the small dealer network for Moto Guzzi, etc.

After these test rides, and a re-evaluation of my riding style, etc. I decided that I wanted a less expensive, lighter, more “flickable” bike. I read a few motorcycle magazine reviews on the Multistrada 620, and got intrigued. I took a test ride on a 620 and immediately knew that I had found the right bike for me. Last November, I bought a brand-new leftover 2006 MTS 620 with full warrantee, etc. for a very, very good deal at $6000. I have enjoyed it since the day I bought it. Every time I ride it, I appreciate it even more, and I don’t miss the liter bikes at all.

I have since installed the removable factory hard saddlebags, a GIVI rear rack and top case, an Eagle Touring Dakar windscren and a few other minor farkles. The bike is set up perfect for me, for commuting during the week, for weekend getaways with my wife, Sunday morning rides with my also gracefully-aging buddies, etc.

The 620 engine is one of the most reliable engines (perhaps the most reliable) that Ducati has ever produced. It’s a relatively simple 2-valve air-cooled engine. The Multistrada 620 has a wet clutch, also considered one of the most reliable clutches that Ducati has ever produced. The Multistrada 620 has hydraulic-actuated clutch, and brakes front and rear; so there are no cables to fray and maybe suddenly break on you, when you’re miles away from home, late at night.

My local Ducati dealer charges $600 for the routine scheduled service at 6000 mile intervals (including oil and filter change, chain adjustment, valve and belt adjustment, etc.). I change oil and filter myself once or twice between dealer service intervals (oil changes every 2000 to 3000 miles). I ride about 6000 to 7500 miles per year. Therefore, my annual maintenance costs are/will be about $700, which is about $200 a year higher than my previous Japanese bikes. However, I’m getting 54 to 58 (avg. 56) miles per gallon on the Multi 620, which is about 15 MPG better than my most recent Japanese bike.

I highly recommend the Multistrada 620. I’ve owned over 30 motorcycles during my life, and my Multi 620 has easily become my favorite.

[bgk 2006 620 Dark (Flat black)]

Correction to my previous post:

My local Ducati dealer charges $500 for the 6000 mile service (not $600 as stated in my previous post), which is $200 more than similar service on the Japanese bikes. However, the Jap bikes have longer service intervals.

The simple summary of my view of Ducati Multistrada 620 ownership costs is that, although the cost for service is higher on an annual basis, the cost for gas is lower on an annual basis; and in the long run I'm very happy and satisfied to ride my "little" Ducati 620.

I consider it a favorable economical choice compared to many other bikes that I considered buying that would have been significantly more expensive to purchase and would cost at least as much to service and fuel on an annual basis.

[Ned the Red]

Thanks for all the answers. Now I just need to FIND one of the smaller models. May end up going for a gently used large engine model if I can't find one. I'd still like a Breva 750, though. But, unless a dealership opens in the Dallas area I'm a bit wary of that.

Can other "Italian" dealers work on the Moto Guzzis reliably? I'll go as far as Houston or Tulsa to get one if I know I can get reliable service around here.

[archkevinbrown]

Thanks for all the answers. Now I just need to FIND one of the smaller models. May end up going for a gently used large engine model if I can't find one.

Did you see this one on eBay, from a dealer in OKC? Has over 8k miles and a paint "issue," but it might be worth a modest bid.

[mts.1000 2014 1200ST (Red)]

Ned,
I had less prior mechanical experience than you, when I started my own valve adj. I would say if you do your research (LT synder and desmotimes is a great place to start) valve adj are not as bad as some believe.
I had fun doing them, it just takes some time and patience.
It also helps to create more of a bond with your bike. I hope that doesn't sound too wierd but I think you know what I mean.
Go for it.
Chris

[ERRN 2007 1100S (Red)]

I think there is still a new 2006 620 at the dealer in Rhode Island that I go to. I can find out if you are still interested.

[svgmulti]

I have a Dark model with soft panniers and center stand that I would like to sell. It has 10k miles logged, and I am original owner. All service has been completed by local Ducati dealer.

[RAMstrada 2006 620 (Red)]

MPH cycles in Houston sells Guzzis and has an excellent reputation.

Overall, I'd guess it depends on how you balance out the "experience" vs money spent. My MTS 620 is a very fun and enjoyable machine. It is going to be quite a bit more expensive to maintain than my Guzzi(s), however, but again the experience is different. For example, tires. They'll wear much faster on the Duc (looks like I'll get 5-6K on the Duc vs 10-12 on the Goose), but cornering is faster. Chain and sprockets are more expensive than the shaft drive and there's more maintenance, but otoh, there's less power loss and more flexibility. Valve adjustment on the Guzzi takes 30 min to an hour and most anyone can do it by himself.

Can't say what would ring your bell without knowing what's important to you.

Rich in NM