Wanna buy » Reliability

[Hankles]

Hi all,

My name is Hank. I'm new to the forum. I presently own 2 BMW bikes, an R1200RT, and a F650GS. I have the F650GS sold as of today and I have always had an eye on the Multi. I'm getting a good deal on a 2007 Multi 1100 demo with only 27 miles on it but I have a few questions before I finalize the deal. First question is maintenance cost and maintenance intervals. What are the intervals? Every 6K or what? Second, what can I expect to pay? I'm trying to get away from pricey maintenance. Basically, BMW intervals are every 6K and alternate between $300 and $500 per checkup. Second question is reliability. Someone told me that you have to be a mechanic to own one (Ducati). I love the way it looks, the way it sounds and I like the ride. How is reliability? Your input will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Hank

[mollycbr123 2010 1200S (White)]

As of MY '07, the service intervals have been extended to 7.5k miles. I've only owned two Duc's but have had no problems with reliability with either.

There is another thread currently on reliability issues with the Multi which may help.

http://www.multistrada.net/forum/viewto ... eliability

[Hankles]

What are your maintenance costs?

[archkevinbrown]

Ducati and BMW are both essentially upscale, mass-produced, modern street bikes, so it wouldn't surprise me if differences in location, staff level of expertise, business practices, etc. at your choice of shops had as much or more of an effect on the cost of maintenance than any mechanical differences in the bikes being serviced.

You know that the cheapest place may be your own or your friend's garage, but some shops - even those that service the same brands - are cheaper than others, too.

[VTMulti 2005 1000 DS (Red)]

My '05 Strada (6,000 mile service intervals) has been bulletproof so far (16,000 miles), and my mechanic suggests that once past 12,000 miles you are likely to be able to go 8,000-9,000 miles between major services (valves).

If you are in Manchester NH, you have one of the best, most reliable and totally honest Duc shops in your back yard - BCM in Laconia.

They are very competent, good guys and they let you watch them work if you like.

Last time there I hung around in the shop most of the day. You learn a lot just by watching and I was pleased to see that the hours charged reflected the actual hours worked, not some book rate.

They definitely are part of the "Ducati Experience".


RB

[Koolio 2007 1100 (Red)]

My '05 Strada (6,000 mile service intervals) has been bulletproof so far (16,000 miles), and my mechanic suggests that once past 12,000 miles you are likely to be able to go 8,000-9,000 miles between major services (valves).

If you are in Manchester NH, you have one of the best, most reliable and totally honest Duc shops in your back yard - BCM in Laconia.

They are very competent, good guys and they let you watch them work if you like.

Last time there I hung around in the shop most of the day. You learn a lot just by watching and I was pleased to see that the hours charged reflected the actual hours worked, not some book rate.

They definitely are part of the "Ducati Experience".


RB

A huge +1 for BCM. I just picked up my MTS yesterday from them. In fact, John, the sales guy, stayed 1.5 hours after closing so I could pick it up - most dealers I know would tell me to come during normal biz hours.

Regarding service costs, I think you're going to find that they're similar to BMW.

And, as others have said, starting with the '07 models, service intervals are every 7,500 miles (after the 600 mile service).

[atypical1]

Do a quick search of this site. Some of us have had nothing but trouble with our bikes and some have had trouble free times.

I love the bike but have had continual trouble with it. IMO, it would be a great second bike but not a great only bike.

james

[VTMulti 2005 1000 DS (Red)]

Well, I must be atypical, because my Multi is my only bike, and I've ridden it in some truly remote places (20-30 miles traveled between sightings of another vehicle - for hours) and I felt totally confident in the bike - maybe it was partly because I just had my bike serviced at BCM, or maybe I just didn't know any better.

RB

[VTMulti 2005 1000 DS (Red)]

Well, I must be atypical, because my Multi is my only bike, and I've ridden it in some truly remote places (20-30 miles traveled between sightings of another vehicle - for hours) and I felt totally confident in the bike - maybe it was partly because I just had my bike serviced at BCM, or maybe I just didn't know any better.

RB

[jim shea 2007 1100 (Red)]

Ducatis are a quirky breed of bikes, if you take this into account you will enjoy it for what it is. I own a BMW and a Mts and i don't compare the 2 brands as I have them for different requirements.. I don't even compare the same bikes in a brand as IMO you can't really do that..
Servicing is expensive on all 'luxury' brands here in the UK.