My new multi, with questions/thoughts - Ducati.ms

**TAftonomos** · Feb 3rd, 2012, 10:10 pm

Just got back home with the bike, picked it up yesterday in Houston -> ATL via Destin FL

Bike is really great. I can't think of but a handful of things I'd want to change.

First off, that damn centerstand. I must have dragged it 5-6 times...either that or my damn boot cause I couldn't get my size 13 back. Flinging a roadbike around with your foot flat on the "peg" isn't my idea of a good time.

Secondly....Who in the HELL decided they would paint the very top of the panniers? Even doing my best chuck-norris reverse roundhouse kick, I still scuffed the left side bag twice getting off the thing. I'm 6'5". Had I been a short guy I might have been unable to even get off the thing. I need to take ballet classes apparently. The whole FN bag is unfinished plastic....DUCATI...why did you decide to paint just the top part of the bag that would get contacted by a rider getting off the bike

So - I've figured out how to remedy the center-stand issue. Does anyone make maybe a carbon overlay piece, or something to put on the top of the darn bag to protect it?

I also want to make sure I understand the red switch. I'm supposed to leave it down after shutting the bike off?

BKVR6 · Feb 3rd, 2012, 10:38 pm

Switch is supposed to be up.

You can probably pick up some clear protector film for the bags. I had some on an old bike that I got at an online MC store.

Welcome to the Multi family.

Sock Monkey · Feb 3rd, 2012, 11:39 pm

Congrats on the new toy!

Re. the switch, I leave it up....always.....as in I never move it. I turn the bike on/off with the big rubber-coated switch at the front of the gas tank. No more futzing with the little fighter-jet switch. THAT design was a solution to a problem that didn't exist....

-SM

Fultank · Feb 4th, 2012, 1:21 am

I'm with SM on this one... Leave the red switch up and use the tank ignition button.

As for the kickboxing.... I, at 5'10'', use the front-kick instead of the roundhouse approach. Essential as my Multi is Top-case equipped.

Enjoy your new ride!

drdave39 · Feb 4th, 2012, 6:33 am

Just to add- the centerstand is a frequent source of kvetching

In addition to your accurate observation that it interferes with the left foot, just wait until its time for an oil change- you have to remove it to access the drain plug!!! And of course Ducati used major amounts of Loctite Red to secure it- better have a heat gun handy...

I simply took mine off and use my Pit Bull for chain lubing and oil changes. Several folks on the board have cut down the centerstand arm that interferes with your foot, and I think someone was going to try modifying the plate on the bottom so it could be removed without taking the centerstand off.

Oh well, it wouldn't be a Ducati without some kind of funkiness...

**thelumox** · Feb 4th, 2012, 7:41 am

congrats Theo!

i use the tank button for on/off, don't think i've touched the handlebar switch in over a year.

maybe try some stretching excercises (right leg only). i prefer the foreward ultimate fighter kick.........very difficult with a rainsuit on.

MTScott2 · Feb 4th, 2012, 7:51 am

Yeah that pannier takes a lot of kicking , the demos usually are all marked up , I might have done some scuffing myself!!!
Just don't let it bother you...

You almost (if you are short) have to practice the tae kwon do Move where your nose is almost on the ground then stretch your right leg straight up then over the tall seat and wide bags ... Maybe I'll try the front kick move , a little less dramatic...
Fun bike Enjoy...
Ride safe

DucButter · Feb 4th, 2012, 8:07 am

After owning a few BMW with bags, nice strudy bags, I don't even mind scuffing up the ones on my MTS. Actually makes me feel good cuz they are kind o Pieces O.S . They work OK but I have never been thrilled with them.

**TAftonomos** · Feb 4th, 2012, 9:42 am

Thanks guys! I didn't even know the button was there above the tank...I'll be using that one from now on

Looking for a few bits now, but the bike really doesn't need much:

A color matched (or carbon) chin fairing would be nice.

A belt/jacked protector or even better the entire center tank piece in carbon.

PC the passenger pegs/bracket to match the frame color.

Space the screen out maybe to help with the buffeting....or cut it down?

Lots of searching I have to do

kope999R · Feb 5th, 2012, 4:41 am

just joined the MS 1200 club as well..

a SPort being converted into the ultimate Ducati 25K/yr tourer...