[jbcaddy]

I'd skip the termi's. they are not much lighter, add no power, but do sound better. several other brands can save pounds of weight and do add some power when the bike is tuned to match. you can get a full system for what your termi cans cost and get rid of the blob under the swingarm at the same time. I've attatched a shot of a Remus clad Multi so you can see the difference.

 

[earlhubbard]

jbcaddy,

Thank you.

What do you think about the full Termi package? The reason I ask is that our Seattle dealer likes to install Termi's.

I'm currently in Dutch Harbor (Aleutians) working for a few days and not able to get to the Ducati dealer to pursue such questions.

I'm trying to know what I need/want so that when I get home next week I can just go buy the bike and not fuss unnecessarily.

I have read that Termi's also come as a package called "with cat bypass." Does that mean the blob under the swingarm is replaced with pipe?

Earl

 

[jbcaddy]

well, I wish i was out there on those islands with you. I have had a facination with them since I was a kid reading old national geographics. I can remember some photos of ww2 airplanes being buldozed into a ditch after the war. got to be something that hasn't rusted/corroded away worth hauling out. I could probably add a few birds to my list also, but it may still be a bit early for that.

yea, the cat bypass will eliminate the blob. I didn't get a taller screen because my dealer said that as tall as I am, it would only cause buffeting. better to have the blast hit me in the upper chest. on one bike I had, the buffeting would jerk my head around like someone was slapping me on the side of the helmet. I'm 6'2".

 

[earlhubbard]

jbcaddy ,

I grew up in Southeast Alaska and have lived out on Aleutian Chain (Dutch Harbor area). You are not wrong about artifacts and, as well, the undeniable experience of American history.

There are few, if any, other American continental soils bombed during any war. Japanese occupation of Kiska and other Islands on the chain was quite real and typically underestimated (strategy and significance) by modern authors. The Islands, themselves, are starkly beautiful with weather often nothing less than outrageous. Both sides (Americans and Japanese) suffered far more troop deaths due to extreme weather than bombs or bullets combined (not even close). I would guess that both sides, in the end, would argue that the Aleutians would have been better left to the Aleuts. The Russian/Aleut connection by the way is also very interesting in terms of culture, trading, occupation and historical prevalence.

Anyway, I am a vice president of the largest seafood company operating in the Western United States and would be happy to help you visit the area if you are serious. If you are a birder you would, of course, be thrilled at the species you would not likely see elsewhere...

I have an excellent library on Alaska and could recommend any number of publications.

I returned to Seattle last night having been stormed in at Dutch Harbor for three days before giving up on going to Akutan Island where we have a fish processing plant (the largest in the world).

Motorcycles: I thank you kindly for your thoughts on the Ducati. I’m going to buy the 1000S DS. The dealer told me that they may not be able to get a 2006 model (red), but that the 2007 models may be out this June. Now I don’t know what to do. I don’t actually need the bike, I just want one. I can wait it out if needed.

Have you heard of any changes to the 2007 model? The dealer offered no idea.

I’ll probably get the heated grips also. I plan to ship the bike to Anchorage and ride it from there to Prudue Bay this fall with my brothers on their bikes (after the mosquitos taper off!).

Earl

 

[Guest]

an alternative

What is your riding experience? Have you ridden sport bikes before?
I might suggest getting a 620 Multistrada and buy the Ducati Paniers(spelling? ). Don't spend 20000.00 dollars . You will have just as much fun with this bike as with the bigger one. Of course you could wait until the 07's are out and purchase one with a 695 CC engine. It has 10 more horsepower. Which is enough to scare you! A perfect bike to learn on or in my case (I just bought a 620) and it is so much more fun than what I had before. A better riders seat would be nice. Not much else comes to my mind. Ride this for 2-3 years maintain it properly take good care of it and have a blast...Not a Buell Blast Lol...... fun a lot of fun. You will either want to move up or maybe you wont.

Best wishes
Damien

 

[earlhubbard]

Damien,

Thanks.

My only experience on motorcycles was riding/racing dirt bikes – constantly - while growing up in Alaska (2-stroke 125s and 250s) twenty years ago. I also had a Honda 500CX for awhile but moved on preferring cars on pavement after high School.

I have several friends who own 650 V-Stroms for commuting and they like them - very practical but, well, they don't really do anything for me blood-wise.

The BMW 1200GS is another bike that looks good to me (given my intended use) but, again, for a reason I can't exactly put my finger on, they don't really appeal to me either.

I'd like to know why you picked the 650 over the 1000?

It’s a little embarrassing but, for me, I think the whole "S" package along with long-term ownership nudged me towards the 1000S. To be honest, and subsequently vain, egotistical and arguably unpractical, the 1000s has an appeal all its own without real good explanation….

When have you heard the 2007s will be out? Are there changes that you expect to the 1000S also? I ask because the 695 does sound really good and I would like to avoid spending so much money on a motorcycle. What is not in the balance is a motorcycle, even if less expensive, which lacks appeal and rides without thrill.

My renewed interest in motorcycles honestly makes me feel like a kid again while, in fact, I am not! It sounds funny but I use to have to build up my own dirt bikes and keep them going on a “shoestring” budget. I’ll never forget having to steal and make parts from what ever I could get my hands on just to compete. Now, twenty something years later, I can afford about anything and my only reservations are that I don’t spend money stupidly – which may be your point and I am listening.

Damien, I thank you for your comments.

Earl.

 

[Guest]

Reason for 620

Earl really I just offered the possibility of a 620 as perhaps a less expensive yet satisfactory performance for a good deal less money.
On the otherhand I perfectly understand your wanting the S version of the 1000 DS. Really when you consider all you get for what you pay it is an awesome deal. It may not be cheap but I can tell your not into cheap. When I bought my 620 I just didn't have the funds without going into dept to buy the 1000 S DS. Or for that matter the DS 1000. At the the dealer that I bought my bike(it was my second bike purchase from them) They did have an 05 brand spanking new for $11995.00 with side paniers and top case included. I think it is still there. It is not the S model but what a deal!
To continue on why I chose the 620 over and above the 1000 is a health issue. It matters a great deal how much the bike weighs and the position that I sit is paramount in my decision. Both are comfortable but really the 620 being about 30lbs less and 1 inch less seat height made a difference as far as comfort. We are all different in our heighth weight and our inseam. I am nearly 6 ' 2" but I have a shorter inseam than most people have for that heighth. Again as I said earlier my financial situation did not permit me to buy the bigger bike. Truth is I wouldn't have bought it anyway because the 620 fits me better. By the way the name of that dealership is BMW Ducati of Oklahoma City. Their phone number is 405-943=2691. Just ask for sales if you want to look into that new 05 MS DS 1000. Tell them Jan told you to call.
Best wishes Earl I agree that getting back into biking is a lot of fun. I am 54 years old and I got back into it 7 years ago with the purchase of a new 1999 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic. It is my wifes bike now.

Damien

 

[dartfrog]

I'd appreciate some feedback.
I'm new to the forum...

Looking to buy a new (2006) Multistrada 1000s DS in Seattle.
Commuter/weekend use.

The package so far:

Ducati brand hard side bags. * Good
Ducati brand touring windscreen. * Good. You should look into a helmet w/good aero qualities and earplugs
Ducati brand comfort seat (gel). * Dont waste your $$ the stocker is fine. If you upgrade get the Seargent brand for like 3 bills. I have the 05 set on mine and good for all day.
Dealer installed Termi (i assume without the full package; only $1,250.00).
* Big waste of $$ for not a lot of gain. I,m sticking with the stocker for alittle while longer. If & when I do it will be the SilMotor

I actually prefer black but will probably go with red for visibility (safety).

The dealer suggested that I consider some kind of "slave" installation to help ease the stiff clutch for commuter use (easier on the front paw).
*The Eviluzione brand I installed. A slight improvement.

An important question: Are the instrument fuel guage issues solved ("when the gas gets low you will not know") on the 2006 models? As well, is the instrument display still subjet to moisture?

The Ducati dealer told of a GPS sold in Europe which comes with wire harness and mounts designed especially for the Multi but not available in the US... *screw the gps, get an Escort radar detector instead your gonna need it more often!

What am I missing? *Hugger. The DP one is worthless in coverage. Get one from www.streetfightersbydesign.com

*Also get the heated grips.

Well, thats it then, please do offer your thoughts.

I'm 5'11'' at 220 lbs.

Earl

Ride safe!

 

[jbcaddy]

there are aftermarket heated grips that are much cheaper than DP. I believe the website is Dualstar. I have not put them on yet, but plan to do so. I was going to put them on this year, but it was a busy rainy winter and I didn't do enough riding to worry about cold hands. another mod is to put KTM hand guards on. I havn't price the difference, but again, anything by DP is rather pricey. another second vote for a rear hugger, since it sounds like you may be on some gravel roads, the shock would last longer without the dirt and sand being thrown on it. I did 15 or so miles of dirt road yesterday and each time I feel guilty that i have not purchased a hugger yet.
I can't give any personal experience about the 620, but the dealer that I go to said that he really likes it. I too think longingly about the Ohlins on the S, but today i rode with a bunch of folks that were all on sport bikes. the smallest was an 800 supersport, the bunch included 749, 999, 900rr, repsol replica, Mamola replica beemer, ect. I am happy to say that I was right in there with them. what a blast! I probably would not have been any faster on an S, but......


as to visiting the islands, when is the best time to do so? I'm ready for an adventure.

 

[21023]

Hi Earl,

First, good for you for picking the Multi! Great bike that makes you smile!

I am thinking all of that is a little bit pricey. I paid around $14k for my bike...the rest of that gear is not worth $5-6K.

I am not a big Termi's fan for the Multi. I like twin pipes as they look cleaner. I do recommend new headers. Mine made a huge difference in how the bike feels. Headers will run 6 bills or so.

A new screen should cost you $100 or so. I have a Zero Gravity Double Bubble that works pretty well. No screen on a Multi will give you total protection. If you want wind protection you might want to look at an ST instead.

I find the seat to be fine for all day. They made changes starting in '05 to make it more comfortable.

Do you need the side bags? I have a top case and it holds two large helmets in it. I think it cost under $400.

I would ride it around for a while first then decide on what to get. Just doing the quick math and that does not sound like a good deal at all.

My $0.00000002

james

 

[21023]

jbcaddy ,

I grew up in Southeast Alaska and have lived out on Aleutian Chain (Dutch Harbor area). You are not wrong about artifacts and, as well, the undeniable experience of American history.

There are few, if any, other American continental soils bombed during any war. Japanese occupation of Kiska and other Islands on the chain was quite real and typically underestimated (strategy and significance) by modern authors. The Islands, themselves, are starkly beautiful with weather often nothing less than outrageous. Both sides (Americans and Japanese) suffered far more troop deaths due to extreme weather than bombs or bullets combined (not even close). I would guess that both sides, in the end, would argue that the Aleutians would have been better left to the Aleuts. The Russian/Aleut connection by the way is also very interesting in terms of culture, trading, occupation and historical prevalence.

Anyway, I am a vice president of the largest seafood company operating in the Western United States and would be happy to help you visit the area if you are serious. If you are a birder you would, of course, be thrilled at the species you would not likely see elsewhere...

I have an excellent library on Alaska and could recommend any number of publications.

I returned to Seattle last night having been stormed in at Dutch Harbor for three days before giving up on going to Akutan Island where we have a fish processing plant (the largest in the world).

Motorcycles: I thank you kindly for your thoughts on the Ducati. I’m going to buy the 1000S DS. The dealer told me that they may not be able to get a 2006 model (red), but that the 2007 models may be out this June. Now I don’t know what to do. I don’t actually need the bike, I just want one. I can wait it out if needed.

Have you heard of any changes to the 2007 model? The dealer offered no idea.

I’ll probably get the heated grips also. I plan to ship the bike to Anchorage and ride it from there to Prudue Bay this fall with my brothers on their bikes (after the mosquitos taper off!).

Earl

Earl, do you have "North of the Sun" Memoir by Fred Hatfield in your Alaskain book collection?

 

[earlhubbard]

Thank you all so much.

Really.

This forum has made all the truthing difference to me. I just bought the 1000s with DC hard side bags and hand warmers/guards today. I am considering the Termi's still. Apparently the dealer recommended "kit" will cost approximately $1800.00 which they are all hyped up on. It will take a few days for the bike to ship here and set up. I should have it delivered to my office by next Friday.

jbcaddy: late summer/fall for the Aleutians, no question. Contact me via email and we can talk/plan further.

Jbouque: No, I don’t have North of the Sun! Do tell......

Earl

 

[21023]

Thank you all so much.

Really.

This forum has made all the truthing difference to me. I just bought the 1000s with DC hard side bags and hand warmers/guards today. I am considering the Termi's still. Apparently the dealer recommended "kit" will cost approximately $1800.00 which they are all hyped up on. It will take a few days for the bike to ship here and set up. I should have it delivered to my office by next Friday.

jbcaddy: late summer/fall for the Aleutians, no question. Contact me via email and we can talk/plan further.

Jbouque: No, I don’t have North of the Sun! Do tell......

Earl

Congrats on going fwd with the 1000s Earl!! Lots of Fun there no doubt.
Re: North of the Sun; Fred Hatfield simply heads out from Maine to AK after High School, (during the Great Depression yrs) won't spoil the read for ya just that it will cover the War, the big 60's quake, something on John Shipton sp?, lot's of interesting human/nature/animal behavior stuff he witnessed, a take matters into your own hands thriller, and much much more, all contained in a small paperback book. I couldn't put it down. Fred has amongst many other desirable traits, a gifted sense for putting words to paper (story telling). I lent my book to a 80 yr old active dual sport rider (actually has like 5 or 6 bikes) rides most every day! He's seen and done a lot in life...well he was very pleased and related to Fred's memoir. I hope to get back up to visit this guy either late May or June on my ST3. If I return with the book in hand I'll pm ya and mail it to you unless of course you can easily locate one. Hell if I was not in dire straits (a little over the top there) I'll love to personally deliver the book via ST3. Well no worries mate' you'll be plenty busy havin tons of fun on that Multi. Cheers

 

[John]

I tried to follow that group JB was talking about in my truck, no way. I don't have a multi but I like them more and more. A very practical and surprisingly fit motorcycle. I would love to ride one at the track, especially one well sorted with Ohlins or Penske rear shock with revalved and worked forks in the front. I do like the black model.

If you are interested in a GPS unit I saw one posted in our local Craigslist.com for sale. I recall it was a DP unit for Multistradas (any year) retailing at $1600, but the owner is selling it for $330! Sounds like a smokin deal to me. Our Craigslist is fantastic, mostly due to the fact the San Francisco Bay area and Northern California is a big Ducati market. I bought two Ducatis off Craigslist. The GPS ad was just posted yesterday, so I just visited the sight and emailed the owner (on your behalf) to ask if the unit was still for sale. If you don't buy it, JB might!

I just bought some diecast Ducatis from Seattle Ducati. The owner Dave Roosevelt posts here but he mostly hangs out on Speedzilla, hes a moderator there I believe. Maybe you ought to give him a call, hes a nice guy. I met him last year on my way through Seattle on business, he gave me a tour of the store and a free T-shirt.

 

[jbcaddy]

friday I stopped in at Monroe motors if S.F. talking to them about the termi's for the multi, I had my opinion reinforced. they look the same a stock with the exception of carbon covers around the two round machine guns. save little or no weight and add no power. they do give more of the sound that we all love. I'd recomend Arrow, Remus, or just about anything else with lighter weight and more power potential.

I'm currently touring about nor Calif. hitting many back roads and much of the north coast. the winter rains really did bad things to ALL of the roads I have been on. my buddy on his yamaha FJ was just about beat to pulp. I've been having a blast. I will admit to hating the mirrors, and even the gell seat on my '03 is giving my behind a workout after three long days. might have to go aftermarket.

JB

 

[earlhubbard]

1000s DS: What a bike!

Now then, exhaust; full Termi?

The dealer still likes the full Termi set....

What do you all think? Worth it or NOT?

The Termi slip-ons only don’t really make sense given whats already been said (thank you jbcaddy).

Is anything else clearly-more-worth-it, or, for the money, clearly the better choice?

My dealer will give me full warranty (five years) with the full Termi....I'm not as sure with the other brands.

jbcaddy: (206) 853-2579 - Aleutians.

Earl

 

[GoatBoy]

>> I have the full Termi System, with the Chip, Air Intake and Cams and it is GREAT!!! SALT LAKE MOTORSPORTS PUT IT ON THEIR DYNO and it produced 100hp. With this system the bike runs smooth and solid. Gas milage is about the same as it was stock.

>> I LOVE THIS BIKE!!! :yeah: It is great for local riding as well as long distance touring.

>> Goat Boy

 

[SteveBerde]

I'll try to respond to your questions - if you're going to tour get the bags, if not you don't need them. I have them and only use them once a year when I go on a ten day trip to Laguna Seca. Normally I throw a waterproof bag on the back and am content with that. Of course, that's personal.

I have the 06 stock seat, don't feel the need for the gel. Bear in mind owners complain the gel gets very HOT in the sun and will burn your buns. You can always put the gel seat on later, same with the taller comfort windscreen. '

As for the pipes, I have the Termi slip ons which do come with a chip and air box mod. I also have the Staintune header system. Again, your choice. Termis are fine - they are not overly loud and to my thinking look the best of all aftermarket pipes. Again personal opinion.

As for the other items, again personal choice. A guy your size would be better with the 1000 than the 620 in my opinion. Let's face we there is no substitue for displacement.

Buy it, you'll love the bike. I think red is the best color too. As for Ducati Seattle - they are great guys and will treat you right. Enjoy it and ride it - you can always work.

I'm 66 and love the bike. It's a thrill every time I ride it.

Steve Berde
Spokane

 

[Lambo]

Dave @ Seattle Ducati is a good guy, he will steer you right. I have an '04, put on the Termi's with air box mod & chip, it was better but not great.... then I put on an Arrow mid pipe. That made a huge difference and really woke up the bike. Lots of choices with the exhaust but look into a mid pipe without the big bulge. Also, with the Termi cans I went inside and started removing the ceramic wool 10' at a time from each side of the can, you can adjust the back pressure/exhaust tone/volume & move the torque curve around a bit. It just takes a bit of time and some pop rivets. Enjoy your MTS, mine still makes me laugh inside my helmet...great fun.