[Guest]

I recently acquired an interest on the multistrada,as it is the type of motorcycle that I've been riding for a while.I currently own a 2002 Suzuki Vstrom,and recently sold a 2003 bmw k1200rs.My strom has 36k on the clock and the beemer was sold with 20k.I'm a long distance rider and I usually clock between 25-30k/year.
A dealer within 50 miles of my home has a couple of 2005's in stock,but I'm particularly interested on the s,as I think that the top notch suspension is well worth the msrp difference.He's asking $13.200 for the s and $11400 for the ds.Is this a good deal or can I do better? the difference on the 06 s is only $750....another item that has kept me away from the ducatis is the frequent valve adjustments,has this issue gotten better? how difficult is to adjust them myself? I like to do all my maintenance,for the most part to insure that the work gets performed,and to avoid the inconvenience of dropping off the bike at the dealer and picking it up afterwards.
Does ducati allow test rides? or is up to the dealer?
That's all for now folks! any clarification on these issues would be greatly appreciated,by a guy only 5'8'' tall, but not intimidated by the 33.5' high saddle.
Ride safe!

 

[dartfrog]

You should definetly get a lower price for the 05's.
I paid 10.7 for mine (not S) with a bunch of extras.

These 2-valve air-cooled motors are not as pricey service wise as the others. However on the MTS the seat/fuel pod needs to come off for most motor valve service.
The valve checks (not adjustment) are done at every @6.2K then major service at [email protected] Major includes new belts.
DNA was having a promotion for free service for the first 2 years I'm not sure if it expired or not.
Most service such as lubes and tires can be easily performed at home. DO not attempt the valve adjustment unless you have been schooled first and I believe there might be some special tool(s) required too. The 599 page service manual on cd is available for just asking if you know the right folks

If your dealer has several 05's of both models left over definetly get him to budge on price or throw in some deal like the first two service checks for free and a 15-20% discount on all future parts and accessory purchases. See what he'll do for you on panniers.
Why spend more for an 06 when there has been no change.
Ducati should let you test ride. If not, he's a dick and explains why he has leftovers on the floor.

I am 5'-8" also. I had the short-shit rear link installed as part of my purchase. It's lowered about 1".
Where are you located?

Ride safe

 

[vduc]

I'm a whooping 5'-7" the seat height isn't an issue.

I've never done the valve adjust because I've typically had good dealers in the area. With the right tools, instruction (good manual: www.desmotimes.com/, aftermarket shims: www.emsduc.com), and patients it probably isn't that bad. I do most everything else myself without issue.

If the dealer has `05 around he better want to deal. Test rides are the dealer's call unless Ducati has provided demo, which they some times do. My Multi was actually the dealer demo bike.

 

[Guest]

still considering a multistrada

Thanks for your help guys! I'll have to corner this dealer and beat him down real harddddd!!!!!!
Anyway,I'm in Pennsylvania 5 miles east of Reading.
Stay tuned!

 

[loony888]

hey dartfrog,
i too am considering a multistrada and as i'm only 5'3" i'd like to know if you have the part number for the shorter rear linkage? i have ridden one and loved it, i could touch the ground, but only just so if lowering is an option i'll be definitely buying one.
cheers,
paul.

 

[Chuckracer]

I was at a Duc dealer today and was looking over the Multistrada's again...I really like these things!

 

[loony888]

tell me about it! my dealer loaned me one while my S4R was getting serviced, now i bloody want one don't i !!

 

[dartfrog]

hey dartfrog,
i too am considering a multistrada and as i'm only 5'3" i'd like to know if you have the part number for the shorter rear linkage? i have ridden one and loved it, i could touch the ground, but only just so if lowering is an option i'll be definitely buying one.
cheers,
paul.

I had the lower link put in when I bought mine. It will bringit down about an inch. The dealer should quickly get you a Pn#