[_Minute_]

Good afternoon all,

After losing my K bike to a deer strike two weeks ago, I test rode a 2019 Multistrada S Touring this morning. It is a demo bike with only 27 miles on it. We rode through a number of suburban roads never getting beyond third gear and 60 mph. While I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, my one concern was significant seat vibration at about 5k rpm. The vibration occurred in each gear and would disappear if I pulled the clutch. No vibration in footpegs or handlebar but so annoying in the seat that I'm debating now to buy or not. I discussed it with the sales associate after the ride and he suggested it smooths out significantly on the highway.

My question is whether or not this is typical to the bike and considering this is the first time I've been on a Ducati, is it a concern or not?

Thanks in advance!

 

[fipenna]

Hi @_Minute_ ,

I currently have a Multi 950S and had a 2014 1200S before this one, and never experienced something I felt out of the ordinary. The 1260 engine is an evolution of the 1200DVT that has smoothed a very strong vibration below 2500-3000rpms, but above that range it's not known or famous for an extra-vibrating bike to a modern v-twin. Things I have noticed to smooth out after brake in were:

• finding neutral, big time improvement
• quick-shifter (on the 950)

If by "K bike" you're referring to the BMW 4-cylinder inline bikes, correct? If so, even modern V-Twins will still likely vibrate significantly more than any 4-cyl inline engine.... nothing to be compared to a HD, but still more than a L4.

Is there another Multi 1260S in the dealer for you to test? It can be an used 2018, another 2019 (used or new) or a 2020 demo, they are all the same bike. I'd test another one and compare.

 

[_Minute_]

Thanks for the input fipenna. Actually my K bike was the 1600 GTL...uber smooth powerplant I think I will test ride at a second location the dealer has and make some comparisons. Was also going to push for a highway ride.

 

[toeslider]

Never ever going to be that smooth. Inline triples are the smoothest engines, between a twin and an inline-4, that I have ridden. I've never ridden any twin:v-60, v-90, V-4 or boxers that I thought were anywhere close to smooth, compared to inlines.

 

[_Minute_]

Toeslider, I realized that going in and for the most part, the ride was comfortably smooth. But the seat vibration was so bad in that narrow range that in just several minutes, my bottom parts were becoming painfully numb. Cant believe that's normal but have read some issues with loose engine mounts.

 

[Motozen]

For perspective, go test one of the first few years S1000XR's. At 6K rpm it will loosen your fillings and make your butt and wrists numb in no time, although it is an exception for inlines. That said, as others have pointed out, twins vibrate.
Also for perspective, get out of the suburbs, get it over 7k rpm wfo and row through the gears with the DQS....bet you won't be thinking about the vibration anymore ;-}

 

[Tamworth]

Toeslider, I realized that going in and for the most part, the ride was comfortably smooth. But the seat vibration was so bad in that narrow range that in just several minutes, my bottom parts were becoming painfully numb. Cant believe that's normal but have read some issues with loose engine mounts.

Seat vibration should be minimal, I suggest trying another demo somewhere else as you suggested.

 

[PilotAlan]

I have a 2016 1200S DVT, and the 1260 is supposed to be MORE smooth than the DVT.
I have never experienced annoying vibration, and frequently cruise on at 85mph.
It's not buttery smooth like the Goldwing, but it's never presented intrusive vibration. I'd ride another and check it.

EDIT: You said it's ONLY in the seat. I'd be willing to bet something under the seat is loose and generating a harmonic vibration. It's hard to imagine such an intrusive vibration from the engine that did not carry to the bars or pegs.

I have to say that I love the Multistrada. It's an amazing bike. When in tour mode, it rides about as nice as my Goldwing. In Sport, it's as much fun as a sportbike. I've never ridden such a flexible, soulful, engaging bike.

 

[porkrind]

It is super easy to install the seat wrong, misaligning the brackets. And the pieces to change the seat height can be installed wrong too. worth checking that out. My 1200 DVT is not without that twin character, but I’ve never had any issues with seat buzzing. What speed/rpm/gear are you talking about?

 

[iamzombie]

My 2017 S1000R still had quite a lot of vibrations through the bars, (even though they added rubber dampers that year)

I don't even notice the vibrations much on my Multistrada TBH. But it's a fairly big twin, so expecting it to be silky smooth is a bit unrealistic, IMO.

 

[DarR]

@_Minute_ I think the guys have accurately replied to your comment. A four cylinder will always be smoother than a twin. As a wrap, I can only add that your point of reference going from a heavy 750 lb wet to 500 lb is also exacerbating the differences. Heck, the Multistrada is a "Sport Touring" bike with the emphasis on the "Sport" side.

 

[t-bills]

I had a K16 as a loaner for 3 weeks/2000 miles. I will say that I6 is the smoothest motor I’ve ever experienced. I think any twin is going to be more vibey than it by a substantial amount. Everything is relevant. If I sat on a Harley, I’d be saying about it what you are saying about the Multi. It might not be the bike for you.

 

[1811SAR]

Ride a 950 and a 1260 back to back... Not knowing how much kit you carry, the 950 may be all you need and the open road is going to be much different that your 3rd gear try-out was... Get your second opinion. Good Luck, G

 

[alrockaz]

It was sort of a shock going from my Triumph with it's triple to this big twin. The Multi felt unrefined in comparison but I just put that aside and enjoyed everything else and got used to the different feel. That said, for five minutes last week it had a really weird vibration - fast, like a massager but a lot less comfortable. It went away after a few minutes and that's the only time it's ever appeared in 8000 miles of riding.

 

[TXSailor]

1. I am privileged to own a 2014 BMW K1600GTL (Inline 6) , a 2016 BMW S1000XR ( inline 4), AND a 2016 1200 Ducati Multistrada 1200S (L twin).. I ride each of them between 5,000 & 6,000 miles a year so I have (IMHO) a good basis to make comments between them. First off the 1600GTL is warm butter smooth. No engine vibration felt at any speed. PERIOD. It's my benchmark for all other vibrations. The S1000XR inline 4 is next in line but it did (& still does) vibrate ( in the handlebars mostly) especially when I first got it. Heavier bar end weights, a bar brace and mileage made the vibration improve dramatically. It is now in the acceptable range and doe snot put any parts of my anatomy to sleep. The Ducati twin has a natural vibration to it. It is not objectionable and has decreased as I put more mile on it but............I have never felt vibration in any of these bikes in the seat/saddle. The MTS seat is not all that comfortable after about 300 miles (unlike the K1600GTL) and I have a Corbon on my S1000XR..

I suggest that IF there is a seat vibration you feel on the MTS then it is likley specific to that particular bike so test ride another one. I have a Rapid Bike ECU module, Rapid Bike Quick Shifter, Akrapovic Headers with Termi slip-on, and all manner of other goodies on the Multi. It is a great bike but I own and ride all three because they are all entirely different bikes and should not be compared to each other as they are NOT apples to Apples ( IMHO ).

Cheers, D

 

[Waccou]

I have a 2017 MTS1200S, granted not the 1260, but rode it from New Orleans to Montreal over an 7 day period and could've stayed on the thing for another 7 days. Most comfortable bike I've ever ridden especially for long distance trips. Have never experienced any seat vibration like you are describing. Although when I took it from the dealer ship someone had zip tied the charcoal canister emissions vent tube to the frame so tight it choked it off. This caused a rather significant vacuum pressure to build up in the tank and the engine self adjusted to run at a not so perfect mixture and was revving very high. It would "jump" into gear and was like i was on a rodeo horse waiting to be let loose. I was reassured by the dealer that "that is just how Ducati's idle and run." (yeah we have all been there when the dealer tries to convince you that you don't know what you are talking about). Anyways, I knew it wasn't right and eventually discovered the issue. As soon as I clipped the zip tie i could hear air being pulled into the canister and after that and some time riding it for the computer to auto adjust itself it started running and acting so much smoother. Might be something to look at next time you go in to that dealer. It is a little drain hose coming off the bottom of the charcoal can - that just bundled to the frame nearby, make sure its not choked off. Just my 2 cents. (oh and I eventually took the whole charcoal canister off (number of different ways to easily do that and shown on the various forums) and my perception is that engine and tank vacuum pressure and cold starting improved after doing that.

 

[Fearless]

Do another demo ride and let us know your thoughts afterwards!