[d3vi@nt]

If it needs saying, I'm sufficiently dissuaded from anything by MV.

The BMW R 1250 RS popped up again on my radar. But at 536 pounds without bags... I'm with @DaveK. Why did Sport Tourers have to become such fatties?

The more I look, the more the MTS appears to be one of the lightest options in this niche. At this point I think I'll focus on trying to resolve the issues that I can with my current ride.

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[iamzombie]

The odd thing is, watching Zack Courts' daily rider video on the Turismo Veloce Lusso, he said it's "almost 510lbs", which isn't exactly what I'd call light-weight for a bike of that size. I'm not sure why everything else I see online says it's much lighter than that? Is it because he has the optional bags on it?

Are his numbers way off?

 

[d3vi@nt]

The odd thing is, watching Zack Courts' daily rider video on the Turismo Veloce Lusso, he said it's "almost 510lbs", which isn't exactly what I'd call light-weight for a bike of that size. I'm not sure why everything else I see online says it's much lighter than that? Is it because he has the optional bags on it?

Are his numbers way off?

Sounds kinda close, depending? The Lusso specs show 439 pounds dry weight. But they don't define "dry". 5.7 gallons of gas puts it at 473. If "dry" also excludes coolant, oil and maybe battery I could see 510 lbs. Bags are standard with the Lusso, so you'd assume they include them in the weight, but hard to say.

 

[iamzombie]

Sounds kinda close, depending? The Lusso specs show 439 pounds dry weight. But they don't define "dry". 5.7 gallons of gas puts it at 473. If "dry" also excludes coolant, oil and maybe battery I could see 510 lbs. Bags are standard with the Lusso, so you'd assume they include them in the weight, but hard to say.

Zack said at the start of that video @2:30 (and a couple other times throughout) that the bags are not included in the price... odd.

 

[d3vi@nt]

Zack said at the start of that video @2:30 (and a couple other times throughout) that the bags are not included in the price... odd.

That is odd. At least a few different sites state that the bags don't come standard with the Rosso, but do with the Lusso and RC. All the 20/21 Lusso's and RC's I've seen advertised at the LV dealer have bags and the Rosso's do not, which sort of confirms that. The '21 Lusso's are all priced at $15k, new from crate with 3-year warranty. Seems like a steal except for all the issue reported here.

 

[iamzombie]

That is odd. At least a few different sites state that the bags don't come standard with the Rosso, but do with the Lusso and RC. All the 20/21 Lusso's and RC's I've seen advertised at the LV dealer have bags and the Rosso's do not, which sort of confirms that. The '21 Lusso's are all priced at $15k, new from crate with 3-year warranty. Seems like a steal except for all the issue reported here.

I dunno, but 15k USD is big bucks for a 500+ lbs, 110hp sport tourer, IMO. Zack's review didn't exactly sell me on it since he said he'd take a BMW XR over the MV (as would I, for that matter lol)

 

[d3vi@nt]

I dunno, but 15k USD is big bucks for a 500+ lbs, 110hp sport tourer, IMO. Zack's review didn't exactly sell me on it since he said he'd take a BMW XR over the MV (as would I, for that matter lol)

Compared to the similar MTS 950S that starts at $17.6k, it looks pretty good. But it also looks like the F 900 XR is pretty comparable to the TV and configured similarly would be about $600 less.

So easy to get into the weeds trying to compare this to that. Add in conflicting information across the web and it becomes an even deeper rabbit hole.

 

[Zemurray]

Keep in mind that the BMW boxer variants carry their weight very low and feel a lot lighter than they are. MY GSA feels 100lbs lighter than it is. Weight down low, and a crank that isnt adding gyroscopic effect, coupled with a different geometry can make a big bike feel very nimble.

 

[knockcrogherypaul]

Keep in mind that the BMW boxer variants carry their weight very low and feel a lot lighter than they are. MY GSA feels 100lbs lighter than it is. Weight down low, and a crank that isnt adding gyroscopic effect, coupled with a different geometry can make a big bike feel very nimble.

The GS family of bikes are supurb at what they do. They are very well crafted and excellently engineered so I understand why so many people have such high opinions of them. I thoroughly enjoyed riding a hired 1250GS around the Picos de Europa last year (big shout out to IMTBike Bilbao). It was only when I had handed it back and was walking away from the garage that I realized that I had absolutely no emotional connection with the bike. For me it was just a machine, admittedly a bloody good machine, but one at the other end of the emotional spectrum from the MV Turismo Veloce. One is a bike you say "till death do us part", the other is an affair of passion that you hope your mother doesn't find out. I suppose I am not quite brave enough or rich enough to keep an MV as a mistress (yet), even though I would sorely love to. On the other hand, I used to think that Ducati was beyond my reach but I now ride the best Sport tourer I have ever ridden!

 

[Zemurray]

I think this is why some of us end up with a garage full of motorcycles.. LOL

 

[ducvet]

Look what just rolled into the shop not running right....
The owner has had enough issues that she might need counseling , she wants to keep it but it is not making it easy to do.

 

[Theducman772]

Look what just rolled into the shop not running right....
The owner has had enough issues that she might need counseling , she wants to keep it but it is not making it easy to do. View attachment 1039594

That is a beautiful bike Eric

 

[d3vi@nt]

Look what just rolled into the shop not running right....

I'd love to hear your thoughts and observations once you've spent some time with it!

 

[brianc]

Look what just rolled into the shop not running right....
The owner has had enough issues that she might need counseling , she wants to keep it but it is not making it easy to do.

These are the kinds of issues that make me certain I would never want to pull the trigger on that kind of bike.. unless I have enough money to buy a 2nd one just to have when the 1st one has an issue that keeps it in the shop for months....

....which means I'd have to have a large enough storage space / warehouse for several bikes - because an MV would never be my sole motorcycle (even now i have 3, but they're all for different applications)....

...so basically we're talking about enough storage space for at least 4 bikes (large tourer, sport-tourer, dual sport, dirt bike) before something like an MV - what I'd like to call a "vanity purchase" bike would be in my garage. It's sad to say but I'd also put a Moto Guzzi in this category, even though they're light years more reliable than the MV bikes, AFAICT.

MV seems to have never gotten over the manufacturing / quality control / reliability problems Ducati had, and improved upon, even before they got bought by Audi. Why ride a bike that punishes you for riding it? They may be great to ride and sound magnificent, and if you get joy out of taking it out of the garage once a month to do a 15-20mi loop to enjoy it and then park it, it may be a great ownership experience. That, or you have family in Italy or can fly to Bologna and speak fluent Italian to work directly w/ the factory yourself to source parts and deal w/ issues, and you also employ a mechanic for the warehouse full of vehicles you own.
Bikes w/ character are magnificent, but I don't consider "hilariously frequent reliability issues" character - not in my garage. All my bikes start up and are rideable.

 

[d3vi@nt]

MV seems to have never gotten over the manufacturing / quality control / reliability problems Ducati had, and improved upon, even before they got bought by Audi. Why ride a bike that punishes you for riding it?

That's kind of where I'm at with Ducati right now. I have two so I have one to ride while the other one is giving me grief.

It's all relative and subjective, but the issues I'm reading about with the newer Duc's doesn't lead me to believe they've gotten over their own issues (fob, fuel sensor to name a few), as well as issues with fueling, stalling, surging, brakes, etc.

Granted, you tend to hear more of those issue in a forum like this. But it still give me pause, particularly at +$15k.

That said, I still have both mine, despite my MTS currently punishing me.

 

[knockcrogherypaul]

These are the kinds of issues that make me certain I would never want to pull the trigger on that kind of bike.. unless I have enough money to buy a 2nd one just to have when the 1st one has an issue that keeps it in the shop for months....

....which means I'd have to have a large enough storage space / warehouse for several bikes - because an MV would never be my sole motorcycle (even now i have 3, but they're all for different applications)....

...so basically we're talking about enough storage space for at least 4 bikes (large tourer, sport-tourer, dual sport, dirt bike) before something like an MV - what I'd like to call a "vanity purchase" bike would be in my garage. It's sad to say but I'd also put a Moto Guzzi in this category, even though they're light years more reliable than the MV bikes, AFAICT.

MV seems to have never gotten over the manufacturing / quality control / reliability problems Ducati had, and improved upon, even before they got bought by Audi. Why ride a bike that punishes you for riding it? They may be great to ride and sound magnificent, and if you get joy out of taking it out of the garage once a month to do a 15-20mi loop to enjoy it and then park it, it may be a great ownership experience. That, or you have family in Italy or can fly to Bologna and speak fluent Italian to work directly w/ the factory yourself to source parts and deal w/ issues, and you also employ a mechanic for the warehouse full of vehicles you own.
Bikes w/ character are magnificent, but I don't consider "hilariously frequent reliability issues" character - not in my garage. All my bikes start up and are rideable.

If I was only interested in machines that work first time every time, I would drive a Honda. While I respect that reliability is an important consideration for some people you have to remember that at the end of the day we are talking about motor bikes, a topic where normal common sense must be suspended.

 

[medobson153]

The love for my MTS is beginning to fade. Between the persistent clutch issue, flaky fob, flaky rear brake, flaky fuel gauge and wind issues, it's really starting to lose its luster. Aside from that, it's a bit larger of a bike than I want, ideally. If everything were working properly and it was 100 pounds lighter it would be about perfect.

I took my '98 ST2 out yesterday. It had been relegated to second place in favor of the comfort of the MTS until its clutch went awol. The ST is a fun ride. So much more visceral, nimble and responsive than the MTS, but just not comfortable for me for more than 2 hours. And while everything works perfectly it lacks those things the MTS brings to the table; electronic suspension, decent lighting, twice the power, heated grips, power outlets, etc. etc.

Which brings me to alternatives in the Sport Touring or ADV Touring niches. I'm just not interested in the Asian bikes --I don't care for the Transformer aesthetics, nor the soulless ride. I looked at the newer SuperSports, but the semi-rigid non-locking bags are a deal breaker for me and I have a feeling the ergos would still give me some trouble. Finally, I just can't drop $20+k on anything, regardless.

The MV has always piqued my interest and the aesthetics are second to none for me. Features seem to be on par with my MTS, but at 421 pounds, it's 150 pounds lighter and 1" lower saddle height, making it much less cumbersome. It makes 40 less HP, but torque is pretty similar (80 Nm versus 87). $15k for a new 2021 model with a 3-year warranty seems pretty reasonable

Now for the stupid parts; there's only one dealer in the entire state of CO and they never have any MV bikes on the floor. I'd be surprised if their mechanics work on any on a regular basis and they're about 60 miles away. I'd be buying sight-unseen from a dealer in Vegas and having it shipped. And aftermarket support

Any thoughts? I'm particularly interested to hear from any current or former MV owners out there.

Seems like we have the same bike. Mine a 2014. I get the rear brake issue, the fuel gauge is an industry problem that includes BMW. So it’s not a Ducati problem. I agree the MV is a quality product. It’s no Multistrada with Skyhook. I don’t know what your clutch problem is, Have never heard of it. The flaky FOB is annoying, it is usually resolved by placing the FOB on the antenna ring behind the headlight. As far as the windshield or noise is concerned I fixed that with an add on spoiler on top of the stock GT shield. And in hot weather I put on the very short shield.
I don’t think there is a bike like the Multi. I’m on my second 2014 now and still in love. All I want with my Multistrada is a quick shifter, cruise control and for that Brunette sales girl from the La Ducati Dealer to ride on the back and hold on tight! What was her name again?

 

[medobson153]

The love for my MTS is beginning to fade. Between the persistent clutch issue, flaky fob, flaky rear brake, flaky fuel gauge and wind issues, it's really starting to lose its luster. Aside from that, it's a bit larger of a bike than I want, ideally. If everything were working properly and it was 100 pounds lighter it would be about perfect.

I took my '98 ST2 out yesterday. It had been relegated to second place in favor of the comfort of the MTS until its clutch went awol. The ST is a fun ride. So much more visceral, nimble and responsive than the MTS, but just not comfortable for me for more than 2 hours. And while everything works perfectly it lacks those things the MTS brings to the table; electronic suspension, decent lighting, twice the power, heated grips, power outlets, etc. etc.

Which brings me to alternatives in the Sport Touring or ADV Touring niches. I'm just not interested in the Asian bikes --I don't care for the Transformer aesthetics, nor the soulless ride. I looked at the newer SuperSports, but the semi-rigid non-locking bags are a deal breaker for me and I have a feeling the ergos would still give me some trouble. Finally, I just can't drop $20+k on anything, regardless.

The MV has always piqued my interest and the aesthetics are second to none for me. Features seem to be on par with my MTS, but at 421 pounds, it's 150 pounds lighter and 1" lower saddle height, making it much less cumbersome. It makes 40 less HP, but torque is pretty similar (80 Nm versus 87). $15k for a new 2021 model with a 3-year warranty seems pretty reasonable

Now for the stupid parts; there's only one dealer in the entire state of CO and they never have any MV bikes on the floor. I'd be surprised if their mechanics work on any on a regular basis and they're about 60 miles away. I'd be buying sight-unseen from a dealer in Vegas and having it shipped. And aftermarket support

Any thoughts? I'm particularly interested to hear from any current or former MV owners out there.

I also picked up a used 2005 BMW R1200ST with luggage as a backup bike and I would suggest you do something like that. It keeps me happy because I have an alternate bike that can substitute for the Multistrada at anytime. Gives me variety and keeps them both feeling like fresh air. In case you were wondering, the Multistrada is more comfortable.

 

[strubes250@gmail.com]

In recent years I have owned a MTS 1200s , a ninja 100 sx, and a BMW R1200rs, all with factory luggage. They were all nice bikes, each with their own strengths. The Ninja and BMW are within one or two lbs. of each other at 521 wet. I am down to just the BMW now, as it was clearly my favorite. It's a 2016, with the premium package. The electronics and suspension are the best for me. The ergos, with bar risers, and a puig screen are also good for me, and the stock saddle is far better than the others. Longer wheelbase than the ninja makes it much more stable at high speed. Slightly down on HP compared with the others is not a factor, as the low end torque and kwickshifter take care of that. I am old and broken, and it does not feel heavy at all to me. Just got back from some serious twisties in the smoky mts., where it handled itself beautifully. Just my opinion, but reconsider an RS.

 

[brianc]

If I was only interested in machines that work first time every time, I would drive a Honda. While I respect that reliability is an important consideration for some people you have to remember that at the end of the day we are talking about motor bikes, a topic where normal common sense must be suspended.

This is a zero-sum point, and I disagree. It's not one or the other, it's a sliding scale, and Ducati's place on the scale is right at my acceptable level, IMHO. A bike can have character AND be reliable - and Ducati's doing a great job of merging those two together.
BMW and KTM also have "character issues" but MV is in a whole other league. I wouldn't presume to say "never buy one" to anyone, but if someone is looking for a straight swap from a Multistrada that they enjoy sport touring on, that MV TV is not a great choice. I would never ride it outside of my towing coverage area, haha.