Wanna buy » Conundrum: Should I swap VFR750 for MTS???

[russelpo]

This forum is fantastic! You folks are the perfect group – informed, experienced and passionate – to help me with my conundrum…

I’ll get to the point, and then I’ll explain, for those that don’t want to read the blather.

What are the compelling reasons to trade in my ’94 VFR750 for an MTS?

The background: I’ve been riding sport bikes for ~15yrs. I’ve owned the VFR for 7 yrs. I’ve loved it. However, I’ve ridden it less & less in the last few yrs. I’ve rationalized that I no longer ride it for what it was designed, so I should let someone else go rip it up…and I should get another bike that’s more suited. I speculate that if I’m more upright, more comfortable, on a bike that’s more versatile – yet still can hooligan – that I’ll ride more. I like to lean a bike (never dragged a knee or done a track day, but still love to corner), and do 1-2 day trips.

In that vein, I’ve been looking at adventure sport bikes. I rode the Buell Ulysses. I’ll never understand why people think thumping vibrations are cool. And the bike is way too tall (even though I’m 6’1”). Then I rode a BMW 1200GS. It was massively overweight and top heavy. Last week I briefly rode an ’08 MTS S… I was floored. That’s when I found this forum, and started digging through its postings.

Although the VFR and MTS are significantly different in some ways, they seem very similar in others: weight is close; hp is close; wide, forgiving, usable power band (I know I'm oversimplifying).

What I don’t want to do is swap bikes and discover that the MTS is merely something “different”. I want significantly better, or it isn’t worth the cost and hassle. Also, I can’t afford an ’08 or even an ’07 – I’m going to have to find a pre-owned ’06, or wait for the ‘07s to come down a bit.

To rephrase the earlier question: Is the MTS a significantly better ride than the VFR?

I realize this is subjective. But, you all know your stuff, so I thought I’d try to get some informed feedback. And, I will go ride the MTS again for more than 10mins to see if I imagined the elation, or if it was real. And I know some of you will say this is the answer to my question.

Many thanks for any help you can provide. Sorry for the extensive ramble.

Enjoy your next ride!!

[ss400 2005 1000 DS (Red)]

I speculate that if I’m more upright, more comfortable, on a bike that’s more versatile – yet still can hooligan – that I’ll ride more. I like to lean a bike (never dragged a knee or done a track day, but still love to corner), and do 1-2 day trips.

That sounds like me. I'm certainly clocking up a lot more miles on my Multistrada than I did on a sports bike.

What I don’t want to do is swap bikes and discover that the MTS is merely something “different”. I want significantly better

What you're going to get is something different. Better is subjective, but it sounds like something different is going to be better for you.

I can’t afford an ’08 or even an ’07 – I’m going to have to find a pre-owned ’06, or wait for the ‘07s to come down a bit

Bikes are really cheap in the US compared to Australia so I won't quote figures but I found an '05 1000DS with 3500Km (2200 miles) on the clock for 2/3 the price of a "new" '07 1100DS and got luggage, heated grips etc into the bargain.
The Multistrada isn't the bike for everyone, and some people just buy a Ducati for pose value, so there are plenty of low milage bikes out there.

And, I will go ride the MTS again for more than 10mins to see if I imagined the elation, or if it was real.

I liked the concept when they first came out.
I enjoyed my first ride on a freeway.
But it was the extended test ride, dropping it into hairpins on a tight mountain road, that really made me fall in love.

[izzared]

I came to the Multistrada from a VFR, albeit a V-Tech, and I went for the 620. I'd always admired the Multi from a design point so was half-way sold, an extended test ride convinced me.

The V-Tech was way too complicated for it's own good [in my opinion] so, at the time, reasoning I didn't need similar power or loads of gizmos I chose the 620, and haven't looked back since. However I've started to hanker after an 1100, [must stop looking at the Devil's Marketplace - ebay] and that's after upgrading the 620's suspension to where [and beyond] it should be.

A more 'reasonable' comparison to the VFR would be the bigger engined Multi's. Owners will argue for either the 1000 or 1100, as you will find the forum. But I'm sure most will agree it's possibly one of the most versatile bikes around.

Do take a longer test ride, I'm sure you will be convinced to take it home and enjoy.

izzared

[sailwa66 2004 1000 DS]

My old VFR (a 93, pearl white, bought new) was very competent, polished, smooth, etc... very Honda-ish. But maintenance was a royal PITA, the riding position was not all that much different than the sportbikes of the era, and it was sorta... I dunno, bland?

For one reason or another, I found myself not riding it much: a couple thou miles a year, maybe, versus 10k+ on the Multi?

The Multi is a machine that you can hear & feel working... it's alive!

The riding position can either encourage shenanigans , or cross the country, been there, done both. No matter what type of ride you're in the mood for, the Multi delivers, and does it with style. No other bike does it better.

Go for it

[Steve B 2013 1200S (Corse)]

For the most part, motorcycles aren't rational buys. If you try to weigh the pros and cons, Ducatis are even less rational. What they do, for some anyway, is put a very big smile on your face when you ride them. I like to try other motorcycles and not be blindly loyal to Ducatis, but I still haven't found a bike with the versatility and smile factor of the Multistrada. We're all wired different though. For those who look at their bike as just a machine, a Ducati might not appeal. If you tend to get more involved and connect with the bike, they're the answer. I've also found the two Multistradas I've owned to be very reliable in over 30k miles.

[Skeandhu 2006 1000S DS (Red)]

I had a 1990 VFR, which was replaced by a 2002 F4i (the "comfy" sportbike), followed by the Multi.

Unlike you, I bought the Multi without a test ride, based solely on the reviews that I had read online and all of the positive feedback on this board.

It was a bit of an adjustment coming from a sport bike to the Multi - different power band, different handling, way different redline! Despite these differences, it's a real treat to ride (as you've found out).

This bike inspires confidence (hence the hooligan tendencies), and soaks up the road like no other. I can't feel the road bobbles, tar snakes, or other imperfections that used to upset my F4i... The Multi's been such a delite to ride I've put more km on this bike in one year than I had total on the two other bikes combined!

As final confirmation, my wife switched from her 1999 F4 to a (used) Multi 1000 at the beginning of this year and hasn't looked back.

All this to say - the Multi is "different", but sometimes just being different is better. If top speed runs down the highway is your game, then maybe the Multi isn't for you. If want something that is comfortable touring down to your favourite roads, then ripping it up once you get there, and taking the LONG way home, then the Multi should certainly be on your short list.

[maurojm 2005 1000 DS (Red)]

To rephrase the earlier question: Is the MTS a significantly better ride than the VFR?

The question is not "Is the multi a better ride"? The question is are YOU ready to change your riding position?

I went from a Katana to the Multi and my lower back enjoys the Multi much more. The Multi will hang in the corners of the twisties and eat up the swooping curves. And yes, I now ride more, commuting and day rides, due to the increased comfort.

Sounds like it is time to buy!

[Dannnn 2007 1100S (Red)]

If you're thinking adventur touring you might look at the BMW F800GS. 84 hp and a lot more manageable than the 1200GS.

[lotus54 - Moderator]

I owned a 86 VFR in the past that wasn't exactly stock.
Loads of power, but didn't handle that well and suspension was crappy, plus the brakes were just ok.

I have not ridden your vintage of VFR, so I don't know if anything I say will compare very well.

The Multi is fantastic below 80 or 90mph. I've never ridden anything I like better. On a really tight, twisty and especially bumpy road not much will keep up with it (equal riders). The Standard suspension is very good, the 'S' wonderful. I think it was easily worth the extra grand the 'S' cost me.

I don't like the Multi as much at higher speeds- it will do it but doesn't seem as happy to me. Since I rarely ride over 80mph, it is perfect. For extended high speed stuff there is less wind protection and that may be not ideal.
but others don't seem to mind it, so maybe it is just me.

The VFR was a hassle to work on, the Multi is very easy, plus they have proven to be very reliable. Some shops charge quite a bit for service, so check that out first if you are paying someone to do work.

I rode the Multi about 2-blocks before I realized I had to have one. So it was an easy choice (I had a Ducati ST2 before the Multi).

I think the bike will be quite different than the VFR, much more 'involved' for the rider.

Mark

[Skeandhu 2006 1000S DS (Red)]

In case you haven't seen it yet, check this out from Motorcyclist:

Multistrada Vs. The World

Ducati calls the new Multistrada the ideal all-arounder, but exactly where are its limits? We pit Bologna's oddest Duck against Honda's Interceptor and Yamaha's YZF-R6 to find out

[russelpo]

I REALLY appreciate everyone's feedback. Thanks tons. This is some excellent info - exactly what I was hoping for.

Some follow up.

On the maintenance note, I've perhaps been lucky in that my VFR has been hassle free. In the time I've had it I've lubed/tensioned the chain, changed oil, replaced a battery and a headlamp bulb. Nothing else. It has been a get on, turn the key & ride experience.

I'm not a mechanic so don't know that I can work on the MTS, and foresee hitting the shop frequently - or at least consistently. That seems like a major bummer. I read a thread somewhere that someone was lubing their 1100s chain before every ride? Wow. Not that a lube is time-consuming, but if that is indicative of other needed maintenance, I'm wary that it is more than I want to do.

Perhaps my last solid question: Are there compelling reasons to buy an '05 over an '04? The upgrades/changes look noticeable, but not significant - if that makes sense. I'd love to get the '07 w/ the longer service intervals, but since I have to go older (based on price) is the '04 similar enough to the '05 that I don't have to worry about it?

For the most part, motorcycles aren't rational buys. If you try to weigh the pros and cons, Ducatis are even less rational. What they do, for some anyway, is put a very big smile on your face when you ride them.

Understood and agree. It is going to take me doing another - better - test ride to see if I'm truly bitten by the bug. And that may ultimately be the simple answer to this entire dialogue.

Thanks again everyone.

[tenracing]

I have my own bias so i say do whatever you can to get off any HONDA...

[Skeandhu 2006 1000S DS (Red)]

I'm not a mechanic so don't know that I can work on the MTS, and foresee hitting the shop frequently - or at least consistently. That seems like a major bummer. I read a thread somewhere that someone was lubing their 1100s chain before every ride? Wow. Not that a lube is time-consuming, but if that is indicative of other needed maintenance, I'm wary that it is more than I want to do.

Pre-'07 service interval is 10,000km / 6,000 miles. I've serviced my bike on these intervals and have not been faced with any odd or anomalous problems.

Ducs have the image of bad reliability left over from the "old" days, but I think this bad history still overshadows the truth. In the past two years and 30,000 km between two Multi's (mine and the wife's) we've had no issues (knock on wood!) There are others with far more mileage who can say the same. Remember though, it's usually the people who have problems with their bikes that are the most vocal.

As for lubing the chain every ride, that is just cheap insurance. Chains are chains are chains. You can use the same DID chain on the Honda as can be used on the Duc. Keeping the chain lubed and happy is a good idea regardless of which bike you're on!

[mts.1000 2014 1200ST (Red)]

I too left a 97 VFR last year at this time for a 04 mts1000.
It is no comparison.
the multi is a much much better street bike!
go for it!

[lotus54 - Moderator]

I installed a Pro-Oiler on my Multi. It keeps the chain really clean and I can't imagine but it would have longer chain life. The only problem I had is when I read the charts incorrectly and turned it UP rather than down...oil!!!
those charts are rather odd in the numbering.

There are two great Ducati shops in Seattle.
I personally have dealt with Ducati Seattle and had great results.

The 04 had a different seat, windscreen, mirrors and sidestand.
All fairly easily upgradable and many have been done under warranty.
I like the 04 screen myself.

They didn't change anything on the bike when they went to longer intervals, I'm sure you wouldn't have any problems running the increased interval on the 04/05 bikes. Although I like to change oil more often than that.

Mark