Ducati

Bikes used and abused by the gang, some for weeks some for years, with our views on the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Got a bike and you want to help us help others send in your photo and some words on whats what and we’ll look to add it.

Ducati MTS 1200 (2010 – 2014)

In 2012 Bulby splashed out and brought a Ducati MTS 1200 Multistrada which he owned for over 3 years. The bike uses the 1198 twin found in the Panigali superbike retuned to deliver 150bhp. The V- twin tessaretta engine delivers great power and torque with multiple engine modes, adjustable screen and came with the Ducati luggage which are hard cases which locks into place. This bike really was the king of the sports/tourer/Adventure bike class until BMW joined the party and that was because it truly is a great bike, loads of power and bundles of torque this really is a bike that can do anything

Pro’s – Comfortable, Powerful. Luggage system both on and off the bike is neat and well designed. Ducati dealerships and warranties

Cons – Servicing costs ( Belt change every 3 yrs regardless of mileage and £800 -£1000 cost.) Protection from the screen. Standard luggage is small (exhaust side has section removed)

Rating – 8.5/10

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Ducati 1260s (2015 – On)

The 3rd generation of the Multistrada was more evolution rather than revolution. The new bike grew in engine size by 60cc, had a facelift of it’s beak which added more colour as well as a revised screen and gauges. This bike really can do most things, all day two up touring or take the panniers off , set the mode to race and scratch with your sports-bike riding mates, this is a truly capable bike however in our opinion the looks have been messed up a little with the black beak surround giving it a strange face which was less to our liking. The rating we give this bike maybe unfair as for the price and quality you’d expect from Ducati is should be higher but the bike used in this test really had a number of issues. Firstly was the chain, even though it had been adjusted before the trip it was a constant pain in the ass and requires a special tool to make the adjustment thanks to the beautiful single sided swingarm. Secondly and more importantly the front brakes failed. the problem was identified as a warped disc which kept pushing the pads out but this really shouldn’t be happening on a bike this age and is very disconcerting when riding alpine roads with a thousand feet drop the other side of the barrier.

Pro’s – Great v-twin engine, comfortable two up sports tourer, Sportsbike agility

Cons – This particular bike was unreliable, cost, equipment. Requires belts changing every 3yrs or 15k miles but a hefty cost of between £800 – £1000

Rating – 7/10

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Monster 696

The Monster 696 is Ducati’s entry level bike and its best selling range having been around for a good few years the Monster has been seen in various guises from basic to tricked out versions. It’s a pretty little bike with its single headlight with the running light across the middle and its single high level exhaust seen, here in the standard red colour. It’s single cylinder approx 80hp motor has a lot of character and the bike itself is light and flickable ideal for the smaller or less experienced rider. The equipment level on this 2012 bike was pretty basic with none of the tech you find on bikes nowadays but if its a functional, basic quality bike you are after the small Monster is definitely worth a look

Pro’s – It’s a Ducati so Stylish

Cons – BAsic

Ranking – 8/10

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