How reliable has your Multistrada 950/950S been so far?

[Mutleycrew]

My 2019 950S has been almost faultless over the 8,000 miles but for one thing, the front brake discs. I see, as occurred with DesmoD's bike too. This occurred at about 4,000 miles after a trip to Norway. Replaced under warranty [but the dealer charged me for the new pads - I won't go back there ] . I haven't been able to find out why they warped and Ducati wouldn't comment either. I suspect a manufacturing fault. A lot of mates said don't buy a Ducati, they are unreliable, I think that's way, way in the past and if a manufacturer operated like that today they would soon go bust.  If I had to, would I get another one??  - Yes, like a shot it's a brilliant bike.

[Paul_Smith]

Originally Posted by Speedo007

I've seen many Africa Twins with forks leaking. I installed these on mine when it was new and 30000km later, forks are still perfect:
https://kriega.com/accessories-1/fork-seal-covers

The more shite you keep off your forks, the less work your seals will have to do.

[Pegasus]

Owned my 950 for the past 3 years. Done around 20k miles on it. Love the bike. Only issues I've had are :
- left fork seal replaced under warranty upon collection of bike
- right fork seal failed last year. Replaced pair for peace of mind
- fuel sender failed last year. Ducati dealer managed to sort under warranty. Just paying for cost of fitment which was a couple of hundred £
- right side swing arm paint starting to bubble. Taken to Ducati dealer and told it was owner fault and not under warranty. Overall not impressed with that dealer and never returned since.

If you have a dealer you can trust, that's always a big plus, but realistically, ducati of new seem to be leaps and bounds more reliable that that of old, like my dad's old ST4s.

As a new rider, I find the 950 an epic machine and one I can confidantly recommend to others. It has plenty of power for the road for most and surprises those on sports bikes it's agility in the bends. Only reason I'm looking to change is for the V4s because of it's longer service intervals..... And maybe that extra kick from the engine.

Can't recommend the 950 enough.

[Stavross]

I had an 18 plate standard 950 I loved it . Only thing I found was suspension on the rear was way to soft solo it was great but with my Mrs on the back I could t get the side stand past the floor, even with the preload maxed out . 9000 miles not a murma of any problems . I recently swapped it for a 2021 plate s the suspension is unbelievable the adjustments on the dash change it so much . Some times it does feel a bit harsh on the front after the plush feel of my standard a lot of peop used to moan about the dive but when used to how it rides it was no problem . Only done 1200 miles on my s but so far so good . Only thing I hate is it sounds like a bloody hair dryer compared to my old one and just adding a slip on makes no difference at all . Needs a decaf but some confusion over the later models .
Mine has a warranty till 2025 so won’t be swapping for along time
Love it

[Speedo007]

Originally Posted by Stavross

Some times it does feel a bit harsh on the front after the plush feel of my standard a lot of peop used to moan about the dive but when used to how it rides it was no problem .

The main thing that made me consider this bike was the suspensions on the S version for comfort. A harsh front suspension is definitely not what I'm looking for and I've gone full circle on many bikes, enough that if suspensions aren't great out of the box, I probably won't buy it, too much time, money and energy getting them to where you'd want them to be (and this bike is already not a bargain to start with in the S version (even heated grips are a 400$+ option). I've rarely found a suspension too soft unless it bottomed out all the time. Thanks for the feedback will definitely have to try before signing.

[Stavross]

Do t get me wrong I’m sure it can be made softer but I would t want it that way there is lots of adjustments

[Speedo007]

Oh ok, I thought you had it on the most comfortable setting and it still felt harsh...

[neilb]

So, after 57500 miles I’ve hit my first reliability issue with the Multi……..the clutch cable is fraying and breaking away at the lever! Only noticed it on Sunday when it was becoming progressively more difficult to shift down. Now sweating a bit, I made the 64 miles home, only having to use the clutch three times…..the traffic was kind to me!

A new cable should be with my mechanic tomorrow, costing me some £37. It makes me appreciate the hydraulic clutch and quickshifter of my Monster.

[Speedo007]

I think the V2 has a hydraulic clutch. My clutch cable broke on my 91 Honda Nighthawk 750 this summer, and I was about 1h from home, good times riding no clutch, good thing I didn't have to go through the city...

[Ian_H]

Originally Posted by neilb

So, after 57500 miles I’ve hit my first reliability issue with the Multi……..the clutch cable is fraying and breaking away at the lever! Only noticed it on Sunday when it was becoming progressively more difficult to shift down. Now sweating a bit, I made the 64 miles home, only having to use the clutch three times…..the traffic was kind to me!

A new cable should be with my mechanic tomorrow, costing me some £37. It makes me appreciate the hydraulic clutch and quickshifter of my Monster.

I had my clutch cable go much earlier than that - but was my fault for installing poor aftermarket levers.
I had a nerve wracking ride for about 15 miles home riding clutchless - tricky at junctions!!!
Had evotech levers put on after that.