Hello fellow MS950 owners

[bmw_al]

G'day all,

New to owning a MS950, having "returned" 3 years ago.  Since then I've owned a Sprint ST, Sprint GT (love the Triumph 1050 triple engine) and a Yamaha Tracer 900, before I hit a problem with max payload (for two up touring) as it's only 180Kg on the Tracer. Love the MS950 - wasn't planning on buying one (initially I thought they were ugly (which is a bit rich from a former Tracer owner ) as I'd gone to try the KTM Adventure 1090, but that was a bit dull, frankly.  So while I was there I said "lets have a go on the MS950".  As I threw a leg over, I immediately liked the riding position, then I started the engine - wow.  Just sat there blipping the throttle for a while.  Suffice to say after short spin the deal was done!

I'm based in Crowborough East Sussex, use the bike for the odd commute between home and Paddock Wood, Kent, but mostly weekends for fun and touring.  I must say I think the MS950 is one of the best do-it-all bikes I've come across - it's not to heavy, fast enough for me, and good two up, and just great fun.  It just makes me grin every time I ride it, and you can't ask for more than that.

Just thought I would chuck out a few observations to see if my bike is normal, as there are always differences between bikes, especially coming from a triple to a V twin engine.  In no particular order:

-Clutch is a bit grabby (well digital actually) when cold - guessing it's oil related?
-Clutch bite point is too close to the handlebar for my liking - is it possible to move the engine lever on the clutch spindle to adjust the bite point or do I just have to adapt?
-Vibey.....but nice vibey....wife calls it "tingly" at times (the rest is  )
-Does anyone elses screen rattle at tickover/low revs then stop as the revs increase?  I'm guessing thats normal too.
-Why the hell can't you get a Haynes or Workshop manual?  Find that a bit annoying, guessing once we get to the point where first bikes are out of warranty that may change?


Thats about it for now - enjoying the forum - great resource!

[thenozzle]

Hi ducati_al
and  to the forum 

[Beitsta]

Welcome ducati_al and your wife to the forum!

[BrownTrousers]

Welcome to the forum. 

Yes, my clutch is brutal when starting from cold - I have to be very careful to be pointing in a straight line and committed to setting off. It settles down very quickly though.
I've never noticed the screen rattling at all, although noticing some vibes under the seat is normal from a V twin (having come from a triple myself i notice this, but i actually love it - I like to know that i'm sat on a living breathing motorbike!).

[Murf46]

Welcome to the forum

I came from a tracer to the Ducati and found the Duke was superior in every aspect

I did notice a vib coming through the seat of my pants compared with the tracer.

some of the guys on this forum love a vibration
 not me tho 

[bmw_al]

Thanks all - appreciate the replies. 

The clutch can be a bit brutal when cold as folks say and vibes are part of the character (where character isn't another name for a fault or shortcoming....)

I have a few minor niggles (rear brake moaning noise, front wheel squeak when pushing the Bike into the garage (no its not the cat under the front wheel) and I'll add my rattling screen to the list.

But they are minor - love the Bike!

[BrownTrousers]

Originally Posted by ducati_al

I have a few minor niggles... front wheel squeak when pushing the Bike into the garage

Oh I have this! I've always wondered what it could be. Am a bit worried it is something not correctly aligned or greased but always forget about it once on the move.

[neilb]

  to the forum and MS950 ownership, ducati _al. It’s a great bike and it sounds like you’re loving it already.

The clutch issue is one you’ll have to learn to live with. It’s not a real problem if you allow it time to warm up before the first ride of the day.

I rather like the vibes from the motor; they are in no way unpleasant or numbing, as is the case with other bikes I’ve ridden. I find that “feeling” the motor connects me with the bike and makes riding much more of an experience.

Screen rattle is something I’ve experienced in the past but it would go if I moved the screen up and down several times. I’ve not noticed it this year and I’ve no idea what caused it. I do recall another member had the problem and it turned out to be the shaft that the screen slides up and down on was loose. I think his dealer sorted it out for him.

No squeaks when moving the bike around so cannot help on that one.

Now, just get out and enjoy the ride while the weather holds 

[Darsey]

I have had absolutely no issues with mine other than the clutch, which seems to be on all of them. I don't think that it is something to get too worried about. Did you read the article of the guys who had 50,000 km on one. The screen on mine has not started to rattle although I have an inch spacer at the bottom and than may be why. The spacer at the bottom leaves my standard screen so good that I have no intention of looking for an after market one. The mts 950 is a fantastic bike and every time I get on it I say to myself that this is definitely a keeper. 8750 miles so far

[Conman]

 
The clutch bite point is adjusted at the handlebar lever. Very easy and should help.
My screen rattles like buzz saw at low revs. There's a block that the screen slides on that causes the rattle. It can get very worn and need replacing, it's a problem experienced on the larger Multistrada.