45000tkm, had one spark cable burned but its full termi with map and its hot around Dubrovnik, Croatia. Still, its always in red zone with 100° celsius in the engine. Beautiful bike and I dont regret every penny.. Nothing failed other than one cable. 2015 1200s Cheers from Croatia

I’ve had a 1260S from new. I’ve never seen the need for the throttle spacer, I did consider the different sprockets but realised there bike would be revving higher at motorway speeds and being concerned about hearing damage I stuck with stock gearing. My fuel sender went at 14,000 miles leaving me to complete a circuit of Ireland without a fuel gauge. The battery gave up the ghost at 18,000 which first manifested itself as a suspension fault, eventually stranding me in a filling station with a completely dead battery. I’ve never had the condensation in the oil as if I ride it it’s for a long ride where everything gets hot and any water in the oil gets burnt off. My local Ducati dealer i wouldn’t trust to change a lightbulb, fortunately there is one further away who I’ve always found to deliver excellent customer service and worth the 180 mile round trip.

The sludge is usually caused by doing short journeys during winter you get moisture in the oil, if you do some decent runs getting the engine up to temperature it will clear out the moisture

Hi Trevor, great set of videos, I've been thinking about getting a 1260 (currently have a 1200 which btw I would not sell, certainly not initially). First, the low speed thing. I've played around with the fueling on the 1200 quite a bit (revising the maps myself) and what I found was that the original ducati map was obviously designed for the bike to pass euro emission standards - very lean below 3000 rpm, to the point where the bike doesn't really run well. I've had to richen the map up quite a bit in this region, and my bike is now an absolute pleasure right down to 1600 rpm in 2nd or 3rd, and down to about 1800 rpm in 4th. I can run the bike comfortably down to 32 kph in 3rd gear (20 mph) absolutely smooth, with easy roll on from there. 2nd gear goes right down to a crawl. Took me a while to get it like that though. My gearing is still standard front and rear sprockets. Second, the vibration. My bike used to have a fair bit of vibration at various points through the revs. What I found was that as the revs pick up, and as the throttle opens up, the rear cylinder wants more fuel than the front (horizontal). I assume that this is due to heat - the rear cylinder must run quite a bit hotter as the power picks up. What I had to do was to bias the fuel map towards the rear cylinder - starting at 1.4% richer up to 3000 rpm, going up to (quite surprisingly) 6% at 6000 rpm and from 20% throttle. This has calmed down the vibration to nearly nothing. My mirrors (standard) are quiet right up to 6000 rpm - that translates to about 170 kph, over 100 mph. I also used to have a mean little vibration at 4500 rpm, which is my regular cruising speed, with the original fuel map. My left foot used to go dead after about 100 km. That is totally gone.

A buddy of mine is a pilot. He is as Anal as I am about researching his toys. He told me that if you start an engine and don't get it up to proper operating temp ( in cooler weather mostly) that the engine will condensate. He kept a heating blanket( made for airplanes. On his new/ old plane I think it is a 1963. He had a complete heating system installed that heats ALL the fluids. I would change it, no matter what they say. Oil and grease are CHEAP compared to the consequently of being cheap, lazy or gullible. Everyone knows the dealer( no matter what brand ) will use every excuse they can think of NOT to replace a big ticket item. I learned from the military that if you take care of your stuff , it will take care of you. Every sense I started using the best oil/grease ,fluid Ect etc. I have not blown up another motor , reared etc,etc. beautiful bike. I have always been a kawasaki 70's KZ guy but at 62 I am rethinking things and the Multistrada is looking like the bike that is going to help me keep riding longer. Thank you for the video.

These are some amazing series of videos, thanks a lot for sharing so much info, all the tips like changing the sprocket , the tires , approx cost of servicing etc , I was looking to upgrade from my current tracer 9 gt , having owned a diavel 1260s and a monster in the past , I really miss the character of the big twin , and the new v4 s has a 19 inch, the pikes peak v4 is out of my budget , then stumbled on the 1260 multi and your series of videos - it has helped me a lot to come to a decision , I will go through all your update , fantastic job

Hi Trevor. Thanks for especially this video. I’ll buy multistrada 1200 and you showed me that bikes on high mileage still good condition. I’ll follow you and your videos. Thank you so much.

Have heard the same thing with condensation in the oil due to temp changes. Was told after riding on a cold day, to remove the cap for a bit to let some of that condensation evaporate.

I used to have a 1991 Paso 907ie and if I was taking multiple small rides the oil used to turn a milky/creamy colour. When I took it on a long ride the oil colour would get back to normal. Had the engine rebuild at 50km(bad valve guides) and at the same time they open the case to take a look. All good, so I would not worry about it. Make sure the engine reach operating temperature and that should help, just a bit of condensation. Some people say that Ducati engine sweat a lot lol. I now ride a Multi 950.

Hi Trevor Enjoyed your comments. I have a 1260S 2019 but only done 13,000 km . I truly love the bike and use it predominatly for long trips but not gravel. I share your comments about the low speed problem and will most certainly change the sprocket to a 42 when due. The only problem I have experienced is an excessive vibration that emerged after 10,000 km. Im anxious to learn if anyone else experienced this and perhaps you have . The bike was properly checked out and what we found was that the transission belt tension was slightly out of spec. It is a lot better now but still not 100%. I did fit a full Termi system which changed the torque band significantly . Still not sure if I have done the right thing but the sound is captivating . Thanks for an honest assesment John Cape Town

Only just caught up with this video, having not read all the other comments, my take on it after owning Ducatis for coming up to 30 years is it's completely normal. I do a long run, then when I get home remove the filler cap to allow the cases the vent, and it sorts it. Or just do longer rides in the winter.

Had the same problem with my 2002 Hypermotard 1100 foam in the site glass and oil cap. Live in Tasmania much like English weather. Short trip's were the problem and I took to taking the oil filler cap off after short rides. This let the condensation out, longer rides it sorts it's self out. Same here dealer wasn't worried, it can't be a good thing though.. Now have a Ducati 1100 Scrambler and although it is pretty much the same engine (except wet clutch) I have had no problem. P.S. Don't forget to put cap back before riding off again and dont loose cap. 😁

Great review! You come across well on camera easy to watch and listen to, very informative, I had a 1200 multi dvt and I can say it was probably the best handling bike I ever owned and the lights would melt your eyeballs , I’d like a 1260 multi like you the v4 for me atm … nah ,

Having the moisture in the crankcase after a long rain ride can be ok if you were rinding a lot in the rain but if you change your oil and it returns rather quickly, its a sign of a head gasket leak or a pores head. Ducati has been found to have a few ports heads from what I’ve seen on KZfaq.

great video man, cant beat real owners reviews of owning and running any bike. superb.

Thanks for mentioning the spacer, I’ve been meaning to order one. Order placed tonight. Have you thought of doing any videoing of your trips? They look fantastic. As I live in the states, I enjoy watching vids from folks on that side of the pond and wouldn’t it be better if that person were on a Multi like mine? 😉 Video making is a lot of work, I know. Thanks for the updates.

If you see a slight wobble in the front end, it is usually caused by the front forks being not properly assembled / tightened when installing the front wheel for a tire change. The Multi isn sensitive to proper front wheel and fork assembly.

The latest fuel sending unit supposable is the right fix that the past ones weren't

I have 44k miles (US) The gear box position sensor may be going bad. The symptoms are Neutral light illuminates when its in gear and vise versa. It surges at low speed, and when it does, the neutral light flickers. When I warm up the bike, and take it off the side stand , it stalls. After looking of these symptoms, i hear that the fix is to replace the gearbox position sensor. I called the Ducati dealership, and they said the hadn't heard of this.... makes me wonder if replacing it is the right move.

I’ve had the same white stuff in my Multistrada window and its perfectly normal. I’ve been told this by the dealer and many other bikers.

Really thinking about the sprocket change. Spot on with awkward low speed juddering in transmission. Bit more grunt on acceleration would be nice

Hi Trevor, very nice review. Regarding the sludge just change the oil more often 5-7k kilometers. You could also try Silkolene Pro 4 XP series, at same viscosity. It will be a noticeable change on engine smoothness and no sludge at all.

Another essentially informative video Trevor. Actually one of your earlier ones made me buy a new (to me) 1260S (which I absolutely love, especially the way it munches down miles) while keeping my older 1200 ABS. One question about the mirrors: is the coverage the same with the OEM ones? It looks like they are significantly smaller (or maybe it's just me being tricked by the wide angle of the camera?) On to your question, this condensation was the first thing that I noticed on my older Multi (got that one 2nd hand as well, with 25K kms on the dash) and I was quite terrified for exactly the same reason you mention: possibility of coolant leaking in the engine. However, like your dealer explained, it is a very common situation and nothing to worry about. It is quite prominent when you warm the engine but don't make a lot of miles and the condensation doesn't have time to evaporate. What was suggested to me was to do a long spirited run (to elevate the engine temp) and leave the top cap open for a while after I park the bike. And it did work. Condensation was gone. It would come back again after I did short runs but I never had any problem or lowered coolant level that would point to a leakage. I don't know if this test would work in Britain's climate (I live in Greece and the humidity variation is significantly higher) but you can give it a try. Since I do some of the maintenance myself I could check also the oil that came out during oil changes and it's color/condition was exactly what you would expect from a healthy motor: black, runny oil without any signs of sludge (or caramel deposits as you described). I've done another 45K kms since then and it's still a bonkers bike. Enjoy!

I agree the stock tires have a terrible feel!

Hi Trevor, my 2014 multi also produces brown sludge on the sight glass when it's used for short and/or cold rides, but it clears after a good long ride. I've never worried about it myself.

Interesting you didn’t like the Scorpion Trial tyres. I think they’re brilliant

Mine was second hand on 10k at mo spacers already , seat isn’t great I added more foam, iconic winglets quad lock wireless charger, clear clutch case waiting to change chain which rust like mad rear sprocket will be changed to it’s quiet front sprocket 42 rear , engine protector love the Ducati spotlights lots of ducabike bling red stuff splashed out for tyre pressure monitors . I tried v4 don’t like the 19 front I like the stock mirrors unlike the shitty panigale mirrors Michelin road 5 best for uk

Enjoyed this review, really helpful. What’s this throttle spacer you mention? I’d have thought the stand should be able to handle the weight of mounting in that manner…….. sounds like a weakness in design. I did go for the V4s, and gotta say, I love it. Wonder if your tyres will be available with a 19” front by the time I need a change.

Hi Trevor .. well done for producing these KZfaq videos on your Ducati Multistrada 1260s high mileage journey / ownership which I found most interesting and informative and helped shape my own decision making with regards to my own 1260s. A quick question that I have is with regards to an issue I have with my 1260s pertaining to a front brake groan when moving the bike around the garage / at very slow speed. My local Ducati dealership confirmed some 1260s owners have experienced this issue. My brakes have been checked and are all within tolerance however the issue returns after a couple of Rideouts. Have you experienced this with your 1260s? Thanks.

I'm not sure modern bikes should use any oil. My Versys 1000 didn't in 5 years.

Send a oil sample to a lab to have it tested! It will tell what is causing the sludge! Coolant or crappy oil?

Hello Trevor. Great video, thanks for sharing your experiences and tweaks. Could you advise the mirrors that you got please for the 1260, any info or links would be most helpful as I also find that the OEM ones are too vibey and useless above very slow speed.

can you tel es more about full contsuption of the ducati

can you tel us more about the oli contsuption . and dit you , you self change the back wiel of te moter ,to put on new thires ?

Great video my 1260 has done 21k not having water in the oil issue but need to try 42 tooth sprock and throttle space. Ware can you get the spacer from ?

Excellent update Trevor (now subscribed), interested in the sprocket upgrade, could you provide a link to the kit if possible, their website not returning any positive results so far. Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas from Hampshire.

hello nice rev, i am considering also to have multistrada so gaining real experience is very valuable. thanks a lot for sharing. i want add experience with wobbling discs, i have tiger sport 1050 yr2015, after 40kkm disc started wobbling, just rotate and clean semi-float joints between brake disc and holder console attached to wheel, some semi-float joints can be stucked so disc can't float on that point that is causing the wobble (if discs are not really bended), also do gentle scrub with sand paper on pads on flat surface can also help. cheers

What is up with the throttle spacer , BTW I love my 2015 1200 😀😀😀🏍🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺

Nice video, thanks. Are you replacing the side stand with another stock unit? I installed bar risers ($30 from eBay) and like them very well, particularly when I’m standing on the pegs.

I'm getting shoulder ache riding my 2020 pikes peak ,anyone know if bar risers will help ?

Great video. I have a 1260 Pikes Peak and the only negative is the seat for long days in the saddle. As a guy who puts long miles on his 1260, have you found a seat that's more comfortable than stock? Thank you from California.

Trevor can you confirm where you got the sprockets and front/rear tooth size as like you the oem sizing is doing my head in a low speeds to the point I’ve put bike up forsale at pals shop. Maybe the sprockets and tyres may change my mind ! Cheers chap keep the good posts going 👍

Hi Trevor, I've just upgraded to 2019 1260s after getting knocked off my 1200.. loving to 1260. Interesting about the cream in the oil my 1200 used to have the same issue but my 1260 doesn't. Side note I see on your 1260 you still have the stock waterpump cover on have you checked behind there for corrosion? Turns out it's a massive issue mine started to have this issue but saldy it just out of warranty when I bought the bike. Be interested to see if you do decide to keep the bike to 50k how you get on 👍

I am searching to buy my first bike next year, I love the look of the Ducati, but I would like to know what differs the Ducati from other brands other bikes. Because due the lack of experience I cannot put my finger on it, I never found any one who can explain this.

Hi I have a 2016 1200 just wondering what the throttle spacer is for ? Also the white/pink gunk in the engine is because of the weather and bike not getting up to temperature mine is the same so not a worry 👍 Cheers

Do you have a link to the throttle spacer Trevor? BTW the milky sludge in the oil sight glass you mentioned, was the exact same on my 1200s Multistrada (check 24.58 of my 1st impressions video - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nd5iesWjtbrQgqs.html&ab_channel=BudgetCarsAndBikes) but it did go back to normal after I took it for a spirited ride, so must be a pretty common issue on the DVT engines I guess

The real sign now it is if the Oil starts to change color.

hi how much dirt do you get on the top box now youve fitted the tail tidy ? great review