08-25-2016, 06:58 AM
Rather than paint with a broad brush about who and what Ducati owners are (I own a '96 900 SS/SP,) I will give you specific feedback on the Mulitstrada based on riding both a 2010 and a 2015.
In my 'clubhouse' out near the base of the Angeles Crest, where I keep a Triumph Speed Triple for visits to the West Coast, I have a number of Aprilia and Ducati owners, all of whom are passionate motorcyclists. I have ridden a friend's 2010 Multi for over 150 miles up and over the Crest and into Acton and back through Wrightwood. It was a delight, and a well- sorted example of the breed. The owner has not had any significant issues with the bike, and has enjoyed multi- day travel all through California and the West. Is it a little lumpy under 3K RPM? Yeah, but easily manageable and not an issue. I'd own one tomorrow. It handles and rides beautifully, is comfortable, and wickedly fast on the top end...but tractable and mellow enough that you can ride it like an old man with no pressure. I think it looks fantastic.
I also demo'd a 2015 on the same roads, but for a shorter, 40 mile run. It was spectacular, a noticeably more tractable bottom end, and easily one of the more versatile and comfortable machines I've ever ridden. I'll likely replace my Tiger 800 with one further down the road.
Subjectively, running and repair costs may be more than an equivalent Japanese bike, having a good dealer is important, and if you're making the decision by spreadsheet rather than your heart, you likely won't choose the Italian.
In my 'clubhouse' out near the base of the Angeles Crest, where I keep a Triumph Speed Triple for visits to the West Coast, I have a number of Aprilia and Ducati owners, all of whom are passionate motorcyclists. I have ridden a friend's 2010 Multi for over 150 miles up and over the Crest and into Acton and back through Wrightwood. It was a delight, and a well- sorted example of the breed. The owner has not had any significant issues with the bike, and has enjoyed multi- day travel all through California and the West. Is it a little lumpy under 3K RPM? Yeah, but easily manageable and not an issue. I'd own one tomorrow. It handles and rides beautifully, is comfortable, and wickedly fast on the top end...but tractable and mellow enough that you can ride it like an old man with no pressure. I think it looks fantastic.
I also demo'd a 2015 on the same roads, but for a shorter, 40 mile run. It was spectacular, a noticeably more tractable bottom end, and easily one of the more versatile and comfortable machines I've ever ridden. I'll likely replace my Tiger 800 with one further down the road.
Subjectively, running and repair costs may be more than an equivalent Japanese bike, having a good dealer is important, and if you're making the decision by spreadsheet rather than your heart, you likely won't choose the Italian.