Ducati Multistrada 1200 servicing costs slashed

Ducati’s new Multistrada 1200 will go 15,000 miles between major services and the costs of interim 7500 miles oil changes will be much cheaper than any previous Ducati.

Although the service intervals at 15,000 miles are the same as current Ducati’s, the cost of the 7500 miles interim service will be much cheaper as the time needed to carry out the checks are around five hours fewer.

At the moment a 7500 mile service on an 1198 takes around six-and-a-half hours. On the new Multistrada it will take around one-and-a-half hours because the valve clearances no longer have to be checked.

This  significantly reduces the labour costs. Ducati will be able to fill in exact costs on servicing next week once aftersales managers return from training in Bologna at the factory where they are learning how to service the new Multistrada.

A Ducati statement reads: “Doubling the mileage between valve clearance inspection has been made possible with the introduction of a new valve seat material combined with improved combustion efficiency and temperature management designed into the Multistrada’s new Testastretta 11° engine.”

The Ducati engine is called Testastretta 11° because of its minimised 11° of ‘valve overlap’ – the interval of crankshaft rotation during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time – the new Desmodromic power plant not only transforms the world championship-winning 1198 configuration into a super-smooth 150hp motor for sport touring, but also improves fuel efficiency, emissions and cost of scheduled maintenance.

Ducati’s press release continues:
“The Ducati Multistrada 1200 combines innovative design and unprecedented technology to unleash a four-bikes-in-one concept.

“Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro riding modes now enable a customisable riding experience separated by just one click.

The ground-breaking design makes instant adjustment to power and torque delivery in addition to electronic adjustment of suspension settings and traction control to transform the Multistrada 1200 to meet the rider’s needs, and not the other way around.

Arriving in Ducati showrooms from early 2010, the 189kg (417lb) Multistrada 1200 is offered with optional ABS, while the flagship Multistrada 1200 S presents ABS and Ducati Electronic Suspension by Öhlins as standard equipment.

The 1200 S is available in ‘Sport edition’ with specific components in carbon fibre or ‘Touring edition’ with side luggage, heated grips and centre stand.”