‘The Multistrada changed my life’
I’ve always been a Japanese sportsbike man and have owned an SP-1, GSX-R1000, Fireblade,” says Kevin Merrick. “Despite looking at Ducatis, I’d never really hankered after one. A mate was right into them and so when a tricked-up 1098S popped up for sale, I thought I’d try it. But it was a bit of a mistake.”
It’s amazing Kevin’s first taste of Ducatis didn’t put him off for life as a modified Bologna sportsbike is seldom an easy machine to live with. “It was terrible,” he remembers. “It stalled at traffic lights, refused to start in anything other than neutral and was basically unrideable. At that point in the back of my mind I knew I was done with sportsbikes and the 1098S helped cement my decision, but there was something about owning a Ducati that appealed.
So I did some research and the Multistrada captured my interest.” Despite there being a huge array of options when it came to owning a Multistrada, it was the Pikes Peak that caught Kevin’s eye.
“The Ducati appeared to have enough power to give me that sportsbike buzz, but combined it with an upright riding position that would be more comfortable on my wrists,” he said.
“I did consider the S, but the Pikes Peak has conventional suspension and I’d rather have that over the semi-active system. Also, it’s more exclusive and better looking. I had no interest in hard luggage, although the Pikes has mounting points should I change my mind.” Having now covered over 2000 miles, Kevin’s decision to swap from a sportsbike to a Multistrada has opened a whole new type of riding. From touring France to meeting fellow Ducati owners, he has now found his ideal two-wheeled soulmate and has turned his back on sportsbikes.
“I wouldn’t swap the Multistrada for anything. It’s a fantastic bike that combines everything I love about sportsbikes, namely power and handling, in a comfortable package that has helped reignite my joy of riding,” he enthuses.
“As well as meeting new people though my local Ducati Owners’ Club, I’m finding reasons to use the bike now rather than leave it in the garage, which I found myself doing with sportsbikes.
“Better still, after 30 years of avoiding going pillion, my wife is actually keen to get on the back of the Ducati. It’s changed my life.”
50 miles
“I didn’t test ride the Pikes Peak, but I had read enough about the bike to know I would like it. The Pikes Peak makes over 160bhp, so has more than enough power. Even though I was fairly gentle on my first ride I was amazed by just how much grunt it had. Instantly it felt like a comfortable sportsbike and in no way a compromise.”
600 miles
“The running-in period is 600 miles, which just involves taking it easy and sticking below 6000rpm. This was no hardship as the DVT engine is very flexible and I was surprised just how low you can drop the revs without it juddering, which I didn’t expect on a V-twin. It’s ultra-smooth everywhere.
“I stuck it in Touring power mode
‘The Pikes Peak has reignited my love of riding’
for the running-in period, which softens the bike’s raw edge slightly and doesn’t encourage you to rev it. That’s the last time I touched the power modes; it now permanently lives in Sport and I don’t think I have ever selected Urban as it cuts 60bhp off. To be honest the only electronic assist I notice is the anti-wheelie, which is very good and progressive when it cuts in.”
800 miles
“The bike was a little bit too quiet, so I treated it to a full Termi system. It comes with a Termi can, but the new system removed all the catalytic converters and Euro4 gubbins. At £1800, it’s not cheap, but the sound and mid-range gains make it worth it, especially after JHP Performance set it up. The exhaust bracket wasn’t painted black to match the footrest hanger, but JHP sorted this for free.”
1000 miles
“Once the bike was run-in I discovered it has a wonderful extra thrust of power above 6000rpm, which is when the bike comes alive. “On the road the Multistrada matched the acceleration of my mate’s Panigale R and where he was all cramped-up, I was relaxed and comfortable. In fact, he kept Aftermarket rad guard prevents damage asking to swap bikes. One afternoon I decided to treat the Pikes Peak to its first proper wash and was a bit worried to discover water collecting in the swingarm around the lower shock mounting point. There is a drain hole, but it’s next to useless. Some forum members suggest drilling it out, but I’m not keen.”
1200 miles
“Having joined the Kent Ducati Owners’ Club, a group of us went on an 800-mile tour in France. One chilly morning I tried my heated grips, but they didn’t get warm. It turns out the Pikes Peak has the button but no heated grips! I hadn’t done a touring holiday before, mainly because I rode sportsbikes, and it was telling just how many of the group were riding Multis. The Pikes Peak was brilliant: comfortable and great fun.”
2000 miles
“With 2000 miles on the clock the engine is just starting to loosen up. It pops on the over-run, makes a bit more noise and is starting to feel alive. I can’t wait to use it more. The combination of the Multistrada and the social side of the Ducati Owners’ Club has reignited my love of riding and given me more reasons to get out on the bike.”