Multistrada 848 - just pondering

[Slide Panda]

AFAIK Ducati has no plans to do this. This is pure speculation here

But I was day dreaming the other day and mulling over some folks comments about the range of the Multi 1200 which didn't seem that high for whats a sorta sport tour bike. So I thought about how to extend the range. One idea was a smaller power plant. The theory being it's less thirsty and weighs less. Add those up and you should see better milage.

We all like more powah! But it's not like the 848 mill is a slouch it's still got a lot more go than the 1100 fitted to the previous Multi.

We have seen Ducati make smaller displacement versions, later on, of bikes before - ref the Hypermotard. In an era of big gas costs a more fuel efficient, less costly Multi might be a good seller.

Thoughts?

[Triple J]

An MTS848 would be cool. They could ditch all the electro wizardry to lower the price. Suspension would likely suffer as well.

Even cooler would be a slightly modified HYM1100 to create a "Hypermotard T". Larger tank (say 5 gallons), softer seat, pannier mounts, and a small fairing (ala the KTM SMT) and they'd be good to go.  

[Slide Panda]

Even cooler would be a slightly modified HYM1100 to create a "Hypermotard T". Larger tank (say 5 gallons), softer seat, pannier mounts, and a small fairing (ala the KTM SMT) and they'd be good to go.  

Well you can do most of that already. CA-Cycleworks tank, comfort seat and some luggage (not sure of options there). But I'm not sure the 1100 does much better than the 1200 on mileage

If I got what I wanted Id get the electro farkles/have the option to just like on the 1200. It would just be an different engine option

[muskrat]

I'm on board for the 848 Multi

[Triple J]

Well you can do most of that already. CA-Cycleworks tank, comfort seat and some luggage (not sure of options there). But I'm not sure the 1100 does much better than the 1200 on mileage

Missing the most important option though...small fairing. Riding any distance, especially in windy weather, sucks with that riding position and no wind protection   Otherwise I agree.

If I got what I wanted Id get the electro farkles/have the option to just like on the 1200. It would just be an different engine option

Might as well get the 1200. Your 848 version would cost the same. There's no reason an 848 version would cost less...both motors are developed at this point, and there is no reason an 848 would be cheaper to manufacturer if all the electro wizardry is intact. I also don't see it weighing much less.

[ducatiz]

pordering??

[ducatiz]

We have seen Ducati make smaller displacement versions, later on, of bikes before - ref the Hypermotard. In an era of big gas costs a more fuel efficient, less costly Multi might be a good seller.

Thoughts?

MTS620

[Slide Panda]

The 848 Evo lists for $3500 less than the base 1198. I'm doing this from a phone so
I can't Dona detailed comparison. But I'm betting the base 1198 suspension and brakes are far different from that 848... but that price difference isn't tiny. I wouldn't cry to see three grand lopped of the price of a Multi. But that price difference of the SBKs may be more than engine - I give you that as I can't contest right now

Anyone, not on a phone, care to input on the differences between the 848 Evo and base 1198 besides the engine that account for the $3500 price difference?

And yes, it wouldn't be that much lighter - but the 848 is more fuel economical which was where my thoughts really centered


And yes there was the MTS620 briefly. Another example of a smaller engined version coming out later on

[ducatiz]

And yes there was the MTS620 briefly. Another example of a smaller engined version coming out later on

it wasn't just smaller engined, it had cheaper brakes and a DSS and cheaper suspension.

they would definitely do it if there was a market for it.  but ot make it worthwhile, they need to make a model that doesn't "split the difference".. the difference in a MTs620 and an MTS1000 was huge.  between an 848 and a 1200 probably not so much, but if they stick with a water cooled engine that IS their only option...

unless they come out with a smaller desmoquattro, which would be cool -- 600-700 cc d4?

[Slide Panda]

I know that the MTS620 had a lot of cheaper stuff. Heavier wheels on top of everything else you mention. It was the really little brother of that line...

I was just basing my speculation on what the current differences between the 848 and 1198 seem to be.

[Triple J]

From the Ducati comparison:

--Forks appear to be different. TiO (coating?) for 1198
--Rims are different (assuming 1198's are lighter). Don't know though.
--DTC on 1198, not available on 848
--DDA standard on 1198, optional on 848
--1198 comes with a rear cowl
--1198 comes with more expensive dry clutch

I also believe the 1198 comes with a steering damper, whereas the 848 doesn't.

Seems the electronics are a large difference.

[ducatiz]

Same with the MTS 1000ds vs MTS620:

620 had:

smaller gas tank
marzocchi low end forks
3 spoke wheels
300mm rotors and 2piston brakes
fewer instruments (too many to list)
20mm lower seat
63 vs 95 hp
gear ratios different
APTC wet clutch
DSS vs SSS

probably many other items as well

[Triple J]

620 had:

smaller gas tank

Actually it had the exact same tank...the 620 just didn't have the air valve in the back of the tank which allowed the tank (when it worked properly) to be fully filled.

The MTS 620 was a great bike, with crap suspension. After owning both, i think the 620 is a better engine than the 1000DS. It never sold very well though.

Ducati would have to cheap out somewhere on an MTS848 to make the price appealing, otherwise people would just buy the 1200. I think all the electronics could be left off to achieve the goal. I hate the idea of non-adjustable suspension, which is the other option.

[ducatiz]

Actually it had the exact same tank...the 620 just didn't have the air valve in the back of the tank which allowed the tank (when it worked properly) to be fully filled.

The MTS 620 was a great bike, with crap suspension. After owning both, i think the 620 is a better engine than the 1000DS. It never sold very well though.

Ducati would have to cheap out somewhere on an MTS848 to make the price appealing, otherwise people would just buy the 1200. I think all the electronics could be left off to achieve the goal. I hate the idea of non-adjustable suspension, which is the other option.

Ducati.com says the tank capacity was smaller, don't know the particulars.

[Slide Panda]

It's coming back to me, though the details are a bit IZ_. But 3j is right that it was the same tank with a section blocked off in the 620 model. Some intrepid DIY types fugues out how to get that section opened up. There might be some info on WebBikeWorld. One of it's guys has a MRS620 and there's a little section devoted to that model

No one ever really got why they reduced the capacity on the 620