Took delivery of this little one last week...
Found time to put over 330 miles on this last weekend
So far really loving the light nimble dirt bike feel!
Seat hight was a little taller than expected for my 32" inseam but it doesn't put me off at all, sitting in the saddle places me a little more forward than expected but farther back than the air cooled style motard and but that feeling has gone away and I don't even notice anymore.
Engine noise wasn't anything unusual for a Duc so bonus there for the new engine design, it is diffidently smooth and quiet, soon to change....
Seat height to foot peg ratio is good with a proper bent to my knee, not too little or too much. In Touring mode you would not notice any twitchy throttle anywhere or in any mode for that matter even at slow speeds. Acceleration is nice but not as strong as anticipated even in sport mode but you must remember this is a new not broken in motor so things will only get better and the grins will get bigger. Exhaust note was pleasant not overly loud for those not interested in hearing their Duc's. Brakes are strong and comforting, i have not been able to engage the ABS so cannot comment on that. Cable activated clutch is not even noticeable the fact that it is a cable would surprise most with its smoothness, its so light. Slipper clutch does its job on some hard downshifting and did not allow the rear to skid. Found it to be very light and nimble as expected for handling it really feels like a big dirt bike which is exactly the intent! The turn signals have standard bulbs installed not LEDs which make them less expensive to replace and easily upgradable if so desired. Mirrors could be a little bigger and wider but thats just compared to what I'm used to. All in all its a very favorable package!
I fully intent to Adventureize my Strada that is why I bought it and all the haters that say Ducati’s are too pretty to get dirty or say you can’t go anywhere with 17” wheels well I say they can go suck it!!
I am looking at the Metzler Karoo 3 on the rear and the Metzler Sahara 3 on the front in a 130, we are so limited in size choices right now. I would do the TCK80 with a little prodding but the longevity is my only issue and I want to give the new Karoo 3s a shot.
Suspension wise I think I’ll live with it for a while and get good and familiar with it then maybe i'll start changing things up by putting 5WT oil in the forks down from the 7 and evaluate from there with real world jeep trail testing, not single tracks
Woody’s Wheel Works here in Denver has built Spoke wheels for lots of Ducati’s on Excel rims over the years for Multistrada and Hypermotards so if need be they can be had albeit for a price.
I personally have been hounding the aftermarket folks about farkles like better sump guards, water pump guard, radiator guard, engine guards, larger foot pegs with mixed results. Venders like Touratec, Altrider, Twisted Throttle, Strada Avvneturose, Woody’s Wheel Works and California Cycle Works along with Belleview Ducati near Seattle home of the Adventure Hypermotard.
Fuel range so far on this slightly broke in motor has been pulling an honest 55 to 60 mpg which should remain fairly consistent after the break in period ends and the right grip gets twisted much more....
Have done 70 mph on the freeway and had no buffeting with my Arai XD very clean and quiet at free way speeds for my hight away way.
I rode the Rampart Range road yesterday afternoon that runs along the foothills south of Denver all dirt with wash board, gravel and had no issues with handling! The suspension was fine for my buck 50 weight and better than I’m used to. Not having much experience with well suspended bikes I don’t know what I’m missing. I did get the DTC to go off a time or two spinning the back tire and did not get busy with it enough to have the ABS go off, still getting a feel for the girl, couple of guys on big thumpers gave my quite the eye when I passed them most likely thinking what the heck is that. Lots of twistys up in that area for big grin factor as well!
Oh and on page 8 of the owner’s manual is says “this motorcycle may be used on dirt roads or for off-road riding”
You have no excuse now!