2013 Ducati Multistrada Problems: 4 Known Issues

On the 2010-2014 Ducati Multistrada Testastretta 11 deg 1198cc, the inner sleeve of the throttle-opening cable could disengage and obstruct the throttle as it closes, so the rider may be unable to close the throttle properly. Ducati says this could damage the motorcycle and increase the risk of a crash; the throttle turning stiffer than usual may be a warning sign. Applies to: 2010–2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200, all versions (Testastretta 11° 1198cc), built January 22, 2010 to June 24, 2014; NHTSA lists 5,962 potentially involved U.S. units. Ducati campaign RCL 15-001 (Transport Canada 2015-119); the dealer checks the VIN.

On the 2013-2016 Ducati Multistrada, owners report an 'Error DSS' warning for the semi-active Skyhook suspension; one 2013 Pikes Peak owner saw it whenever the bike was started on the sidestand and noted a harsh ride. Owners of 2013 bikes say dealers traced it to the rear accelerometer cable on the swingarm being routed too tight, fixed by rerouting or a replacement sensor with a longer cable under warranty. Other owners, including 2015 and 2016 1200 S DVT owners, traced DSS errors to the front fork sensors, a damaged harness near the oil cooler and steering head, or low battery voltage after storage. Applies to: 2013–2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S versions with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (2013–2014 Testastretta 11° S Touring, Pikes Peak and Granturismo; 2015–2016 1200 S DVT). The reports linked here come from 2013 bikes and from 2015–2016 1200 S DVT bikes; the base Multistrada 1200 without DSS is not covered.

On the 2010-2017 Ducati Multistrada, the Hands Free system can fail to recognise the battery-powered active key, so the ignition will not switch on and the bike has to be started with the owner's PIN code. Ducati's bulletin gives a key reset for this, and owners in the linked threads report it happening with no low-key-battery warning, with one owner reporting restored operation after reseating the battery. These individual reports do not establish a common cause or failure rate. The system has a low-key-battery warning; its absence does not rule out a key problem. Applies to: 2010–2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 and 1200 DVT models with the Hands Free system (all versions the bulletin lists, including S Touring, S Sport, Pikes Peak, Granturismo, D|Air and, from 2016, Enduro). The reset-button key, part 59810352B, arrived from model year 2017; the 2018-on Multistrada 1260 is excluded from the reset-button procedure.

On the 2010-2014 Ducati Multistrada Testastretta 11 deg 1198cc, ducati issued a dealer procedure for Multistrada 1200s whose instrument panel shows an incorrect fuel level. The fault can be in the fuel-level sensor, its wiring or its connector, and Ducati says it has developed a new-generation, more reliable level sensor. Applies to: 2010–2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200, all versions (Testastretta 11° 1198cc). The bulletin's resistance values and sensor part number are for this generation only; later Multistradas use a different test in Ducati's diagnostic tool.