I'm thinking about buying one, too..a local dealer/friend has a Dark demo, could probably get a good deal. The reviews, and I've read about 10 of them, have all been glowing. 400 lbs, over 100 HP/liter, good powerband, low-effort slipper-type clutch, lighter (though not single-sided) swingarm, slightly lower seat height, well-sorted suspension...and so. Plus it has the wider mirrors, "comfort" seat and taller windscreen (the latter two of which used to be options) that are standard on all '05 Multis.
My wife likes it and wants to get back into riding, and with some bags it would make a perfect commuter for me.
I just bought my MTS620 DARK about six weeks ago and I've logged abou 800 miles. I love it. It's a very agile and comfortable bike. The bike feels compact although it is practically the same size as it's bigger 1000DS brother. The lighter weight 30-40lbs dry weight of the MTS620 makes a big difference over the MTS1000 despite the lack of 30-40 HP. The clutch lever does not take an iron grip so riding it in commute traffic isn't a pain. The bike is very "flickable" around corners and inspires confidence when riding. The slipper clutch is very forgiving too. It takes a alot to lock up that back wheel from a mistaken downshift. The riding positions is upright and relaxed. I've ridden the bike up to 2 hours straight with little numbness and fatigue. (I'm 5'11" and 220lbs.) The aircooled 620 has a nice power band but it fairs best when the RPMs are above 5K. I haven't taken it touring yet but I look forward to it. My MTS620 only has one rotor but braking power has been more than adequate. Mirrors are acutally functional and you can see more than your elbows. Unfortunately the MTS620 only has a 4 gallon fuel capacity. If I keep the revs under 5K then I estimate a 200+ mile range. If I am revving high then my range drops to approximately 150 miles. Also, on my bike the clutch doesn't engage until the lever is nearly all the way out. There's a little play in the clutch lever but not as much as on other bikes. If you buy the "DARK" model then the Ducati matching panniers do not come int Matte Black ($900 a set Gloss Black only). I am buying a set of soft bags for $170 in the interim. The tank is non magnetic so I am still shopping for a good fitting tank bag. I got my 600 mile service about a couple weeks ago at the tune of $375. (In my opinion, a $375 oil change is all they did within the 3.5 hrs @$80p/hr) At $375 & 600 miles, the MTS620 cost me $0.62 per mile. (Even my BMW & Lexus didn't cost that.) Now, I am dreading the 6K mile Desmo valve service, @ an est $1000 or more).
Prior to the MTS620, I tried the BMW GS650. While riding, the GS650 felt like it had a longer nose and less power. I wanted to like the GS650 but just couldn't. I'm new to Adventure Sport Touring and, to me, the MTS620 is more Sport Touring than Adventure. I'm not an off-road rider so I thought this bike was better suited to me.
Believe me, I am definitely shopping. Unfortunately, around the SF Bay Area, labor rates are high and in the Ducati Realm, there's not much choice without riding a long way or fighting traffic to get to it. What I don't get is that an aircooled L-twin shouldn't be that fragile (FRAH GEEL LAY in ITALIAN). If the valves seal, the compression is good and you don't burn oil then why mess with the valves and shims?
Just got a set of Saddle Bags for my MTS620 Dark. This the only aftermarket brand that fits perfectly on the teardrop/diamond tail end of the MTS. Also, they cost considerably less than the Ducati OEM soft bags. They look great, too.
Also, I got a PacSafe Helmet Bag. You can't lock your daughter's virginity in it but your helmet will be there when you get back.
I rode a demo MTS620 dark a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed it. It is definitely a toss up between this and a M620 for a daily comuter. The only nice thing about the M620, is that you can find them used for $3000+ if you look around enough. Also, the MTS620 seemed to have more pep than the M620. Its probably in my head, because the difference in ergo's can throw you off. I have to admit, you could definitely get into trouble screwing around on a small bike like the MTS620.
Yeah, sitting upright can make the bike fell like it has more pep or torque. The wider handle bars changes alot a bike's handling and riding perception. Nonetheless, the air cooled 620 engine is powerful enough for me. Although my ego says I can handle more...
Maybe that is why I am starting drool over the Ducati HyperMotard.
New 620 Multi
Linear Mode
