Anybody own a ridden a Desert Sled extensively ? Did you like it and what’s the tank range like?
The mud would have had tears on the inside of my visor if I was riding a brand new Ducati through it.
I did take my Multistrada up the Stella Alpina when it was under a year old but within a couple of miles I’d realised that my limited talent, a big expensive motorbike and even moderate off roading were not compatible
I like the look of them, saw one on the M25 the other day. It looked tall and tiny, at first I thought it was an old school big trail bike and by the look of the rider perched on top Im guessing it felt as exposed and as nimble as one but with more engine umph and refinement.
I have had my 19 model for about a year as I was looking for a smaller bike to replace the RT given any touring is off the chart for the moment.
It is a good bike overall, punchy enough air-cooled engine, easy to handle and good on twisties as well. I haven't been much offroad but I guess it should be fine as the suspensions are relatively decent.
There are a few niggles:
- Tubed tyres - the rescue man could not believe it when I had a puncture. But that is the price to pay for the offroad wannabees I guess although many other bikes even with 21 inch front have now gone tubeless
- Seat - quite uncomfortable after a short time. It was supposedly changed for 2019, I may consider a sargent or ducati comfort seat at some point
- Fuel range - difficult to get over 100 miles before the light comes on, not too bad but worse than the ninet etc.
Overall I am happy with it and I would like to use it for touring too if I ever have the time again in the future. Something like the Stella Alpina or Parpaillon pass should be great fun on it, but also some paved ones like the Stelvio or Galibier.