[draig]

Hi

I am looking at a 2006/07 MS 1000 DS with 15000km's.
What should I be looking out for?
Any recalls for this year that should have been taken care of?
What fuel economy could I expect?
Any major service items coming up soon (apart from tyres) like valve adjustments or belts?
Is this bike suitable for the home Mechanic for most of it's maintanence?
What's the comfort on day long rides like?
How is pillion comfort (pad looks a bit iffy)?
I am moving up from a V-strom but looking for a simillar riding position and comfort but a bit more poke and fun. Am I on the right track?

Thanks in advance.

D

[dickm]

search this site for engine#s for the soft valve guide issue. More important quiz local dealerships on their ability and track record in replacing valve guides on warranty and leaking fuel tanks on warranty. Both issues were just fixed for me, might not always be the case in NZ

[atwood]

If you're used to a vstrom for comfort and roominess but want a bit more sportiness, I would recommend you get a newer model Tiger instead of the multi. It has a very similar riding position to the vstrom, but better suspension and motor.

The multi is supposedly in the same class as the vstrom according to the mags, but is much more sport-oriented with stiffer suspension, crisper FI, less seat comfort, and a lighter feel. The tiger splits the difference.

Maintenance is doable for a good home mechanic, but is a bit trickier than regular japanese bikes.

[lotus54]

I've ridden a Vstrom, but only briefly.
My reaction was it was a nice bike, but 'mushy' compared to the Multi.
Everything on the Multi is firmer, more responsive. The brakes are like night and day, the handling is quite a bit different and the suspension much firmer.

I like the stock seat on the newer bikes just fine, done 700+ mile days with no issues. Not everyone finds it so though.

Most things are pretty easy to work on, but the tank has to come off for some operations that should be simple- like the air filter.
It is not a hard job, but does take some time.

Most seem to get better mileage on the '07 and newer bikes- I get around 45mpg (US) most of the time on my 2005.

Pillion comfort is ok from my reported passenger, but not wonderful. Again, individuals will have a large variance in what they find comfortable.

I'd personally be looking for a '07 and newer bike, unless the cost is a large factor.
I have the 'S' and really like the plushness of the suspension along with the excellent control.

Mark