[Dean L]

I'm seriously considering purchasing either a new Multistrada 1100S or a BMW F800ST with the intention of sports touring, but have some reservations regarding the MTS as follows:

1. I'm vertically challenged with a 30" inseam, so reaching the ground is mostly a ball of foot to tiptoe affair. Can the MTS be lowered on its suspension, and if so, how difficult is that to do? It looks like the front forks could be relocated up through the triple clamps by about 1/2 inch, but what about the rear shock? If the bike was lowered, would it adversely affect handling?

2. Do any of you have a centerstand on your MTS? If so, does it reduce ground/cornering clearance? Does a stock MTS have as much cornering clearance as other Ducati models? Some of the "Youtube" videos I've seen suggest that it's adequate, but not as much as some other models.

3. Has the 1100S model been changed in any way since 2007? Is there any advantage to buying a 2009 model over a brand new 2007 or 2008, of which I have found several?

I presently own a `95 Ducati 900SP that I purchased brand new that year, and it has been my favorite motorcycle of all time, so I am familiar with the charm of the Marque. I just don't know if a MTS could be made to work for me.

Thank you for any sage advice you can offer.

[SpeedwayRN]

I have 20k miles on mine mostly touring. By far the best bike I have owned. You can lower the seat closer to the frame. You can get a lowering link for the rear. You have already figured out the front. But honestly once you get used to riding it the height will not be a problem I too have the 30" inseam.

[potomacduc]

Check out the advanced search function. It works pretty well and you should be able to find info on lowering.

The 09 comes in the same white as the 848, so if you like that color, go 09. Otherwise, I am not sure what small changes were made from 07-09. Others will chime in.

Have you test ridden the F800? A friend was considering buying one and we went and took unsupervised test rides. He road the ST and I rode an S that an Akrapovic slip-on. I found that engine to be one of the least entertaining motors I have ever sampled. It works well enough, it just doesn't entertain. It left me completely flat. Your results may vary, but if you haven't had a test ride on the F800, you should before plonking your cash down.

[fufaso]

Be sure you test drive the f800 first. It was the bike that I was thinking that I wanted and I took one out for a test ride. I now own a multi, and am loving it more and more each day.

[Admiral Nelson]

I have a 30" inside leg and have no problems as the front of the seat is narrow. You don't need to lower it at all.

[Rww]

I test rode an f800st at sport bike North West this Year...What a piece of crap, It shakes so bad that if you touch any where but the pegs, bars, seat which are isolated that you will start to tingle almost instantly. And power that thing couldn't pull a greasy string out of a cats ass. When I got back in on it they had to tighten up the head light assembly because the bolts rattled out. The switches on the bars blow....you'll need paws the size of baseball gloves to reach the controls. When I got back I loved the Multi even more.........good luck and do ride it first.....

[Dean L]

Thanks to all of you who responded. Great to see an active community.

SpeedwayRN, thank you for your insights on lowering the bike. Maybe I lied about having a 30" inseam, because the one I rode I could barely touch the ground. The bike had a comfort seat on it, however, and I'm wondering if it is a bit higher than the stock seat. If there is indeed a way to get the seat down closer to the frame, that would be my first choice.

Rww, fufaso, and potomacduc, I have ridden the F800ST, which is why I'm asking questions about the Multistrada. I certainly wouldn't call the Beemer a piece of crap, but the motor is the weak (or weakest) link on that bike. It works--the bike I rode would give a stock Multistrada a good run for its money if not slightly best it in an all out acceleration contest, but its buzzy at high RPM and just not particularly inspiring. OTOH, the little Beemer is probably the easiest bike to ride I've ever ridden, and its low center of gravity makes it feel considerably lighter than the MTS.

Of course, the midrange power on the Duc is far superior as is the Ohlins suspension--no contest in either department. No one commented on the cornering clearance issue or the centerstand, so I assume none of you opted for the centerstand or have any problems with cornering clearance.

My head says to buy the Beemer (belt drive, high fuel economy, comfy, etc.), but my heart says the MTS. My heart always ends up costing me more money.

Thanks again for all your comments.

[ewebster1]

My two cents.

My newest BMW dealer let me test-ride an F800ST the other day. Some observations.

1) Great engine and gearbox! Very easy to make clutchless upshifts.
2) WAY more wind than the Multi. It was clean airflow, but as it's "fully-faired" I was expecting less.
3) "Fixed" seating position. There wasn't a lot of room to move around on the saddle. On the Multi I slide back for highway cruising and forward for backroads.
4) Bumpy! Not really a fair observation as my Multi 620 has a totally dialed in forks. I suspect the F800ST could benefit from seeing a suspension specialist.

[LBC MTS]

Be aware that if you lower the bike it can make it difficult to get it up on the centerstand. The comfort seat definitely affects how easily you can reach the ground. The more slippery and narrower stock seat makes it easier.

[potomacduc]

[quote="ewebster1"]

1) Great engine and gearbox! Very easy to make clutchless upshifts.
quote]

This is proof positive that you do have to test ride. I honestly think the F800 engine is awful. It actually makes decent power, but it feels flatulent and weak...to me. Obviously to others it does not. The only other parallel twin I have ridden was a friend's old EX/Ninja 500. The little Kawi 500 is more fun than the BMW 800. I actually found the G650 series bikes more fun than the F800 as well. Some people obviously like the motor. Preference is personal. If you've ridden it and like, it's a fine bike. I think it is one of the most uninspiring mc powerplants ever.

[lotus54]

I have a centre stand and don't have any problem with dragging.

Mark

[ewebster1]

potomacduc,

If I got an F800S or ST, it would be in addition rather than replacing of my Multi. I would use it as a commute bike. However, there are plenty of cheaper bikes out there which would make better commute bikes. For now, and likely for a long time I am sticking with my Multi

[nplenzick]

[JC]

I got to demo an F650GS which is a 800cc bike detuned from 85 hp to 71hp.

I own a 620 MTS and found the deference between the two pretty substantial.

The seat height is a little bit lower than my 620 but about 2-3" below the more dirt specific F800GS. At low speed and at take off the BMW was a lot more manageable than my 620 also.

The BMW seemed more solid and plated in corners than the MTS, but the Duc has a character that the BMW does not.

Is it a good bike, YES. Very well set up and ergonomically sound, it being the more streetable version of the same engined F800GS would make a fine sport tour bike. The 620 does great but this new BMW would also be a winner in my HO !!

The ST and S versions would not suit the versatility that any size MTS has !

It cost considerably more, but the reliability may be worth it, and for the extra HP. Now this is comparing smaller bikes than the champ 1000 or 1100 MTS. So take it for what it is worth. The comparison between the big bike and the BMW is not an issue, I'd take the DUC all day long.

But if you are sorting between the smaller bikes the BMW is a winner. Would I buy one, definitely yes, But i'd have to keep my Duc, it's just got that special something, but as for accessories etc. the BMW will have lots of farkles to enhance the ride !!

So one day I'll probly' add another BMW to the fold, this one. I think when people find out what this 650 labeled bike really is that they will be a top seller.

So if you get the chance demo both and see for yourself, others opinions may vary !!!...

But as in everything else your talkin' apples and oranges, comparing Ducati MTS and BMW's !!

JC

[TnTimbo]

I have a 30"inseam and a Multistrada with a centerstand. Cornering clearance is not really a problem unless you are doing some serious track days. If you are, the centerstand can be removed pretty easily for track applications.

Otherwise, moving your weight around will acomplish the same thing at much lower lean angles. I can drag the centerstand on my bike if I want to, but why?

That being said, lowering the bike will make cornering clearance a problem with the centerstand.

I would not hesitate to purchase the Multi over the 800ST. The ST is a nice bike, but just does not have the character the Multi does. To each his own! I have a good friend who has one (ST) and he had a belt failure at around 30,000 miles that cost him $700 to replace and was NOT covered under BMW warantee.

I did demo the new 650GS (800cc, chain drive) and can only echo what JC had to say about the bike. I want one.....BAD! And that bike is available in a "low frame", although I would not opt for that. I also have a 1100GS that has been a favorite for years. I see the 650GS as a replacement for that bike if i can ever wear the old girl out. (80,000 miles and still going strong) Went to Prudhoe Bay Alaska this summer on the GS. The Multi and the GS are really different types of bikes.

I have done multiple 500 mile days on the Multi and love the bike. It does great as a tourer and can't be beat for around town . I simply love the light agile feel of the Multi.
T