Congrats

The titanium color is sweet too, I have a lotus that color (random shameless comment)

thats just BS about the top case -

i tour with the side cases, but I commute with only the top case - with a brief case and a pair of shoes in it you would never know its there

I think you would appreciate the power and nimbleness of the multistrada. Most people are turned off by the electronics and suspension but that seems to be a plus for you. I've really come to enjoy the different modes and suspension adjustability. Your biggest concern seems to be weather protection ...

Forgive me if this has been asked before. How is this thing in the dirt. I know it's not a "dirt" bike but just looking at it I think it would do fire roads OK and what ever else. Experience? Anyone?
I'm taking a serious look at this bike, haven't had hands on yet but soon. Then if I like, I start ...

I have 25,000 miles on my 2010 1200s.

Some early teething issues, a well documented weak rear brake, and a electronic shock that required a new DES ecu - other than that no issues.

Just finished 6000 mile tour (part one of a longer ride) without any problems. New tires before I left, adjust the ...

The multi is not a very good off road bike - tire choices and front rim size hold it back. Its a very capable dirt road bike, but deep ruts or sand are a no-no (I tried).

That said, The 1200 GS is a crappy off road bike as well, 550 pounds of top heavy pig. If you really want some off road ...

I think the conventional wisdom here is that the 1200 multi is a lot of bike for a new rider. I think the 650 Vstrom would be perfect for what you want, and you could keep it for a long time, not just a few months.

That being said, with good training, conservative riding and some common sense ...

I recently took my wife around Rapid city and vicinity for about a 300 mile day. She usually rides her own bike and is not a big fan of riding on the back but she described the experience as "like sitting on a park bench in a hurricane". It was a windy day, but I suspect if your wife didn't like the ...