I need a bike which can be somewhat tough in an urban 'incident', or at least reasonably inexpensive to fix.

Ducati's are expensive. Much more to that add the fact that the multistrada has a fairing which will cost you 2000 euros for each side if you drop it.

That was ahat a friend of mine paid ...

A friend of mine bought a demo bike with 8500 euro. I thing that if you dont get that deal dont think about it. And ofcourse you should ge a full 2 year guaranty. If you think that a demo bike doesnt run in at all, imagine the consecuences of that to the motor.

Though the GS has a better pillion seat the Multy is not bad at all. If yo uplan to do long trips you can put the comfort seat which is an improvement.

As for power, 20 hp less is a big amount not to be mentioned. Allthough, I will agree with mousouris that Multistrada has a better way of putting ...

My guess is that if you buy it and ride it you will see that the confidence it gives you the other bikes you have will not. Or, what you can do with all your other bikes combined you will do with one bike only. The reason I thing is that Multistrada as its name says is a bike manufactured for many ...

It depends on what riding style you like. I prefere the Multi's SM like-terror-on-the-road style. Its faster turning and more quick handling bike. Not ideal for long hi-way use.
Power Is always better. I should say that if the Multi came with a 916 engine it would be the perfect bike.

You cant compare these 2 bikes. They have a diferent filosophy. Its like comparing the R1 with the Multistrada. The Tuono has nearley 120 hp thats almost 30 more than the Multi. Does any one find any comparison in that. I dont think so. The only similarity is that they are both 2 Italian ladies.