Wanna buy » New Bike Multistrada or not?

[Ballon 2005 1000S DS (Black)]

Hi all,

I am thinking of changing my bike.

Current bike is an Aprilia Tuono owned from new. I commute 11 miles each way into the city and also do a few weekend tours, Le Mans 24h, GPs and a couple of track days a year.

Tuono is a great bike, but my knees are no longer what they were, rugby and age finally taking their toll. Last straw being 250+m run from Le Mans to Cherbourg on Monday in some discomfort which is not what biking is about

I have ridden the Multistrada 1000s and liked it particularly the riding position. However a test ride does not tell the whole story and I would welcome some objective views on the pro's and con's. I have owned 2 Ducati's before so I am aware of the quirks and foibles of the marque.

I am 6'2" and slightly north of 15st

Thinking of buying from P&H in Crawley any views on the dealer would also be welcome.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Ballon

[atypical1]

Hey Ballon, I am also 6'2" (but am about 16st). The bike fits me really well (but the pics I see of me on it make the bike look small...). My knees are also not the greatest thanks to sports, military, etc. My knees will still bother me but it is not bad as long as I change up position from time to time.
I really love the bike. I do everything from commute (15 miles each way), to run the canyons, to touring, to track-days. This bike is not the best at any of these (well, it really, really, really does well in the canyons) but no bike is the best at everything. The only problem that I have had in the 5 months and 7k miles is needed new valve guides (warranty). Other than that it runs perfect.
It is not that great for highspeed highway runs though. When I tour I take the back roads so it is not a factor for me but if you do a lot of highway riding you might want something with a little more wind protection (I hate those really big windscreens).
Good luck and enjoy whatever you get!
james

[Ballon 2005 1000S DS (Black)]

James

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like a jack of all trades master of none, therefore what I am looking for. The motorway speed does not realy matter as excessive speed over here is license threatening. I assume 85-95 mph is comfortable as this is sort of speed I would do.

Ballon

[atypical1]

Yes, 85 - 95 are the speeds I go and it is fine. It is the best at going on the small twisty roads. In fact, it is better than anything I have ridden before at doing that.

Enjoy and post pics when you get it!

[mgoblue 2003 1000 DS (Gray)]

Lots of opinions on this topic in a previous post: http://www.multistrada.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5943

[bigLiebowski]

Ballon,

When I bought the Multi I originally intended to buy a Tuono. At the time, '04, the Tuono was being touted as the most fun bike around. When I sat on it, however, I realized it was not going to be a bike I would roll out of bed and jump on. That's the feeling I got when I tried the Multi and it has been true. I own two bikes, the Multi and a Confederate Hellcat, and when I just want to get from A to B its the Multi I jump on.

I am 5'10/5'11 and my only complaint is it is a little tall than I would like, especially after installing a Corbin seat. I would guess that for someone 6'2'' it might be close to perfect. I have used the bike as a daily commuter and have taken some longer trips on it, including a two day 1100 mile trip from my home to Daytona for BikeWeek in March '04, 750 day one and 350 day two. No problems whatsoever other than some intense crosswinds in Georgia. For the trip I installed a slightly larger EIM windscreen and a tank bag. I have the Termi set up and now a Corbin seat and the bike is just fun.

Good luck.

Cliff

[kneepuck - Moderator]

For just about everything you mentioned the MTS is perfect. I'm 6'3" and came from a Falco. (which has 1/2" more leg room than the Tuono). I got it for many of the same reasons. The Rotax engine is better (my opinion). But the MTS does everything else just great. You might have an issue with the ocasional track day. Severel members have dragged a number of parts. So that depends on how much you push it there.

For what you're looking at it sounds just about perfect.