Wanna buy » Considering a Multistrada 1000

[dark-jon]

Hi all

I've been thinking of getting another Ducati since, well, I sold my Monster earlier this year really. The wife has given the green light so now I have to choose which one

I used to have a Monster 620ie Dark from 2002 until March this year and loved it, was my first proper bike after a little Peugeot Scooter It was a brilliant bike to start on but I'm now looking for something bigger engine wise.

I had been considering an ST for quite some time, pretty much before I got the Monster but the engine size put me off. I've read through the forums here and reviews at other places and they all mention that the ST3 is heavier on the wrists than the Multi, some say even more than the Monster. Also, the riding position on the Multi is supposed to be better than the ST3. But, the ST3 and Monster's pretty much share the same frame and layout (as far as I know) so i think I should feel almost at home on the ST3 (standing by to be corrected!)

I'll be riding the bike to and from work, 20-30 mins each way, part Motorway part country lanes, and at the weekends I'll be riding home, I work in London and live on the south coast, a ride of about 2 hours; 1hr on Motorway and 1hr twisty A roads. I found the Monster a pain in the neck (literally) at decent Motorway speeds so would like something more comfortable, hence the thought of the ST3 and it's full fairing.

There will be some 2-up riding, mainly at weekends and rear seat comfort is a main factor for the better half, especially after going on the back of the Monster's tiny seat (she wasn't happy with that experience!)

So, i guess in short; is the Multi good at Motorway speeds (70mph+)?, is it ok 2 up without the pillion either hugging you or looking like a Meerkat? Is it ok with luggage, panniers or top box? Should I buy brand new or 2nd hand, what about ex-demo?

questions questions questions......

Any help/advice would be really appreciated

Thanks!

Jon Clements

[atypical1]

Hey Jon,

The ST3 and Monster have different riding postitions to me. The ST3 is way more comfortable.

Now, about the Multi. I have a 1000S and use it for all of my transportation needs from commuting to touring to tearing up the canyons to track days. It has been a great bike that performs really well. The only mechanical probs were the valve guides. The only mods I have done were exhaust (at least lose the cat if possible), tires (I prefer mine really sticky), and new brake pads (HH from the stock FF ones).

My wife and I just did a tour up the California coast. 1100 miles with no probs. Neither of us are midgets or will starve to death anytime soon and comfort was not a problem. We have a topcase which I prefer to sidebags (I like keeping the bike narrow for lane splitting). The topcase provides a nice backrest too. The seat was comfortable enough. I might get a Sargent at some point but we will see. It is not a necessity for us just yet. During this trip I hit speeds of up to 120 by myself and 95 with my wife and we did just fine.

What I like best about the bike is that it handles like no other bike I have ridden. It loves to corner and has power enough to keep things interesting. I also love the riding position as it really adds to the agile-ness of the bike and allows for great visibility (yours...not other drivers). Test one out if you can.

good luck,
james

[peter_furlong 2005 620 (Red)]

Hi Jon- I got my 620 (2005) a couple of months ago, so not not huge experience. Riding position is indeed comfy (I'm 5'10"), though a little MORE 'lean-forward' than I expected. You do get wind in your face but it's very smooth flow- no buffeting. There's plenty of room to move around on a long ride. Later seat is still thin and soft but no worse on a run than most bikes. 620 needs revving with a pillion but comfort good. Point of the post, though, is that you're welcome to take mine round the block if your insurance is in order. I'm in Southampton.

Regarding buying, they don't hold their prices well- lots on eBay, but don't usually make reserve. I'm (almost) embarrassed about how little I paid for mine. Suggest you try a few of these and try to talk sense into seller.