OK, I've TRIED to search like good forum manners dictate, but I need to get answers on these questions. I'd be buying a new 1100S model. For prospective I'm riding a 1200GS now that I'm keeping. I just want something a bit more sporty but w/o the sportbike ergo's.
1) Does the MTS 1100 cruise comfortable at 80-85 MPH? After the 14 tooth c/s sprocket? My older oilheads did, but the current hexhead BMW's with the counterbalancer have a almost multi-cylinder buzz at those speeds
2) Am I correct that the centerstand is an option?
3) DP panniers, how time consuming is it to remove their ugly brackets when not using the panniers?
4) How is the seat-to-peg distance? Has anyone rode a 12GS in comparison? I need to run the seat on my GS in the low position to reach the ground, but then the seat-peg distance is a bit tight on long rides.
Thx from a future Multi owner.
Wanna buy » Search-challenged newbie with some Q's....
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Too Many Toys
2008 1100S (Black)
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Sat Sep 01, 2007 1:07 pm
- Location: Iowa, USA
Too Many Toys...
and too little time
2008 1100s 'Ugly Duc'
and too little time
2008 1100s 'Ugly Duc'
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MULTIMENTAL
- Posts: 260
- Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:54 am
- Location: UK/HIGH WYCOMBE
Tbh if you're keeping the GS, buying a Multi for it's sportiness doesn't sound like such a good idea. You already own a more than capable tourer so I asume that what you're looking for is a bit of fun. I suggest buying the Hypermotard
Shake yourself alive!
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Too Many Toys
2008 1100S (Black)
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Sat Sep 01, 2007 1:07 pm
- Location: Iowa, USA
That's were I started, was going to buy a HM. But after riding it & researching things like fuel capacity/range I decided the Hypermotard was a bit too single purpose. Plus I get in enough trouble with my Motard'ed KTM EXC on the street.MULTIMENTAL wrote:Tbh if you're keeping the GS, buying a Multi for it's sportiness doesn't sound like such a good idea. You already own a more than capable tourer so I asume that what you're looking for is a bit of fun. I suggest buying the Hypermotard
The Multi seems to be a Sport Tourer with some soul. I love my GS but I've had a number of them & just want something different to ride now & then. One of my favorite past 'Sunday ride' bikes was a VFR800. I'm thinking that the MTS would be the same in that it would be a blast to jump on & ride 200-300 miles.
(Plus if I keep the GS I'll have something to ride when the Italian steed is down/waiting for parts)

Too Many Toys...
and too little time
2008 1100s 'Ugly Duc'
and too little time
2008 1100s 'Ugly Duc'
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MULTIMENTAL
- Posts: 260
- Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:54 am
- Location: UK/HIGH WYCOMBE
The Multi it is then. They are more than capable in the twisties as I proved by keeping up with a 999 though some tight country lanes recently.
I'm 6'1 and can comfortably get both feet flat on the floor with both legs straight. (31" inseam) I find the riding position comfortable for about 3 hours before having to have a long break.
The standard screen is too low on the pre 2005 bikes but there are plenty of aftermarket ones available. I bought a 2005 one of Ebay and it's fine cruising at about 90. (On a private road of course
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I'm 6'1 and can comfortably get both feet flat on the floor with both legs straight. (31" inseam) I find the riding position comfortable for about 3 hours before having to have a long break.
The standard screen is too low on the pre 2005 bikes but there are plenty of aftermarket ones available. I bought a 2005 one of Ebay and it's fine cruising at about 90. (On a private road of course

Shake yourself alive!
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sally101
2010 1200S (Red)
- Posts: 1027
- Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:08 pm
- Location: S.F. Bay Area
1) 80-85 is a good cruising speed. No complaints from the motor.. I have a 14 tooth.Too Many Toys wrote: 1) Does the MTS 1100 cruise comfortable at 80-85 MPH? After the 14 tooth c/s sprocket? My older oilheads did, but the current hexhead BMW's with the counterbalancer have a almost multi-cylinder buzz at those speeds
2) Am I correct that the centerstand is an option?
3) DP panniers, how time consuming is it to remove their ugly brackets when not using the panniers?
4) How is the seat-to-peg distance? Has anyone rode a 12GS in comparison? I need to run the seat on my GS in the low position to reach the ground, but then the seat-peg distance is a bit tight on long rides.
2) Centerstand is an option. Some owners complaint that it scrapes in a high lean turn.
3) Panniers can be removed pretty easily. It's just a few bolts.. Maybe 10-15 minutes.
4) Go sit on one. Ergos are different for everyone so it's tough try and relate.
Hope that helps.
Sally101 <----- NOT A CHICK!
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Habanero
2006 1000S DS
- Posts: 2638
- Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2005 6:00 pm
- Location: Seattle
- Contact:
Just as Sally said.
I think you will love the Multi.
I bumped the rear ride height a 1/2" over stock setting, that eliminates the center stand scraping...and improves handling. For touring, the center stand is a must in my opinion. It makes it so much easier to properly maintain your chain lubrication. When I am traveling, the first thing I do when I get off the bike at the end of the day is to lube the chain while it is still warm.
After you've done it a time of two, you can remove and replace the pannier brackets in just a few minutes. I leave them attached to the paqssenger pegs and take them off also.
I think you will love the Multi.
I bumped the rear ride height a 1/2" over stock setting, that eliminates the center stand scraping...and improves handling. For touring, the center stand is a must in my opinion. It makes it so much easier to properly maintain your chain lubrication. When I am traveling, the first thing I do when I get off the bike at the end of the day is to lube the chain while it is still warm.
After you've done it a time of two, you can remove and replace the pannier brackets in just a few minutes. I leave them attached to the paqssenger pegs and take them off also.