Thinking of a Multistrada..

**454697819** · 10 Aug 08, 01:14 PM

Good afternoon,

I currently own a Tuono R 1000cc, whilst it is fantastic, it seems to have a sole purpose... to eat me..

Well on a serious note its great, but I recently bought an ST2 to tour on this summer and whilst My fiance and I had a lovely time the ST2 was no good to me after an hour...! this serious limits our touring options.

I cannot afford two bikes and half just sold the ST but now miss going out with My fiance on the bike.

I love the Look of the Multistrada and really want an S model with the Ohlins as I am fed up with budget suspension..

so My question really is...

Is it a genuine 2 - up touring machine? or a could do it but will be a bit uncomfy..?

I really dont want to move to a IL4 but I need a suitable touring machine and cant let my heart rule my head.. (this time)

Thanks again

Alex

ps... will get a test ride, just dont have time right now..

**Pax** · 10 Aug 08, 01:30 PM

I am not sure that it is a serious touring machine, it would do the miles I am sure but I would question the comfort. I have a gel seat on mine and still feel the strain after a couple of hours. Although great fun to ride and the handling is great.
I have the standard 1000DS and I do not have any problems with the suspension, I have not yet and probably will not, reach the bikes limits. Perhaps I am not trying hard enough

I would definately blag a test ride as it could be one mans meat another mans poison, type of thing. If nothing else you will have a hoot for an hour or so.
There is also some very good luggage available for the multi.

**moto748** · 10 Aug 08, 01:35 PM

Out of interest, why was the ST2 "no good for you after an hour"?

**blackie** · 10 Aug 08, 04:51 PM

If you fancy a trip over the pennines you can have a go on mine see what you think..

**Multimental** · 10 Aug 08, 06:28 PM

Buy one, they're really good.

**Pax** · 10 Aug 08, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Multimental

Buy one, they're really good.

What do you know ? your a mentalist

**zimbo** · 10 Aug 08, 07:19 PM

I really like mine, I found the standard seat ('03 model) uncomfortable at first but have done 550 miles in 2 days this weekend (6 hours on the bike today alone) and actually now I've settled in to it it's fine, still comfortable at the end of the day and I seem to be able to maintain a fairly good pace with ease and a minimum of effort. Effortless handling and a lovely engine.
As for 2 up - with the Givi topbox rack it's reasonable for the pillion, standard grabrail not as good as there's not enough to hold on to. With a Givi topbox on as well (extra security!) it's very comfortable for the pillion for up to 3 hours at a time (after which the seat gets hard apparently - a gel seat would help!) and up to about 90mph with the standard screen.

**454697819** · 10 Aug 08, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moto748

Out of interest, why was the ST2 "no good for you after an hour"?

not really so sure, im a tall chap and I adjusted it up fully but the seat was to pointed up into my groin area and put pressure into my inner legs..

Quote:

If you fancy a trip over the pennines you can have a go on mine see what you think..

thats very kind of you thank you, but Ill blag one from Cobb & Jager as I work 5 minutes from there.. what I cant understand is the lack of deals.. its like oh its £8500 and thats it no decent part ex's ...

Thanks for all the replies..

**Kev Moz** · 10 Aug 08, 08:11 PM

Hi, I'm quite tall too (6'2") and find the bike fine for my height. I have changed the bars on mine to Renthal one which are more swept back and it changed the whole feel of the bike, The standard seat was a pain after an hour, but the bars seam to help as it has changed the seating position.

I have the Givi top box and take my lad out with me, in fact he refuses to come if its not on, as he can relax against the pad.

I find the suspension fine too, but I'm no expert. Test one and see what you feel like. But I love mine.

**ducbird** · 10 Aug 08, 08:19 PM

hiya

Im the pillion of zimbos multi. Much much better with a top box on feel much safer
and the grab handles are situated to the side so something to hold onto.. You can lean
against the topbox which is great for touring the wind rush is better can go up to 90mph
but anything above that would be a little effort as you can see over the riders head..
the seat became a little uncomfy after 3 hours (zimbo a gel seat please

)
but overall im beginning to enjoy this bike...

I have had a little ride myself would suit you being tall im 5ft 7 and can just tiptoe
i feel a little uneasy riding it for an emergency stop as i wouldnt be able to put my
feet flat on the floor...

And... i have to say Zimbo is really enjoying this bike after a dubious start.....

even had a wheelie out of it......

So ...........GO FOR IT.......

**spike748** · 10 Aug 08, 08:49 PM

Great bike. Get a test ride first, once you get past the quirkiness of the bike you will realise how good they are. Gel seats are a good mod, so is a 14t front sprocket, hand guards are Ok, but Acerbis or KTM do them cheaper than DP. Open up the clutch, De cat pipes, and an aftermarket silencer are all other mods that folks go for.

I had mine for 2 years, just had a change of heart and got a Monster, (mid life crisis), but the Multi is one bike I would revisit.

Good luck in your hunt for one. As the 1100 motor is out now, you should find some fine dry clutch examples out there, possibly with touring kit bolted on.

Regards,
Spike

**blackie** · 10 Aug 08, 09:28 PM

I think Richies who is the mechanic at Woods is still for sale on their website

a black 1000 sds . If hes had it it will be spot on..

**spike748** · 10 Aug 08, 09:55 PM

That will be a great buy Blackie. Rich is a top mechanic/engineer, I have heard that his multi is a bit trick?

**454697819** · 11 Aug 08, 07:11 AM

Cheers... sounds promising

I was also looking at the bandit GT, but have a nasty geeling it will be a bit bland, although I understand they are bullet proof.

I just like somethign different about my bikes,

Can anyone direct me to the bike Blackie mentioned?

Cheers

Alex

**Multimental** · 11 Aug 08, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pax

What do you know ? your a mentalist

I know that I saw the light before you and have never taken the p1ss out of a Multi.

I like them so much that when I highsided my first one, I went out and bought another.

Black is the best colour to have one in and they look especially good when complemented by those gold forks.