Multistrada savvy folks please school me...

[Helmutt]

Selling off my Ninja to upgrade towards something with a more favorable seating position, day long comfort, cool electro-gadgetry, hard luggage, and NOT an I-4. Truly thought I was dead set on the new BMW R1200RS, but some private convo with a few owners on the RS forum has since deterred me. This next bike will be in my stable for a good 8-10 years, so I've been researching most of the year debating the direction I need to take so I'll continue to stay satisfied with it.

The '15 Multi 1200S is really calling me at this point. It wasn't what I'd thought I was after initially, but I've since wiped my list and started over after getting lackluster ( for me ) info about the RS - further research has me considering the new Multi. Checked one out at IP Saturday and aside from not getting a test ride, I really like it.

It's still something that the luggage can be taken off of in the event I'd like to take in a random trackday without a ton of extra weight to worry about.

The big twin is proven and I do crave the newfound low end torque.

The bike's refinement reviews are unsurpassed.

I especially like the seating position better than the RS.

The ergos feel good - sitting in the bike instead of on it.

Wider handlebars and handguards.

All controls are all well within reach.

A plethra of electronic suspension adjustment.

New Desmodromic variable valve timing has smoothed out the torque curve and brought it all the way across the rev range, supposedly an improvement from prior models.

Longer service intervals.

Wider front end helps with more protection from the elements than previous years.

Onboard fuel mapping modes.

Cruise.

Luggage seems VERY well made.

The pro's list goes on and on with little cons that I can find.

Anyone have input as to whether or not the bike is truly a testament to it's solid reputation? Any qualms, quirks, issues, or failings anyone know of?

Edited November 12, 2015 by Hellmutt

[redkow97]

Can you hold off on buying long enough for Hoblick to sell his? 

[Tonik]

Wow, 20 minutes and IP isn't in here with a chubbie talking about how awesome they are.  Hope he is ok.

[dustinsn3485]

I've not followed much of your bike wanting closely, so it's probably already been explained, but I see here that you're not wanting an I4. What's the reasoning for that?

[jbot]

he's got some bike seat dildo up his ass so far, it's hard for him to cycle his ass over here to type out an appropriate response

he's got some bike seat dildo up his ass so far, it's hard for him to cycle his ass over here to type out an appropriate response

Edited November 9, 2015 by jbot

[3.504]

I have not owned a multi.

I have, however, owned a brand new Ducati vs. a brand new BMW. (14 Hypermotard sp, 12 BMW s1000rr)

Hands down BMW was a more enjoyable brand than Ducati. Customer support, warranty, how I was treated, communication, dealer support. All of it.

If you're really on a new multi, I believe they're a fantastic product. What really impresses me about the Ducati brand is how smooth the motorcycle is. It's almost strange. They're still a twin, so on the low end they can get chuggy, but once in the mid range, they're like glass. Another quality I like is fit and finish. They truly are a high end manufacturer in this regard.

Dealers I'd recommend for purchasing a Ducati: common wealth in Louisville. (They are very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with) motohio in Columbus (bought my s1000rr here, awesome dealer)

Dealers I recommend staying away from: competition accessories (I bought my hyper from them, and have been extremely dissatisfied from both sales/delivery stand point, and service. Just awful). Iron pony (I only have used bike experience from them, but overall was very unprofessional.)

I considered a multi at one point, but I'm holding off for now. If you get one, let me know how you like it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[3.504]

I have not owned a multi.

I have, however, owned a brand new Ducati vs. a brand new BMW. (14 Hypermotard sp, 12 BMW s1000rr)

Hands down BMW was a more enjoyable brand than Ducati. Customer support, warranty, how I was treated, communication, dealer support. All of it.

If you're really on a new multi, I believe they're a fantastic product. What really impresses me about the Ducati brand is how smooth the motorcycle is. It's almost strange. They're still a twin, so on the low end they can get chuggy, but once in the mid range, they're like glass. Another quality I like is fit and finish. They truly are a high end manufacturer in this regard.

Dealers I'd recommend for purchasing a Ducati: common wealth in Louisville. (They are very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with) motohio in Columbus (bought my s1000rr here, awesome dealer)

Dealers I recommend staying away from: competition accessories (I bought my hyper from them, and have been extremely dissatisfied from both sales/delivery stand point, and service. Just awful). Iron pony (I only have used bike experience from them, but overall was very unprofessional.)

I considered a multi at one point, but I'm holding off for now. If you get one, let me know how you like it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TimTheAzn]

I heard the TC system on the new Multi's is out of this world...

 

Waiting for Paul to come in and try to sell his multi. 

[Helmutt]

I've not followed much of your bike wanting closely, so it's probably already been explained, but I see here that you're not wanting an I4. What's the reasoning for that?

 

Just ready for something narrower, nimble, and torquey.  My ZX14 has plenty of power most everywhere on the tach, but I'm over the inlines as they're all I've ever had in streetbikes.  Not to mention my Ninja has had a megaphone exhaust on it the near 7 years time I've owned it, so I'm REALLY over the sound as well.  Just ready for change.  My KTM really opened my eyes and ears to a pleasantry with low rev torque and deep tone of a less-than-4-cylinder bike.  But I cant do several hundred mile days on a sumo

[Helmutt]

I have not owned a multi.

I have, however, owned a brand new Ducati vs. a brand new BMW. (14 Hypermotard sp, 12 BMW s1000rr)

Hands down BMW was a more enjoyable brand than Ducati. Customer support, warranty, how I was treated, communication, dealer support. All of it.

If you're really on a new multi, I believe they're a fantastic product. What really impresses me about the Ducati brand is how smooth the motorcycle is. It's almost strange. They're still a twin, so on the low end they can get chuggy, but once in the mid range, they're like glass. Another quality I like is fit and finish. They truly are a high end manufacturer in this regard.

Dealers I'd recommend for purchasing a Ducati: common wealth in Louisville. (They are very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with) motohio in Columbus (bought my s1000rr here, awesome dealer)

Dealers I recommend staying away from: competition accessories (I bought my hyper from them, and have been extremely dissatisfied from both sales/delivery stand point, and service. Just awful). Iron pony (I only have used bike experience from them, but overall was very unprofessional.)

I considered a multi at one point, but I'm holding off for now. If you get one, let me know how you like it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

What about Ducati Indy?   I've read good things about them, they're specialists, and they have demo bikes to try out.  Not fond of the distance, but I'll do what I've got to do if Pauly can't fix me up

 

I've seen bad reports about BMW dealer support from members on the RS forum, but then again that could be just a bad dealer and not a true indication of the factory level support, or a good dealer in general 

Edited November 9, 2015 by Hellmutt

[3.504]

What about Ducati Indy? I've read good things about them, they're specialists, and they have demo bikes to try out. Not fond of the distance, but I'll do what I've got to do if Pauly can't fix me up

I've seen bad reports about BMW dealer support from members on the RS forum, but then again that could be just a bad dealer and not a true indication of the factory level support, or a good dealer in general

I've heard great things about Indy Ducati as well, just never dealt with them personally.

I don't know why the guys on the RS forum were having trouble with BMW. I have nothing but great things to say about the brand, the product, and motohio. That actually says a lot too, I'm pretty judgmental over dealerships, lol.

Regardless of where you choose to purchase from, my advice on the buying process is this: they're on commission to serve YOU, not the other way around. Make sure they meet every expectation, because you DESERVE it, and you can always buy down the road.

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[Tpoppa]

If you're looking at the Multi have you considered the BMW S1000XR?  I rode with a couple guys on these.  Damn fine machine.  I'd choose it over the Multi.

[JustinNck1]

Maybe this will be available in the near future?

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2014/november/spied-new-ktm-1290-sports-tourer/

[Helmutt]

If you're looking at the Multi have you considered the BMW S1000XR?  I rode with a couple guys on these.  Damn fine machine.  I'd choose it over the Multi.

That's the same old I4 I'm trying to avoid. Plus a few reviews on youtube showed it wasnt as refined as the Duc, and it has a wicked vibe through the bars somewhere between 4-6k. I looked at it when I was checking out the RS though, not bad

[jschaf]

That's the same old I4 I'm trying to avoid. Plus a few reviews on youtube showed it wasnt as refined as the Duc, and it has a wicked vibe through the bars somewhere between 4-6k. I looked at it when I was checking out the RS though, not bad

FYI there is a side by side comparison between the Multi & the S1000XR in the current issue of Sport Rider magazine. Don't read it if you are set on the Duc though.

[Tpoppa]

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2015-ultimate-sports-adventure-touring-shootout

[dustinsn3485]

Just ready for something narrower, nimble, and torquey. My ZX14 has plenty of power most everywhere on the tach, but I'm over the inlines as they're all I've ever had in streetbikes. Not to mention my Ninja has had a megaphone exhaust on it the near 7 years time I've owned it, so I'm REALLY over the sound as well. Just ready for change. My KTM really opened my eyes and ears to a pleasantry with low rev torque and deep tone of a less-than-4-cylinder bike. But I cant do several hundred mile days on a sumo

Gotcha. I think for a short time you'll enjoy the change. There's a lot to be said for the other motors, but it's my opinion that at some point if you get serious about long distance with luggage and wind protection, etc. You'll find your way back to an I4.

Multi's ride nice. I'm partial to BMW, I really enjoy the boxers. There's a buzziness that I don't enjoy about most of them. The smooth ride and linear predictable power of the I4 keeps me on them.

[Tpoppa]

V4s are another great configuration.  Honda is bringing the VFR1200X to US for 2016.  I can tell you that motor is excellent.

[Helmutt]

FYI there is a side by side comparison between the Multi & the S1000XR in the current issue of Sport Rider magazine. Don't read it if you are set on the Duc though.

Think I watched it on YouTube last night. The BMW won it in the sportiness and speed categories, and that's one source where I'd heard about the vibration issue.

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2015-ultimate-sports-adventure-touring-shootout

Thanks man, I'll read it over as soon as I post this. Just know that I wasn't even looking for an adv bike when I found what I think I'm looking for in the Multi, just a smaller sport tourer, that led me to find that it's one of the best do-all tourers. Sure, I may be a bit enamoured with all of it's doohickies, crafty quality, and versatility, but I really am trying to think passed all of that.

Gotcha. I think for a short time you'll enjoy the change. There's a lot to be said for the other motors, but it's my opinion that at some point if you get serious about long distance with luggage and wind protection, etc. You'll find your way back to an I4.

Multi's ride nice. I'm partial to BMW, I really enjoy the boxers. There's a buzziness that I don't enjoy about most of them. The smooth ride and linear predictable power of the I4 keeps me on them.

I get that. And I dont hate my current I4 bike. I'm not selling it off because I cant stand riding it anymore - it does a lot, and does it really well. Just time for me to sit up more, gain some leg room, get more wind protection, gain some mileage, lose the unneeded HP, have some quality electronic amenities, show me somewhat decent track ability, and not have the boring 4cyl drone mile after mile.

Best put, it's not the bike...it's me.

V4s are another great configuration.  Honda is bringing the VFR1200X to US for 2016.  I can tell you that motor is excellent.

I looked at the VFR12, but 60 pounds more bike, smaller fuel tank than the 800, and I'm not sure about the DCT automated setup - a little too unconventional imo. Haven't done much homework on these though

[Helmutt]

First gen and second are totally different animals. I have zero experience with the second gen, as I've never ridden one. I know it's a better bike than mine, in about every way.

I bought a new bike last week. I've been busy riding it and not posting. Sue me, Jim.

My findings as well on the differences from prior models. From what I gather, DVT was a big step forward in smoothing out the torque curve. They've also just now went with ride by wire, and the electronic suspension works with an inertia module to adjust valving/preload ( as well as communicating with the ABS system ) in real time? Wasn't sure if you had any hands-on experience with the 2015s yet.

What bike did you get?

Edited November 15, 2015 by Hellmutt

[Tonik]

Hellmutt, I dont know anyone that owns a Multi that is happy with the wind protection. IP on his gen one has had eleventy billion windshields and still isnt happy. My buddy has a gen two and has done the same and is still not happy. My understanding is that we are talking about pretty substantial hellmutt buffering on the gen 2's.

See what I did there?

[Tpoppa]

I looked at the VFR12, but 60 pounds more bike, smaller fuel tank than the 800, and I'm not sure about the DCT automated setup - a little too unconventional imo. Haven't done much homework on these though

Are you talking about the VFR or the CrossTourer?

 

The VFR12 is a fantastic street bike that feels much lighter than the spec sheet indicates...but I was referring to this

[Helmutt]

Hellmutt, I dont know anyone that owns a Multi that is happy with the wind protection. IP on his gen one has had eleventy billion windshields and still isnt happy. My buddy has a gen two and has done the same and is still not happy. My understanding is that we are talking about pretty substantial hellmutt buffering on the gen 2's.

See what I did there?

According to reviews, the latest gen has a wider beak that is supposed to help - but with a wide frame and shoulders I'll likely catch wind to some degree even on a Goldwing. As for helmet buffeting, I'm VERY used to that with my Ninja unless I'm fully tucked.

And yes, I get what you did there - you figured out my intentions behind my screen name. Gold star for you, but no cookie...I ate all the cookies - because fat.

  

Are you talking about the VFR or the CrossTourer?

 

The VFR12 is a fantastic street bike that feels much lighter than the spec sheet indicates...but I was referring to this

Never heard of this. Thought you meant the VFR. Damnit T

[bmwnut]

According to reviews, the latest gen has a wider beak that is supposed to help - but with a wide frame and shoulders I'll likely catch wind to some degree even on a Goldwing. As for helmet buffeting, I'm VERY used to that with my Ninja unless I'm fully tucked.

And yes, I get what you did there - you figured out my intentions behind my screen name. Gold star for you, but no cookie...I ate all the cookies - because fat.

  

Never heard of this. Thought you meant the VFR. Damnit T

Now he is screwed! about two more days and he will have to narrow it down to a couple and not know what to get.

[snot]

he will change his mind a few times, ride a couple, research every bike ever made, make 10 more threads and then find a killer deal on something completely different and buy it.

as long as I can study and do homework, I don't care...actually I will ask him about 50xs a day "what are you reading?"