nice one .... good choice. If I can sell my F800 I'll probably get the 1100 Mulitstrada - can't afford the 1200

 

I like the Multistrada 1200 for the same reasons I love my S1000RR - a kind of do-it-all sort of bike, yet extreme in its own way. The S1000RR is the most powerful literbike out there, yet the ride modes and traction control means it's usable in any road condition one would ride a bike in. My last few rides were all in torrential downpours, and although I did fear hydroplaning, the bike was totally solid in Rain mode and would not spin the rear (my F800S had to be treated with kid gloves in the wet; after installing a Power Commander and exhaust, it would spin the rear if you weren't careful). It *is* a race bike, so you sacrifice comfort some.

The MTS1200 is sort of the same deal - an overpowered touring/enduro that's light and has an electronics package to truly make a year-round bike. It *is* a sporty Ducati, so you do sacrifice serious offroad ability.

It'd be nice if BMW made a GS bike from the same basic mechanicals as the S1000RR (in the same way the MTS1200 is based around a detuned 1198 Testastretta engine), but it would steal sales away from the F800GS and R1200GS rather than create new customers, so not likely to see that happening.

 

It'd be nice if BMW made a GS bike from the same basic mechanicals as the S1000RR (in the same way the MTS1200 is based around a detuned 1198 Testastretta engine), but it would steal sales away from the F800GS and R1200GS rather than create new customers, so not likely to see that happening.

There's a good reason that offroad/dual sport bikes are mostly either singles or twins (the Triumph being the only production exception to this I can think of) combining light weight & low down torque, & allowing time for the rear tyre to grip between bangs...

If BMW sees the MTS as a genuine threat in that most of it's press suggest it has the offroad capability of a Fireblade then they may well assault it without really endangering their GS customer base, though we might see something more like the Megamoto rather than a 4 based machine.

 

Chris, have fun with the new bike.

Bike magazine did a test of one recently and one of the negative comments they made about it was the ABS being easily activated and then releasing on rough surfaces as though the bike was free-wheeling, and then coming on again. Does that sound familiar? [] Other than that, they liked it.

 

Congrats Chris - an awesome bike for 'real road' riding (in a similar way the F800ST is, but that much more capable in every way). I love my ST, although I do miss the note of a booming V-twin (my last bike was a 1979 bevel SS900)

Just remember to look after your licence!

 

I'm jealous so congrats on the new bike. It's certainly a bike that I would consider trading in for.

 

Woo... nice. I'm envious [] Let us know how it goes.

 

Well go on then....just get up and leave.....bloody Aussies[]

 

Well, my last two bikes have been BMWs and I've loved my 800ST which I've now had for 3 years....but it's time to move on.

very cool... make SURE to post pix and your impression of the Multistrada.
I assume you traded the ST in? hope it held it's value a bit. []

-tp

 

Nice choice. Probably the exact same choice I'll make in a year or so. Could you post a comparison once you have become comfortable on the duck?

..thanx..

 

Probably the exact same choice I'll make in a year or so.

me too... in two.

-tp

 

I've just checked it out, I'm very jealous now[]

You must post pics and let us know how you get on. With 2 power outputs of 100bhp or 150bhp you should have quite a beast on your hands when you feel like it[] Looks like it'd be great for munching up the miles and wiping out the odd kangaroo as well. I can't see myself getting a sports bike unless it's a second bike so this looks like a good choice. Food for thought........enjoy.

 

I've got 2 more years of warranty on the S so that'll mean I have to choose between a 2012 demo strada or the 2013 S1000ST []

-tp

 

1 year and a few months to go on my warranty.

Despite some problems, I really, really like this bike, and can't see myself getting rid of it.

If anything, I'll pass it on to the wife if she gets into riding, and add a Duc to my garage.

Dave, like you, I am a Jap guy (Honda) at heart. Right now, they just don't have anything that excites me except for maybe the VFR1200.

.

 

Suuny, my thoughts on the VFR are that it's a sports-tourer in that they've grafted the back end of a sports bike on to the front of a large tourer. The back just looks unfinished or cut-off to me, compared to the completed look of the F800ST.

 

Did you get the new Multi yet? I too have been thinking about it, but haven't test ridden one yet. Post up a comparo and some pics when you have a chance.

 

I've just added a new thread with my first impressions of the Multistrada;

http://f800riders.org/forum/showthread.php?p=441125#post441125

 

At £2000 more than a similar trimmed R1200GS, I know which I'd be going for...

 

Yep, it's all a case of what you want AND what you can afford [uhoh]. Same can be said for the GS and a similar trimmed V-STrom []. Some of us would be back on bicycles .......[:0]

 

At nearly 100 pounds less than a similar trimmed R1200GS, I know which I'd be going for...

-tp

 

Hey there Chris ... Nice to hear!
Not considered the KTM 990 SMT?? ... apparently very-, v-e-r-y similar bike to mulltistrada, without the fancy electronics, and a "nicer" price tag . . .
I'm seriously considering this "route" (since I can't afford the 'multi').
Lemme know wot ya think of the SMT, once you've test-ridden one of course?

 

Sagitty,

I spent a while chatting to a bloke on a KTM 990 whilst waiting for the ferry back from my last european trip. He'd had a Ducati previously. His main gripe about the KTM was the fuel consumption. He didn't quote figures but said it was very thirsty, and never made the figures quoted in the handbook. might just be worth checking out.