I have been thinking of buying a Multistrada 12xx/S or 950S, something to get me out on the road in the colder months, not for commuting. I find once the TD season finishes in this country I do nothing until next April! Dont enjoy riding a sports bike on the road, so thought a Multi might change things. (still keeping my sports bikes!!) Are there any particular models/year I should avoid, I'm sure I read 2015 DVT was one??
You’ll get polarised views. Arguably most will tell you theirs is best. For me They are the best solution for riding fast on the road. I have a 2011 1200s with Ohlins Semi active suspension. It has enough toys to make it modern and of an age where problems are documented and solvable. I guess it depends on budget and what’s available near you and what you want. however, early bikes had issues with porous heads, dodgy clocks, blocked radiators, seized rear hub and seized exhaust valves. No doubt there’s a similar list for DVT bikes too.
In addition there are some stories of the 10-12 bikes where the crank let go which is the main reason I excluded them from my search. (TBF lots will tell how many miles their 10-12 bikes have done as well ) TB
It’s hard because if you go hunting to hear what can go wrong with a bike you’ll find it. But there’s extreme examples too. Not saying anyone has a bias and it’s easy to be emotional if you’ve had a bad example but it’s not always indicative. Lots of photos of GS with exploding shaft drives but they still sell in droves and it rarely occurs.
I agree Fat Matt, I'm fairly open minded, I have very little knowledge on the product range when it comes to the 1200/1260. There a few good examples around in Dealers, low mileage 2015 DVT's 1200S's, decent saving over a 1260
I sat on a Multi for the first time a couple of weeks back, at the same time I sat on a 1290 Superduke R - my advice is to do the same, I would go for the KTM out of the 2 100% - still considering others though but not tried them yet. The KTM felt just right, and slightly better looking
Apples and oranges though...Superduke R is a Tuono competitor. I want a Tuono, but its not instead of the MS, it'd be aswell as.
I went from Ducati to BMW then came back for exactly that reason. BMW technically good at most things but no soul, man! 1200 DVT is great. 1260 is amazing. If they sorted screen wind protection and brake dive (which are both manageable) it would be fabulous.
Personally i would say there are better bikes for what you want it for. Something lighter and more manageable in the winter months would be good.
I think you are right Duke, and less expensive too, not sure what though. The 950s is an option, not a fan of Jap inline 4's. Hopefully I will get a test ride on a Multi, big and small, might hate its size and start looking for something different.
