Hi Guys, I am currently looking to swap my current bike, a BMW GSA for a Multistrada. I am pulled by the multistrada after test riding one at Riders a coupla weeks ago, I am not new to Ducati's but I am to the 'Strada. There seems a fair glut of Strada's out there to choose from but obviously not many 13 platers available with the twin spark motor and the skyhook! (used) My BMW is great for the life I lead, it gets used as my work machine fairly heavily in an urban enviroment as an instructor, carries the good woman on the odd forey into Europe and is great in sport mode for the occasional hoon, but all that aside, I bought it from new and its time for a change and the Strada is the only machine that currently appeals, mainly for the different engine modes and handling. So here's the question please: Is the skyhook really worth having, over say, the adjustable ohlins version? I am led to believe it doesnt make a lot of difference solo? And my second question is: Is the new engine that much smoother to justify the cost, or is the previous single spark unit acceptable for everyday riding as an instructor machine, or is it too rough at low rpm? I kknow what the mags, reports and dealers have told me, but I would rather hear it from people with experience of both, such as you guys, rathar than a load of bollox from a dealer!! This is going to happen for me once the beemer is sold, and the only 'fixed' is obvoiusly that its red, but is the price difference between the two models justifiable? We could be talking 3k between them for a 2012/13 machine? And then there is the issue of potentially buying a virtually obsolete bike if its pre skyhook before I start!! Any help here would be appreciated from those that have experience of both, please feel free to pm me if there is a danger of a bunfight here!! Looking forward to my time here, cheers, Ian
Ian, I'm on my third Multi so I should be reasonably justified in offering advice. Without question I would get the basic ABS 2013 model. If you can get a used or an ex demo all the better. Main reason is the engine. It is on a different planet at low revs than the previous models. As you are an instructor I would consider this invaluable for your day to day riding on the machine. The skyhook is good no question but the standard suspension is also very good once you have is set up for your requirements. This costs about £30 so it's a no brainer. Another difference over previous models is the Sport mode. On the new model it's ridiculously fast in Sport so you can have a great time all week in Touring and then get out on a weekend, put it in Sport and you HAVE got a different bike, it's that drastic. Whatever you decide to do I really hope you get a Multi, you won't regret it pal.
Never mind the skyhook and the engine its the headlights that sold it for me, No seriously, when I changed from my 2011 to a 2013 I was very impressed with the extra low down power, pulling away is completely different to the 2011. Having said that I managed fine with my 2011 the throttle/suspension and rear brake were never a problem. I don't know if its because I am a bit of a fat lad but the Ohlins were better for me. I suspect the skyhook needs adjusting to my delicate frame, either way I love both bikes, no matter which one you choose you will not be disappointed. Jimmy
I did spend some time on an ohlins shod sport, two years ago, on a Spain trip. On the open roads it was great. In the tight twisties of southern Spain it was a bucking bronco, totally hated it! On the twisties my tiger 800 left it for dead. Not so on the open sweepers. I now have a 2013 gt, totally different, no more bucking bronco and a great handling bike, smooth at low speed and blisteringly quick otherwise. Economy is averaging 50 for me, so I'll easy get 200 on a tank. The only down side is the chain drive but it's worth the hassle
Exactly as above. I had a 2012 touring with the Ohlins, which rattled badly. My new 2013 is in a different league. Super smooth engine, excellent suspension which can be set easily manually. Save your money and get an ABS 2013 model.
Can't comment on pro's or con's on the suspension comparison side Moley, as this is my first Ducati, a 13 Multi., Tour., S. And I love it, I've done more miles on this in a few months than I've done in the last couple of years on my VFR, but I will say it's not as smoothest bike I've ever owned. When people who've owned pre 2013 Multi's say their rough compared to a 13 one, all I can say is thank heaven I didn't buy one of those. You mention you instruct, so I assume as a bike instructor, all I would say is I think a 1200 GS would make a far better instructor's bike than a Multi but perhaps not as much fun.
Standard suspension is superb once set up on the 2013 . If you ride two up then you will appreciate the progressive rear spring on the new bike. Handles like a dream one up, or two up. No brainer.
Couldn't agree more. I did 2,700 miles two-up round France in two weeks this summer in total comfort but was still able to enjoy the bendy bits. Skyhook is great for two-up riding and well worth the money. IMO.
I'm not on about the suspension gent's, I'm on about the general ride itself e.g. pulling away, it either feels like it's about to stall, so you give it a fraction and I mean fraction more throttle and it's revving it's nut's off. And then your up and down the gearbox like a 125, not a bike with 1200cc's and a 150 bhp. So in my humble opinion I don't think it makes a suitable bike to teach on is all I'm saying. But I do love it so please no hate mail
I find in urban mode mine needs a little more revs but think thisis because of the softer power delivery. Clutch is typical ducati std slipper: little grabby. But no worse than my Suzi tbh
Having done 30+k miles on a 2010 model and now some 10K on the 2013 and using both bikes to do "advanced" training I find the 2013 bike the better one (thankfully). the twin spark head makes a considerable difference at low revs and it is easier to manage for slow speed stuff. I have never had a problem with pulling away and depending on what you are doing then just select the appropriate mode. As for the gearbox both models need a good firm selection or else you might get a neutral but not a problem once you are used to the Ducati Box. Best of all when you really want to get a move on select Sport mode and nothing will touch it. :smile: Other plus points for the 2013 model - LED headlights are wonderful, the Skyhook suspension does work, the screen is better, rear brake works now, fuel consumption is better (depends how you ride of course).
Ultimately you can use anything for instructing if you're willing to. One of the guys at the place I learned taught on a decidedly hairy engined GSX1100.
