Well, I've hit 3,000 miles this morning! I figured it might be nice for others to see an opinion from a sports bike background. Having 2 748's and a 1098S previously, it sure was a leap getting a Multistrada 1200S Trouring (2011) instead of the lovely new Pangiale. I can't fault the bike one bit, the suspension system really works flawlessly, I ride a mixture of town and motorways for my commute and switching between Touring and Urban really helps. Specially when I want to blast up through traffic. In Urban, the bike becomes sluggish yet still powerful for blasting away, low down and agile. Perfect. I won't go into detail about the systems as you all know how it works, and those looking at getting a Multi should do their research, but know this for those those looking. It really does work and I use it daily. The power of the bike makes sure I'm on check with the 1L sports bikes, I've had a few random fast encounters with sports bikes, with one chap shouting "Fuck me that's a fast sofa!!" when we pulled up next to each other at a set of lights after a very spirited ride. It is indeed, I would say I'm just as quick on it as I was on the 1098S on the roads. The bike has the looks, I've often had people look/comment on it, it's no beauty (I think it is) but it's different, it has drama about it, something different. It draws people in. I often find my self looking back after parking up in town, only to see a punter or 2 inspecting the bike out. That put's a smile on my face. Tool wise, I'm so glad I went for the Touring over the Sports, I've used the panniers and top box all together when I went to Belgium. I use the top box every now and then during the week. 2 up is superb. Absolute comfort, other half isn't a biker but is slowly enjoying it more and more... Specially if you get the revs to sit around 6k Prepare for a wet seat There are some things I would change... The brakes are a bit... Sluggish. Coming from mono block Brembos on the 1098S to this is a bit of a difference, often I've thought "I should have stopped by now". Which has installed a bit of fear for what will happen come summer when I really give it the beans. But, I just have to adjust my braking style and brake earlier. I've gone round and stripped the bike as much as possible and re applied locktite to pretty much everything as I've lost a couple of screws already, my 1098S did this as well. Not the 748... Over all, yes, the bike was in the 5 figure price, but I can't, for one second say I wish I didn't spend the money. I'll give you one example of how much I enjoy riding this bike. Yesterday, my other half was out for lunch with her friends, we were then going to meet at my friends for a spot of afternoon tea at his house so she could have a girly catch up with his wife whilst me and my best mate played with his new RC car (yea... fully grown children). I purposefully arranged for us to go round later so I could ride the bike to his and back home, giving the excuse it would save her picking me up... Right, I'm now off to ride home on it Looking forward to the next 3,000 miles and more!
Glad you're enjoying it so much and it's always nice to hear positive vibes about the Multi (must try the 6k trick on the Missus :wink. Working abroad at the moment and surrounded by KTM 'step-throughs' so definitely missing mine to be honest. All the best, Mark H
I have been caught out by the 'sluggish' urban mode when going for the first overtake after exiting a town. I have dialed in 150L power into the urban mode (and a bit more traction control to compensate). Job done! Glad you like the bike - me too!
Likewise I found too much of a delay in the Urban setting and set it up a rain mode instead. A change of brake pads worked wonders for me...
Hmmm, will try that, more power and higher TCS... I don't mind it, and it's nice having the sluggish power, knowing if I twist the throttle I don't get a boot up my arse. The delivery reminds me of my old 748's actually!
What Doodle said. Search this Forum, it's topic du jour at the moment. Change the rotors (BrakeTech; Stainless or Iron) & the pads (HH Ferodo) at the same time for the full experience. I know, I know...more money on top of an already pricey machine. You will NOT be disappointed if you do
yep, monoblocs are the answer mate, as MJW & Doodle said. Glad to hear your enjoying the MTS If you have the time, I wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts of the 1098s compared to the MTS. Yes I know they are different bikes, but I find myself thinking I need another bike in the garage to replace my R1, and am contemplating a 1098S, 1198S, or panigale (non S). I have ridden all but the pani, but not lived with them for any length of time.
John, I really enjoyed the 1098S. I will give you a longer reply at some point but I'm on the tablet at the moment. In short, it was an absolute beast of a machine as you no doubt know. But I couldn't use it for anything other than joy rides. It was such a pig to ride through towns. Once you give it the beans, it all came together. But if you are just popping out for a pooter about, it's not fun. The Multi offers me both, the insanity with comfort and relaxed riding when I want it. I'm already craving a little more top end, and as discussed I really want more aggressive breaks. Yesterday I had the Multi in sports mode and I was racing some chap on his r6. Over took him with ease but after a few hard braking sessions (maybe 3 hard applications of the breaks). They started to fade, which worried me. Anyway, the bikes... I'm thinking of getting a sports bike for those insane blasts. Where I don't intend on placing my arses comfort as a priority. If money was no issue, a 1098S or similar. But... I've been looking into a 916 with a 1098S engine in it... Already bid and lost on a couple of engines. Have my eye on a frame! So, in short, if you have the cash to splash out on a 1098S, I would. I haven't ridden the 1198S bike yet. I have ridden the Panigale, and I will be honest, it felt safe... Didn't feel as raw or as aggressive as the 1098S.
On your average B-road, a well sorted Multi will likely be faster. Just get the suspension right, sort the brakes and you'll be laughing.
Thanks freshage. Surprised your after more than the multi power wise. Get some mono blocs fitted to dirt the brakes out. Well worth the effort / money. Fully understand the 1098 would be a pain in town. Not a problem for me :smile:
2700 on mine after today, and tbh enjoyed nearly all of them. Starting to get the 'rear brake is shit' vibe now, but no biggie. Not even used sport or enduro yet or messed much with the settings, just get on and ride it. Want to kill these std tyres before spring so I can fit some decent rubber, as I know come better wether it will be boot and peg scraping time!! Think I'll also do an ARD day or two on it, so I can understand just how hard I can push it before summer and chasing 1198s and 848s :wink:
Get the PR2's! They are sublime mate. I've done 500 miles on then so far, got right over to the edge already, tonnes of grip in the wet. Highly recommend them.
No problem at all with mono blocs & abs. If you get ham-fisted then yes you can promote h abs to come on easier, but you get pretty good feel so it's fairly easy to get on the brakes ard without too much drama.
I found Dunlop sportsmarts worked well on the multi , easiest bike I've ever had to get to edge of the tyre
Will give them a shot And yea, it's just a treat to throw around considering it's size and all the weight being high up.
