I am thinking of something a bit different (for me). Seen a few Multistrada 1000DS's at Boxhill and Newlands Corner and they're interesting. I don't do many miles you see and don't have a massive budget, say 1,500 miles per annum? Have about £3,500 tops to spend. I'm 6ft 3ins tall, so they look pretty good for my height. I'm wanting something more dynamic than my ST3. Are they worth the money and are there any niggles I should look for? Thanks in advance...
Good fun bike if slightly challenging in the looks department unless you have dodgy eyesight or shocking taste. That said I had one and thoroughly enjoyed it. Not sure it is more dynamic than an ST3. If you do get one watch out for the side stand being useless on anything other than super smooth surfaces. I parked mine on my gravel drive as with all bikes I have owned in the last 30 years , the MTS was the only one that failed to support itself. The fuel gauge on early models is hopelessly inaccurate but other than that they are pretty standard air cooled 2v Dukes so as you already have one you know what to expect.
It's funny that you mention fuel guage. My ST3 is about a third full one moment, then it's on reserve the next moment. Causes a classic case of squeaky bum when I'm not sure when I can next re-fuel :disappointed: Apparently my ST3 is a 3v model, so not sure how different the 2v is, and as for eyesight, I know what you mean about the looks, but I'm sort of leaning towards wanting something a little different, and in a weird / funny way, it ticks that box...sort of Have a great weekend. Cheers, Ray.
Great fun bike! lovely torquey motor, pulls smoothly from 3,000 if set up properly, comfortable and reliable. Keeps up with most sports bikes in the twisties too! Had mine from new in 05, few issues for me; wind noise from screen but I find the same with any bike with a screen even sportsbikes, modified my screen with home fitted addition of a 748 screen above the standard screen not pretty but functional on longer trips. The dreaded ethanol can distort the tank, look for weeps around the pump flange but can be cured with a 2mm rubber gasket. Instruments mist up and some suffer from warped discs. Well worth going for an S model, the Ohlins really do make for a much more compliant ride. Good luck on your hunt!
I own a Red 2005 sds (Ohlins model) and for me it's one of those underrated bikes which punches well above its weight. So I addressed what I thought were its limitations: Looks - I fitted a set of number boards front / back and added some additional carbon bits. Performance - fitted a full Zard system (cat delete), PC3 + custom map and K&N filter. Also went up 1 tooth on rear sprocket. It really is a great ride (read old school, no intrusive electronics) punchy engine and sweet handling chassis plus (with above mods) sweet looking. A total bargin
I don't mind the look of them. Used to think they were bloody awful until I saw a few in the metal. They're striking rather than ugly. Walk round one and it sort of makes sense. There's an orange one I sometimes see locally which looks really quite cool. Its almost as strong as KTM orange. Don't know it that was a standard colour but it works. I imagine they're not dissimilar to the SMT. They look like they can be thrown around the same. Multi would have more bottom end, SMT more up top. If they're half as much fun as an SMT, a good one would be a good buy at 3.5K.
White one works best for me. Not sure why it got such bad press and the replacement did not. It looks worse to me. And not even individual, just another GS-clone.
Each to there own. I prefer it in red though. Its why we have a choice with it in white I suppose, because if they were all red, it would be a tad boring wouldn't it?
