Non yet, I'm waiting for the 2013 releases bud then ill make my mind up one things for sure though, I'm not put off owning a new style (1200) multi by any stretch (old shape just don't do it for me at all), it's more about whether it'd suit hooning about like a hyper/SF would if that's what I'd like it to do occasionally. I don't do 2 up riding, I don't commute. Even though I love a blast over to europe which ive done probably twice a year for the last 3 years, I've also been to the Nurburgring at least once a year for the last 5 years on a Blade, RC8 and 848 so clearly I don't 'need' armchair comfort just yet. i just fancy something a little less focused on the road as frankly sportsbikes seem boring to me unless I'm really really gunning it and that's probably down to becoming a track day addict over the last 3 years. I want something playful thats easy to jump on and have fun on the legal side of 100mph, if it'll do a bit of mileage then great
Another option is something like a KTM 690, it's only a single but mine is an absolute riot at less than 100 mph, unreal for a single cylinder bike and I'm perfectly happy riding in when I don't want to get the Multi covered in salt with that time of year coming up. Plus capable of doing a bit of mileage. I've done multiple trips around Morocco and the Sahara on an XR650R so don't rule singles out for travelling, and brilliant fun on twisty roads.
Triumph Street triple r or xc800 or bmw gs800 may also be worth a test ride Damo. Supposed to be decent middleweights, latter two perhaps a bit sensible but worth a go?
Street triple too small I'm afraid and I'd rather the bigger brother although I find that a little low in the saddle being 6ft 4" the KTM SMR 990 (2010 brembo monobloc version) is possible but again maybe too much like the hyper...... Although that may not be a bad thing and I'd love to try one if I get chance, the smr's are supposed to be lunacy i think for a naked I'd go SF848 but what with the news of this new triple launch of a ducati 820 range of new multi/hyper/other I'm hoping one of them is gonna tick all the boxes.
I thought the SF848 was tiny, and I am about 5' 9". A friend who is the same size as me has a BMW800GS and it is quite a stretch to the ground. Ducati 820 range ????
No the SF848/1098 have a decent sized seat height, they look small I think because of the front headlight being lower but they both feel 'purposeful' as your still over the front end, quite angry feeling almost. I do like the SF yep the ducati rumoured 820cc engine range, apparently a possible 3 new bikes, suspected to be a newly designed Hypermotard, a smaller Multi and a 'roadster' type bike which is the least known about. Apparently not a monster replacement but more aggressive lines like the Streetfighter, not sure how'd they'd fit it in alongside the SF and the monster though but who cares few links here, you'll notice slight differences in spy shots, some believe the spy shots have been of both the smaller multi and also the hyper. Nothing yet of the roadster but Ducati love to drop a surprise at Milan don't they. Report: Ducati to Introduce Three 820cc Models at EICMA - Motorcycle.com News | Motorcycle.com News Three new liquid-cooled Ducati 820 models for 2013 | Ducati Blog
I have ridden a SF848 and I did feel it was tiny, although yes it also felt very 'puposeful' and over the front end, but I was riding it when my Multistrada was having it's first service. Thanks for the links.
Oh god yeah it's tiny compared to the multi but that's a big bike isn't it, a good bike mind you. i think on reflection I just need bikes
if it helps make anyones mind up about the MTS I went for one as a direct replacement for an old BMW K1100RS. I've got an '05 ZX10R as the sports bike, an '09 Yam Tenere for stupid winter trips and an '09 KTM 250EXC for riding off road so the MTS wouldn't really replace any of them yet it does make a good bike for tooling around Europe. One thing it isn't is a bike I'd want to take on anything worse than a slightly manky Alpine pass where the frost has broken the surface a bit.
Due to the cycle race at Boxhill on Sunday I slipped down the inside of the massive traffic jam (outside is double white line) and I can confirm that the leaves in the gulley made me a little on edge...it ain't no trial bike (Enduro hehe)!
