Set on getting a Sports Tourer, it'll be for UK roads (no offloading unless i've taken a major wrong turn) and I debating something like a Ducati 1260 Multistrada/BMW S1000XR (17") or maybe a Multi V4 (19"). Thing is I was all set for something with a 17' front wheel but is a 19" better for the UK roads, I'm not a speed demon but want to get away from my current bike (21") and been off road once in the last 4 years. Days out for short/all day rides and the occasion tour...
Go for the 19'' you won't regret it. Twice now I've had to get my 17" Multi wheel straightened compliments of potholes.
Limiting factor is the choice of tyre. Fortunately, some of the major brands have a road offering. Had a ride on an early Multistrada V4 when my 1200 was in for service and there wasn’t much I could on the 1200 that the V4 couldn’t match, except perhaps at the ragged edge. Andy
Dunno what it is, but I much prefer 17s or 21s and seem to struggle getting comfortable with 19" fronts when the riding gets a little spirited. When I bought my KTM super adv last summer I tested the S(19") and the R(21") back to back and was far more at home on the R. Have had multiple dirt bikes and 21" front adventure bikes over the years, so maybe its a mental bias thing.
I’ve had 4 Multistrada’s and I have to say I much prefer the larger front wheel on the V4. I find it holds and tracks a line much better and is not thrown off line as much. Also better at slow speeds and in traffic. I honestly don’t see any advantage in the smaller front wheel with the type of riding I do.
Plenty of tyre options for the 19” front from trackday capable tyres to touring or off road specs. IMO best all round road use option was Dunlop Mutants, they have excellent dry & wet grip at the right (lower) pressures
