1200 May Be Joining The Club....

Having a test ride on a Multi tomorrow. I've been looking for a second bike, adventure style, for year-round riding and holidays. I've shied away from the Multi because I thought I wanted something other than a Ducati that would be completely different to my Streetfighter, and the electronics scared me off a bit. I'd settled on a KTM 1190 but prices are stubbornly high.
I've noticed there are some real bargain 10-12 plate single spark standard Multis to be had if you can find one with lowish miles. Got my eye on a 12 plate that's £8500 with 8K on the clock, bog standard and immaculate. Even for a dealer price that's an awful lot of bike for the money and there'll soon be more about when the DVT models come out.
Had a chat with Chris Steedman at CJS earlier and he was very helpful. In line with what owners are saying on here he rates the single spark non-Sky Hook model from a tuning point of view.
If the demo does it for me tomorrow I might just take the plunge.

 

No. Postponed till tomorrow.
Thanks for the heads up.
To clear up suspension spec am I right in thinking that:
ABS model is standard Marzocchi shocks, adjustable on the units but not on the bars.
S has Ohlins with rider modes on handlebar controls.
Sky Hook is semi-active.

 

Well I had my demo yesterday.. And I regret to say I wasn't bowled over.
I was riding a '64 Sky Hook model with only 1500 miles on the clock so it was probably still a bit tight, but it wasn't what I was expecting.
First of all, there were comfort issues. I didn't feel the seating position was roomy enough. I wanted to be further back and within half an hour I was wriggling. The footpegs were too congested for my size elevens. I ride on the balls of my feet. Always have from my first moped. I even walk on them slightly. I can't ride any other way. My left foot was constantly depressing the centre stand. I couldn't leave it alone, the way you worry a loose tooth and I kept getting my right foot snagged under the passenger footrest hanger which shucked my boot off.
The Engine was good but it didn't blow me away. I tried not to make comparisons with my Streetfighter which is a completely different sort of bike and has had some expensive engine work done. It wouldn't be comparing like with like but I thought the two would feel closer in character than they did. The Multi simply didn't feel as fast nor as torquey. I was a little worried it would outshine the SF after all the money I've spent on the engine, but it didn't really come close. And it was quite vibey, intrusively so, certainly more than the KTM 1190 which is the bike the Multi has to beat and miles more than my SF. And it didn't feel as punchy or connected as hoped. I set off in Touring mode, which was fine but not explosive. Then I switched to Sport. A sharper throttle response but then an odd momentary bogging down before it took off. I switched back to Touring because that actually felt more willing. Maybe the DTC was cutting in too easily in Sport, though it was set at level 4 (I tried to turn the DTC off but couldn't work out how to do it). It was quick but the KTM felt quicker, taut and more lithe. It didn't take much to get the Multi shaking its head and that on a smooth road. I assume it hasn't got a steering damper unless there's one tucked away somewhere, but it could do with one. Maybe the bike wasn't set up right but I was expecting more of the magic carpet ride you get from the KTM and the GS. On that showing I'd rather have standard suspension and set it up myself.
I'm sure I could fix all of these defects but at what price? If I could buy a sound one for 5K I might spend the same again making it into the bike it should be, but when spending 9 or 10 to start with there's just too much to do. Its a shame because I really wanted to like it. I'd love to have a brace of Ducatis in the garage and the Multi looks fabulous and its beautifully put together and I can easily imagine how good it could be especially after Rich Lewellyn and Chris Steedman have worked some magic on it, but - and I hope I don't get black-ball for saying this - I honestly think, having ridden them both, that for the price, out of the crate the KTM 1190, which is as fast or faster, smoother, lighter and sharper, is a better bike. Sorry.

 

I've still half a mind to try an older 10/11 plate standard model though, especially one that's been sorted. There's a storming bike in there somewhere, I just get the feeling its trying to be a little too clever for its own good.

 

Yes. I think its harder to choose a second bike than an only bike. This one has to do a specific job and I have to be tougher to justify the cost. If it were an only bike I think I'd be more forgiving of the Multi and willing to do the fettling.

 

Note that the front preloaded has to be set manually on a skyhook model.

 

My 2010 MTS1200 is listed above (up for sale). Chris of CJS has already worked his magic and it is considerably more powerful than he 2013 Pikes I currently ride.
I took me a few months and many modifications to make the riding position perfect.
New levers at the bar and feet, adjustable rearsets, new seats and dropped the bars back 1"
Steering damper (Ohlins) and risers. The suspension has been uprated (stiffening).
As far as speed or power is concerned my brother has to really scratch his fireblade to keep up during brisk country riding. Without setting the DTC, abs and suspension to your flavour you cannot do any test tide justice.
I feel that the Mutley is without a real peer, hence I'm on my second one in just 42k miles.