Hi all, I have previously owned a Ducati (848) but have been playing away for a bit on a KTM 990 SMR which is an absolutely fantastic bike. Because of the move to the KTM the missus decided she quite liked it on the back so we started touring. Anyway, long story short, some blokes in a van decided they rather liked my bike. I'm getting a new bike in 2014 (paying off credit cards first) but am seriously torn between a 2013 Multistrada S or another KTM. I do reasonable miles and as I said, a lot of 2-up, hence the S for the skyhook. Any issues you think would put me off the multi or are eu pretty reliable for 2013 after all the initial production issues? Hoping in 2014 I'll get a reasonable deal on a year old one. I'm actually routing for depreciation. Haha
I came from a KTM 990 SM to the Multi, I love it as it has so much more power but, if you are into the Katoom's have you thought about the 1190 adventure? I saw the 'R' the other day and I was impressed. Or wait for the new 1290 superduke. I love the look of the prototype. 2013 KTM 1290 SuperDuke R Prototype official action video - YouTube
Super duke is way too small for 2-up. I do the occasional track day so figure the multi would do the job more than the ktm adventure
Double check the available spring rates for the Skyhook system...you might find you hit trouble with 2-up weight.
How dare you sir... I'm just carrying Christmas weight (been accumulating it since 2003). I thought that skyhook made this the perfect 2-up bike? If its an issue I'll look at the standard I suppose. Still has all the TC & ABS which I've told her is why I am considering a Ducati (just thinking of her safety on the back )
This bike is designed for 2 up touring - the skyhook system should cope fine or its not fit for purpose!
Latest MCN has a group test which might help you decide. But then again it might not. The Multistrada is a seriously good bike.
They did score the Ducati highest. Just really want to make sure they have fixed things like the chocolate engines and crap brakes for the 2013 models. Obviously don't want to blow 12k on a bike and wish I'd got the KTM for 8k
I have an early 10 model an i have rode the fucker in all weathers ,Ragged the arse off it and have had no problems whatsoever !
the problem with the old bike for 2 up riding is that the standard Ohlins springs are too soft. A stronger spring is available as an aftermarket upgrade. The 2013 Sachs uses progressive springs which makes it perform well solo or 2-up. I pillioned a mate recently and he was astounded by how comfortable it is. He thought about submitting a review from the pov of a pillion. There are already many accolades from a rider's perspective. O, did I mention how powerful the engine is even with Urban mode when fully loaded? As for the MCN test, they clearly needed something to count against the Multi, so they chose the tarted up PP and counted against the price. Well the Touring S or GT is such an attractive package for travelling, I think if they used those, there would be no comparison. The Caponord may or may not have a decent engine once it has been run-in and unleashed. But it doesn't change its handling according to riding modes. And that is ultimately what the Multi is. Multi-strada. Many roads. Many moods. One bike to rule them all....
I did exactly the same KTM to MTS, the power is addictive but for pure fun the Katoom wins hands down, touring go for the MTS
Like the Ohlins system, you mean? :wink: Being a fat bastard I'm conveniently about the same weight as your average rider and reasonably svelte pillion. For MCT to get the right static sag on my shock needed a 115nm spring, which would indicate the upgrade spring is borderline at best and the stock spring is clearly the result of Italian delusion. Sounds like they've learned for the Skyhook setup though.
I read this very review only last night and they seem to suggest the new multi is the best 2up bike you can buy quote: Finally if you’re looking to move from a sports or naked bike into the adventure market then the Ducati is the one to have. It has sports bike handling which now reacts to road imperfections and is one of the best handling bikes two up. Ducati Multistrada: old vs new - | Motorcycle News | New Motorbikes | Buyers Guides | MCN
