I noticed a lot of small detail changes on the 2013 Multi today at the NEC bike show. One was the embossed Ducati tank logos and the Multistrada 1200 badge. New Hyper range was pretty sweet too KTM 1190 Adventure. This looks like a serious bit of competition. Very Multistrada like, even down to it's 150hp.
The KTM was on my radar - but i like cast wheels. Shame that they won't be offering a 17 inch wheel version to replace the outgoing SM-T.
SM-T isn't going anywhere, still available for 2013. No 1190 version yet, but it's only a matter of time.
Indeed, although looking at the spec of the 1190 Adventures I doubt it would move the game on from the MTS at all, and given past KTM experience it certainly won't be spending any less time at the dealers :biggrin:
Surprised to see another Adventure bike (KTM) with a chain drive. So Duke/KTM on chain and Trumpet/Panzer on shaft. At show tomorrow, looking forward to having a good look around them all. My GS riding pal test rode the Explorer recently, but reported it as cheap feeling - very subjective I know? Gone a bit O/T - apologies.
Id agree with your pal, cheapo parts bin feel compared to duke or a gs. Nice engine, average package.
Yep, seen it at MCL and thought the 1200 Explorer looked cheap and to be fair it is cheaper than the Multi but if I'm spending anywhere near that amount of cash then the finish needs to be better than what is on offer from Triumph!!
It's suddenly occurred to me (perhaps that's reoccurred) that the obsession with "adventure bikes" mirrors the obsession with 4x4s in the car world. What is it about sitting high up and thinking you could easily handle the Sahara which is floating everyone's boat? When I was in the States last month, it seemed that the station wagon had become extinct. If you want to cart stuff about, you now do it with a monster 4x4. Is this all some middle-aged yearning for adventure and freedom? I think we should be told.
Orish summed up the MTS best and I quote; a comfortable, fast, Superbike. Off road...pffft, buy a dirt bike bike. Track day? Buy an 1198s. Sublime road machine for everything....every day, in every way: MTS 1200. Accept no substitute.
Have to agree I spent the whole day at MCL walking round looking for viable alternatives and there just isn't any! Just waiting for the right bike for me to turn up and I will finally have one!!!
