Hi Guys, I am currently looking to swap my current bike, a BMW GSA for a Multistrada. I am pulled by the multistrada after test riding one at Riders a coupla weeks ago, I am not new to Ducati's but I am to the 'Strada. There seems a fair glut of Strada's out there to choose from but obviously not many 13 platers available with the twin spark motor and the skyhook! (used) My BMW is great for the life I lead, it gets used as my work machine fairly heavily in an urban enviroment as an instructor, carries the good woman on the odd forey into Europe and is great in sport mode for the occasional hoon, but all that aside, I bought it from new and its time for a change and the Strada is the only machine that currently appeals, mainly for the different engine modes and handling. So here's the question please: Is the skyhook really worth having, over say, the adjustable ohlins version? I am led to believe it doesnt make a lot of difference solo? And my second question is: Is the new engine that much smoother to justify the cost, or is the previous single spark unit acceptable for everyday riding as an instructor machine, or is it too rough at low rpm? I kknow what the mags, reports and dealers have told me, but I would rather hear it from people with experience of both, such as you guys, rathar than a load of bollox from a dealer!! This is going to happen for me once the beemer is sold, and the only 'fixed' is obvoiusly that its red, but is the price difference between the two models justifiable? We could be talking 3k between them for a 2012/13 machine? And then there is the issue of potentially buying a virtually obsolete bike if its pre skyhook before I start!! Any help here would be appreciated from those that have experience of both, please feel free to pm me if there is a danger of a bunfight here!! :smile: Looking forward to my time here, cheers, Ian
Hi Moley and welcome. I owned a 2011 S touring for 17 months moving from an in line four machine and I have to say the low speed smoothness was not an issue as far as I was concerned, yes if you let the revs drop too low in a high gear it would let you know. I have not ridden the new Skyhook machine but thought the Ohlins worked just fine although I only ever used Touring or Sport. My best advise would be to buy the newest possible with the longest warranty; I had loads of stuff go wrong with the machine but guess I was just unlucky. The bike is still for me the best handling, best looking (of its type) and most exciting machine I have owned up to date
My opinion FWIW; Buy the best of the S versions that you can afford with a further £700 left over to spend. Get it from a dealer, so you have at least a 12 month warranty. Then take it to CJS for a remap and spend the other £250 on a new Ohlins SCU box. They you will have a bike that's as good as a 2013 with skyhook without having to buy the latest and greatest :wink: P.S. There is nothing wrong with the single spark engine IMHO, the issue is the p*ss poor fuelling, which can be fixed by Chris and his dyno (I have not yet had this done, but loads of people have and rave about the improvement). If you want to know more, you will probably get more replies if you post in the multistrada model forum....
Hi from near Stonehenge. Good choice of bike, if you're after a used one I think moto rapido in Winchester have one. matt
Hello and welcome! Can't help with your choice as I've never ridden the Multi but personally I'd go for the Ohlins model as getting the suspension set up will suit you not what the bike thinks you need!
Well, Hi again guys. So here's the decision making process in my fuddled little mind: 1. The GSA BMW is a hard to beat motorcycle for my job as an instructor, is excellent for touring and is 100% reliable....but hell, after 3.5years of ownership its time to move on!!...so lets do it!! 2. Which Multistrada to buy?....second hand seems problematic, as the GSA aint selling too well on fleabay, and my ready available spendies wont stretch to a new or used Multistrada without realising some capital from the sale.....I've waited two weeks, and I am not good at the waiting game!! 3. The GT is out of my league....so 'nuff said on that one.:frown: 4. The Multistrada ABS is a great bike and affordable, but I am a bit worried about the lack of decent springs, and have grown used to adjustable leccy suspension on the Panzer, it struck me as a great 'Strada'...but lacking a bit in the 'Multi'...which is a nice to have as an instructor. Dunno, but unlike say the ohlins adjustable suspension, this just didn't quiet cut it for me. 5. Got offered a fair price on the Panzer in PX at Riders, plus a bit of 'Training School' discount, plus the BMW toys I have that are now surplus to requirements....a little short term 'financial help' from the good woman and hey presto, one skyhook Hoonmobile patiently awaiting a set of numberplates and RFL for pickup next week!! Many thanks for all the words of wisdom from you guys........and I look forward to meeting some of you on the road...and any further pearls of wisdom you care to throw my way on 'must have bling' would be appreciated.....in particular advice on binning the 'whisperbox' exhaust can....and a sensible substitute that doesn't involve full systems, remapping and financial bankruptcy would be appreciated. Further piccies to follow once I take delivery, hopefully Wednesday next week!!
Hi, Im new to this site too! Have owned my standard multi for 2years. As others have already stated, I have had a total of 5 call backs on my 2011 multi for new clocks, steering lock, coolant change, rear light fell off and oil window leak!! So check all these parts first! My dealer also told me my throttle bodies were out of sync and duly charge me 60 squid to check them, they were out by 1%! Love my multi about to buy my second. Skyhook version is worth it if your flushed with money. I would consider a Grand Tourismo if only they produced a RED one!Visited the factory at Borgo Panigale Bologna in August..awesome. Look me up if your riding my way,Vince Cornwall.
Eeeeeeek.... Really, I hope it isn't that bad for me!!..... 30k on a GSA with only one defective heated handlebar grip in 3.5 years is a tough act to follow!!.... We'll see soon enough I guess..... I actually test rode an ohlins single spark, thought it was pretty good fun (well, compared with the panzer anyway) I have not actually ridden the 2013 skyhook!..... typically my work commitments now dictate I can't pick the bloody thing up untill Saturday, it's gunna be a long week..... Ho hum
my dealer gave me a test ride - on the Skyhook demon1strator, and I then bought a 2011 S Sport on the strength of that. Perhaps it showed the failings of the single-spark head version, and of the 2011 screen, but I love mine.
Picked it up this morning.....what a cracking ride!!....100 miles on the clock so far, and all that at 5-6000rpm,....what a chore!! (500 to go!!....groan)
Hi, the bike looks great mate, I got my evo on Wednesday and I have managed 190 miles so far. I am sticking reasonably close to the 5.5k-6k guide, think I have been to around 7250rpm on a few occasions but if your bike is anything like the 848, 6k is where it's all getting going!
