Hi everyone. As the name suggests, I ride a Triumph at the moment but I've decided to move up to a Multistrada 1200. Haven't decided whether to break the bank and go for a new 2013 model or whether to go for a used 2012 model. Any advice? For example I've been told that though the new model has Skyhook, the Ohlins set-up on the 2012 bike is better. Any comments?
I haven't ridden the 2013, but own a late 2012 1200S which is brilliant. If you can get a low miles used example, or new old stock 2012 model you would save yourself some cash.
Just bought the 2013 Multi and it is great. Not sure I can tell the difference or advantages of Skyhook yet but the engine at low revs is definitely an improvement. As are the other changes ie lights, seat etc. I have kept my Speed Triple for the moment to see if I am going to use it at all this year or that might go up for sale. So I would say go for the 2013 model. :smile:
Like pikes peak above me. I'm a triumph owner too who had recently bought a 2013 Multi. I have also kept my Street Triple R for the time being too. I haven't ridden the 2012 multi. So can't comment. What I can comment on was the streetfighter 848. I absolutely hated it around town. The engine chugged along when I was in lower gears. Out of town it was glorious. If the 2012 SF model is anything like the 2012 multi you can keep it. I have been very surprised with the smoothness of the 2013 multi. Around town at lower revs the engine does not surge or chug. Obviously is a twin so they are different to a inline 3. In regards to the triumph. If you have a triple, you know about smooth engines. You would have to try them out but can recommend the 2013 if you are worried about smoothness of lower revs. Oh yes. Lets not forget those LED lights. I love those very much, cars actually move out of you way in front of you. I have heard that the skyhook would come into effect over the ohilns when you are 2 up. The skyhook system works in a that its almost not there therefore hard to report on.
I had a 2011 MTS but after riding the 2013 model I had to have one. For me it was the low rev engine smoothnes, lights and improved screen/front fairing that did it. I would strongly recommend a test ride of both before you part with any cash. Then you will know if you can save by going for the pre'13 or not.
Thanks for the speedy responses and good advice guys. Lots to think about. Test riding the latest model on Saturday. I'm planning a solo trip to Bulgaria this summer with a Guzzi Griso-owning mate and two-up riding will always be be unusual, so I may pass on the Skyhook! I hate taking passengers - hence the ST, no one wants to go on the back! Whichever I get I'm sure It will be more than up to the touring demands I place on it - which is more than I can say for my last Italian bike - a 1982 180deg Laverda Jota!
And is should add ... That I will probably keep the ST to ensure I can still get across London in the rush hour in a positively silly time. It's a great bike, despite its limitations.
Funny seeing all you guys who've moved or are moving from Triumph to Duke. I used to have a Speed Triple and thought it was great, but not for long distance stuff. I've had an MTS for 2 years and love it, but have been thinking I might take a 1050 Tiger Sport for a spin to see if I like it.
SPL, having come the other way round I would suggest sticking with the multi. They're a great bike but the extra horses, better suspension and lighter weight make it a far more enjoyable ride. They're both not without their foibles but I would not go back to the tigger. rivets
I think the answer is to have both bikes. My ST is immaculate, however as an 07 it's probably only worth £3,000. But it's worth far more to me than that, even if I only ride it a few times a year as it is guaranteed to put a smile on my face every time. I really feel the need to do longer journeys though. And that's where the Multi comes in.
I have just moved to a 2013 model from a 2011 1200S after 9,800 happy miles. The 2011 model is a great bike and I think the Ohlins are brilliant. I found the bike a little undersprung at the back when 2 up and the engine a bit lumpy at low revs. However I got used to that and a reflash by CJS improved it greatly. The new screen is better, but the Aztec spacers do a great job on the old one. So, I suspect you will be happy either way - enjoy! Iain
I would definitely plug for the 2013. Was waiting to upgrade in June when insurance renewal due, but dealer pulled up "an offer I cannot refuse". I didn't have a chance to really test ride the new bike due to the weather other than poodle around in slow speed. My multi is decatted, but funny enough, the stock 2013 felt lighter. Both because of the engine response and Skyhook. The old bike suffers from problems with all long travel suspension bikes. Too much rocking. Probably ok if one is moving from a Tiger, but not so if a nimble street/sports bike like the ST. Makes low speed riding so much more maneuverable. I can imagine superb performance at tight hairpins as well due to smooth acceleration from idle. Don't get me wrong. Mk1 is still a great bike. But it doesn't square off corners too well because of suspension travel and weak springs. Still goes around faster than anything because you can just keep a constant throttle and high corner speed in sweeping bends. As my dealer says, of course you could make the 2010 bike perform like the 2013. But needs to be tuned to the road conditions. The Skyhook simply means you have the perfectly tuned suspension for any road condition and riding style continuously calculated and adjusted for you. Ducati have really worked hard on this. A far cry from their Cagiva days where factory settings were random for each bike! However, if you live in London, there is a big snag. Many insurers wouldn't touch it. So do check with them if its insurable. Its so bad that Ducati Insurance have to step in. But if you're really keen, go speak to your dealer who can speak to Ducati Insurance. They will work something out for you. All best
Went the other way last year, sold the 2011 Multistrada ST and bought a new Speed Triple, no regrets.
I'm being quoted by all insurers for a Multistrada and I live in a London borough. Must be because I am an old git (57 next month). The best premium quoted (£311) is even lower than for my 07 ST!! Definitely going for a 2013 model because of the better engine, screen and lights but undecided about the merits of Skyhook over Ohlins given that two-up riding will be extremely infrequent. The S model is about £2k more than the base model and I'm wondering if it is worth it. Anyone done enough miles on both bikes to comment?
I am sure either will be great fun! I had the same thoughts when I was buying my 2011. After 9,800 miles I really appreciated the heated handgrips on numerous occasions and the panniers worked really well, but there will be some coming up occasionally on Ebay or you could use something different. Centre stand useful again for chain maintenance and for when the bike is standing for long periods. Of course a paddock stand would do. So I think your choice is mostly down to the suspension. I rode the base model in 2011 and it has great suspension - you will not be disappointed at all. No electronics so nil to go wrong. However I bought the S version to try the Ohlins concept and I really enjoyed it. It was good fun to notice the bike changing the way it handled when moving from motorway to bumpy back roads in Spain when the settings are adjusted. I came to realise what they have designed is very clever and easy to use. Essential no, but high quality addition. So - I would buy according to what you want out of it. Do you tour regularly, ride in the cold, do many miles, or just fancy something a little different? Either way you will really enjoy the bike, and it is fun after all!
QUOTE:The S model is about £2k more than the base model and I'm wondering if it is worth it. Anyone done enough miles on both bikes to comment? QUOTE The panniers, heated grips and centre-stand add to over £1,000 new so if you need all these (I def recommend heated grips and centre-stand) then its 'only' a grand more for the Skyhook.
True. Thanks. I will get as many test rides on different spec bikes as I can but dealers are telling me I can only have a bike for half an hour. Is that the experience of others? Or are any desires offering longer test rides?
In my opinion you will be more than happy with a 2012 model in isolation and be able to pick up a relative bargain compared to new. im sure the 2013 is better, but it could end up costing you 3 grand more for what is to all intents a very very similar product....and these bikes do appear to depreciate quite badly. The 2012 will have lost its initial chunk. I would shop elsewhere if a dealer will only give you 30 minutes, thats not my experience, they asked how long do you want so took the bike for a few hours with no pressure.
