Hi guys, I need some advice on using the Multistrada 1200 for a central London commute if you would be kind enough to spare a few minutes for your thoughts. Am travelling about 10 miles each way from Zone 3 to Zone 1? Only regularly see 1 or 2 on my journey so can't understand why there are not more, unless it's not meant to be.... How is the filtering - bars are wide? Steering lock - snaking in out and of traffic? Anything else +'ve or -ve? Ride height, brakes, ABS, comfort, feel etc. I know are all top notch from my test ride - but 45 mins not enough time to evaluate the more nimble/skilled filtering manoeuvres plus any longer term considerations. Currently using a 2005 Honda VFR 800 Thanks
Only downsides are less than perfect low speed fuelling and the bars are wide - I would recommend fitting some Barkbusters, as they have saved my indicators/hand guards from a van mirror in the past ;-)
Another consideration would be the air-cooling, how free-flowing is the traffic/how good is your filtering? Would keep you toasty in the Winter tho.
I live in london but commute 'out' so mainly motorways, for that its perfect - I do 17 miles each way. when i do pop into central london, i would say its not the best bike for city work due to the high power character. your main problem is that you are running a 1200 engine in an stop-start 30mph environment - it would be the same if you went for a big bike from anyone else - lots of heat, your clutch hand starts hurting... it does 'cope' well with the turns, handling, bumps etc...but its a bit of a waste really - allright for the odd day but a pain on a daily basis. the final thing is crashing it would also be expensive - little knocks would start costing a bit of cash... filtering is not the best as the mirrors stick out - ok on motorway but not so on town traffic light... so in summary - imo its not ideal, a little too big engined and its a 'ducati' - but then again only you know your route and if actually there is room say 70% of the time to open her up... bugs
Good feedback and insights Bugs, thanks. Main role for the bike will be daily commute but European touring and UK breaks also part of the plan. Probably best I take for another test ride...
Hi Nick, I would seriously suggest using something low value and less 'nickable' for London commuting use. My MTS is for pleasure rides, the £2k Yamaha XT660r with topbox handles the commuting duties nicely from Zone 4 to 1 Mon-Fri all year round and it's only an extra £12 a year on the insurance premium ! PP
Commuted 10 miles each way into London last year for a few months. Multi is fine, and fun. Width is no problem in comparison with a BMW GS. Overheating is not too bad, so long as you keep moving by filtering vigorously. Luckily I had secure parking available in town. I always used to ride all through the winter every year (ice, snow and salt notwithstanding), but I do not think a Ducati is well suited to such use. Better to get a Yamaha for hack work.
I've been commuting from near Gatwick into central London (Covent Garden) on bike for over 15 years (25 miles each way), I've had the following bikes: Thundercat, R6 (x2), Aprilia Tuono (x2) and the Multistrada for the last 6 months. I ride from March to November. I think the Multi is a great bike and perfectly acceptable for the job. It is a little bit big and it can be a bit tight with van and 4WD mirrors, but I don't have any real issues. I use it in Touring mode as I find City to slow to respond to openings. Overheating has not been an issue, better than the Tuono. My main gripe is leaving it in bike bays and the thoughtlessness of scooter riders parking a bit too close. No real damage yet and the bike had a venturashield film applied when I got it. I have had a couple of close shaves (car turning right whilst filtering and a cyclist) but overall it's a good choice. Happy to meet for a coffee and a chat if you are in the area. I'd say the Tuono was a bit easier, but the heated grips and high riding position are great.
