Hi Guys As it stated in the Newbie section, I am planning on buying a multistrada as the missus is looking for something a bit more upright than my ZZR1400 and the BMW just doesnt ring my bell. Did a test ride on Sat and despite the initial shock at all the vibes compared to my ZZR its a winner and the missis is won over, however I do have a list of questions I would like to fire at you owners I see that its 36PSI for solo and 42 PSI for two up, I spend about 50/50 time with the missis on the back, am i expected to keep changing the tyre pressures every time I change from one to two riders!! I am looking at buying a 2011 1200s. Is there any difference between the 2010 and 2011. What aftermarket seat options as the pillion seat seems harder that the ZZR Is the 6th gear an over drive? Being a twin I was expecting more low down torque but seemed disappointing at 60 compared with the ZZR and having to change down to accelerate (I test rode the latest bike with skyhook) Is the V twin vibes something you get use to as we do Europe a couple of times a year and cover a fair few miles (I drop the wife off at Nice airport, she flies back and I ride back solo )) Any other tips regarding what to look for when buying. I appreciate that its a totally different riding experience to the ZZR in terms of the engine but looking forward to getting one soon. Thanks
How much is the 2011, is it a touring? I would look at a 2013 new ABS model with free panniers. You say about the vibes but the 2013 engine is a world away from a 2012, I have had both. my 2012 touring is in the dealer for more money than my new 2013 ABS model. Yes it's manual suspension but its easy to adjust and in future years more reliable.
Welcome! I use 36F/42R for solo use. I'd probably go 36F/44R for a pillion but see how it goes. 6th is overdrive, yes. I mostly use 3rd and 4th, with 5th for 'top' on long straights and 6th for m/way or very, very long straights. What vibes? It's all relative. I came to a 2013 Multi from a 2012 Multi and a BMW RT before that, so things are smoother now. I reckon you'd adjust - I've got a Fazer 1000 too and the difference between them is soon forgotten. Keep it in 3rd and 4th and you'll have a wail of a time.
QUOTE I use 36F/42R for solo use. I'd probably go 36F/44R for a pillion but see how it goes. Thats what I thought, but having to change pressures everytime I go for a solo or pillion ride out seems an arse ache, be interested to what others do if they like me are always changing from 1 to 2 up riders
60 is 5th gear territory, I had a fireblade before and the revs on the Multi need to be higher i.e. above 3k. This fact surprised me.
Personally I run 36/42 and if that is recommended by the tyre manufacturer I go with it. They test both solo/two up and look for the best result. assuming you are both average build and not Mr/Mrs Haystacks I wouldn't mess. Maybe fully loaded as a couple of lbs.
Thats fine 36/42 for solo, is that ok for 2 up? as manual says 42 for 2 up, my point is it would be idea to just have one set of tyre pressures for both rather than keep buggering about, my zzr runs 42psi for either or.
I know, surprised the help out of me as I was expecting huge handfuls of torque from a bloody great v twin, the multistrada is going to be used for 2 up touring and would be helpful to have the torque mid range in all gears rather than having to stir the box, from experience where does all this torque live. It could get tiring doing lots of miles in europe having to dance with the gears or keep it in a low gear to get the best from it.
Funny the old multi did and thats way down on both power and torq. Leave it in top and tug along at 40 plus
Which is what I suppose I was expecting, it seems it has oodles of torque but not useable in a touring capacity, doing long distances I don't want to have to keep changing down to do a simple overtake as its doesn't mean a smooth ride for the missis on the back. I am not trying to be negative as I,m about to buy one and enjoy it for what it does best but do worry about long distance usability
Try Sport Mode. 3rd and 4th gear most flexible for cross country twisties. M'way, 5th and 6th ok. 2013 engine stronger at midrange. If on M'way, I tend to be smoother on overtakes. 6th not a prob for me. Will argue 60mph is really 4th gear territory. Creamy spread of torque makes going round bends a real treat. Engine start rasping and snarling above 7k. Feels like a race bike. At the end of the day, its about gearing setup and less about the engine. Fuel economy best when engine is worked across powerband between 4-8k. Was in 3rd and 4th for cross country A/B roads in Sport Mode. Could hit the theoratical maximum 200miles on one tank. Solo Riding. 10kg luggage in top box. 2013 Touring S. And yes, Skyhook is great for pillions.
Oh my MTS1200S maximum torque is generated at 8000 rpm, with max power at 9250. A new fuel map makes a huge difference. 6th is an overdrive, see the manual.
My Zzr1400 was the same when I bought it new, flat below 4k, secondary flies out, pc fitted and dynoed made a huge difference, so for a 2011 model a pc is the way forward to access usable torque ?
Power Commander...NO NO NO. Dump the Cat and Exhaust valve. LeoVince is a good Decat or for pure'ist the Termis. Avoid Mivi decat. Fit Hi-flow air filter Then spend £425 with Chris as CJS Bristol and get the bike remapped....Makes a good machine Great! ECU on the Mutley has a different fuel and spark map for each cyclinder in each gear, thats a lot of maps.
Imvho, the Multi is an upright sports bike? If you want effortless (buffeting less) cruising with seamless, top gear rolling overtakes, that won't upset a passenger, stick with a big capacity IL4 or that big 1600 BMW thingy? Back in '98 I had a Blackbird (Carb, not FI, jetted to 143 bhp at the tyre) and it delivered all the high speed cruising attributes described above, much better than my Multi does. I don't do passengers, so am quite happy to be involved in hustling the Multi along, regardless of the distance (4k miles tour last summer).
If you want buckets of torque and no gear changing buy a Triumph Tiger. I suspect that may be more what you are after.
Tried the Tiger and didnt like it unlike the Multistrada, just want to go into it with my eyes open as its a big chunk of cash and want to know all the + and - points, besides, doesnt the multi have more torque that the tiger
