Just traded in my Trusty VFR800 and much loved Triumph STripleR to buy a (nearly) new Multi 1200S DVT on a 15 plate. Much impressed by the bike, but am still getting used to it and do miss the aggressiveness of the Trump. However, encroaching age necessitated a more serene riding position and still needed a bike for distance as well as scratching. Also, after riding fairly "basic" bikes wanted to try something with all the bells and whistles. Most money I have ever spent on a bike (even though I got an ex demo with 4k on it for £13,200) and so far I think I have done the right thing. Always wanted a Duke!
Welcome Darryl, im new to Duc ownership too. 2 weeks on a 2014 plate 1200S. Fantastic bikes im loving mine
Hi Darryl. Have my sights set on the Multistrada, had a test ride a few weeks ago, alas will be buying towards the end of summer (finances dictate that). I'm currently riding a VFR, since 2002, so interested to hear you're coming from similar.
Hi Bumpkin, Loved my VFR, had it 10 years and put 40k on it. TBH if I could afford I would have kept it, less than £2k as a trade in felt like an insult to the old girl. I have to admit when I test rode the Multi it absolutely blew me away. Was expecting it to be similar to the Triumph Explorer, but its massively different. Only thing you can do is try it really. Put it this way, I was extremely unsure about parting with over £15k for a bike, but it convinced me utterly that I needed it. Decision was made after a trip round the Austrian Alps last year on the VFR. Felt like such hard work on the passes and there were loads of guys on Multis making it look easy!
Have already had a test ride though it was escorted (Riders apparently have to do that for insurance reasons...). The guy I went out with, on a XDaivel, rode like a granny, even slowed down to compensate if I hung back to clear some room. Hardly a chance to sample anything but the low speed characteristics of the bike, which were good. Not that I wanted to really 'tear it up', but getting above 50mph, out of third and more than 20º of lean would have been more productive. Complained to sales guy on return and later via email and they responded with an apology and said come back and we'll arrange a more spirited ride. The whole day was a comedy of errors TBH. Had booked the test ride with the Bristol branch only to be told, on arrival, that their demo Multistrada had been sold the week before so had to go to Cardiff instead. Will give them a second chance when the money is in place. I know what you mean about the VFR being a bit of a struggle, have to wring it's neck to try and keep up with my 996 riding touring buddy. Two up it would be hopeless but that's a rare situation for me. Austria, ah, yes... we did that in 2011. Some great roads
Indeed, loved Austria and cant wait to get the Multi there! If I were you would look around for a better dealership to test ride at. I went to Woods in Abergele, took it out on my own for an hour, then went back a month later, explained that I was seriously considering buying but needed a better idea of how it would be over distance and time. They gave me the bike for 4 hours and told me to rack some miles up! No escort, no limits. Was just what I needed to convince me it was the right bike for me. Bit of dual carriageway, fast A roads, and some twisty Bs. Did over 200 miles and when I got back knew it was the bike I needed.
Darryl, it would seem I've probably ridden your bike then!! Woods is my dealer, so if you've bought their demo, I would say a pretty good chance I demo'd it. As you say, great dealer, who did you deal with? I've always dealt with Phil Beech, but think he's left recently as I've not seen him and he's disappeared from their website?? I had the bike for 24hrs...picked up on a Saturday morning and took it back Sunday, couldn't have asked for more, but then I have bought a few bikes from them over the years! Where are you based? I'm just outside Holywell so if you ever fancy a ride over to the Pondersa for a brew and a chat let me know...... Steve
Hi Steve, Think everyone in the north west had a go before I bought it! Spent ages deciding whether to buy the demo or a new one, but in the end the 3.5k saving swung it. TFT screen is a bit scratched though. I'm based in Stockport but ride in WAles quite a lot and like the guys at Woods. Been dealing with Alan who is the new guy and Dave. Will give you a shout and we can meet up. Haven't gone over to Ponderosa for a while now. I've also got a Gasgas! Doesn't work though......
Welcome darryl. I'm down the road from you in sunny Didsbury! Will keep an eye open and a nod at the ready.
