Just a point not yet mentioned BUT if you intend to use the bike for European touring with big'ish miles then chain drive is a bleeding nuisance to keep oiled. Of course you could/should fit a Scottoiler but you can't escape the mess and the reservoir top ups (unless you find room for the really big reservoir, if you can that is) as well as the oil flow altering with the weather (hopefully warmer than on this island). Shaft drive is a mega advantage under these situations i.e on the GS and Explorer, and to be honest for general riding as well. I run a GS and a 999S so can appreciate the difference.
I Can see where you are coming from, that’s why I have the BMW K1600 for them long touring trips to Europe, there again it’s not much of a burden to give the chain a spray with some dry lube every couple of hundred miles, reduces any messy fling. I want a bike for the odd weekend trip away, the Sunday blast and some local commuting; therefore the Multistrada ticked all of my boxes concerning these requirements.
I did not get the impression it was getting rated under the Multi, "at £3K less than a Ducati with a more advanced semi active suspension than a Ducati or BMW" "like riding a magic carpet" "excellent" Aprilia Caponord | First Ride | Motorcyclenews.com - YouTube I am not going to get one because I don't think it will have the POWER, but I would like to read happygolucky's review
