I've been toying with the idea of buying a Multi for ages, being 6'3 I think it's got to be the sensible choice, I'm fed up of being cramped on sportsbikes, Monsters, SF's, Hypers etc. Plus I'm thinking of taking the wife out next year and start doing a few miles rather than blasting out for a couple of hours and coming home exhausted. So, do i buy an early one ? but hear they had a few teething issues. Prefer the S model only because they look slightly better. Do I go the 'whole hog' and buy a PP ( looked at a 13 plate with all the extras for £12750 ). Is Skyhook worth the money or just unnecessary expense ? New or old engine ? I can buy an early 10 plate but I'd have to have a loan on anything newer.. Prices must start falling with the new model coming out. Not in any desperate rush but welcome your thoughts.....
I would wait till the latest version is on the street, (sometime next year) I am sure there will be a few couple yr old ones around at good prices.
Don't get the sky hook one, I'd rather set the suspension up my self at least you know you've changed something un like my bike. Also I have to ask did your sports bike have pedals?
Buy a twinspark model as it has less issues, Skyhook IMO doesn't get you top quality components. Just on the fly self adjustment. If you want to upgrade the suspension on the standard model there are options; Andreani do a fork cartridge kit and you would see that fitted around £650. Speak to Reactive suspension North of York. Wilbers do a rear shock absorber £500-700 depending on spec but the standard O.E. unit is reasonable. Currently investigating that one. So for £1300 you can have new suspension with superior build quality, and its built for you. With the new model out there has to be some deals on the 2013-2014 bikes, which seem fairly well sorted. No way would I touch the new model until 1st revisions have been done to iron out the inevitable issues. If looking 2nd hand I would want warranty, ideally extended.
The 2010 to 2012 bikes are fine. Most issues have been addressed on these bikes, but you would be buying a bike out of warranty, if that is of concern. The 2012 has the later seats, which for those over 6' or with long legs apparently makes a difference. A few people have had ohlins ecu / rear damper issues, all changed under warranty. Occasional fork seal leaks too, but no more than other ohlins equipped bikes. Fitting the semi automatic ohlins ecu is meant to be a great improvement (I have one, but not fitted it yet so no first hand experience). 2013 & 2014 twinspark engines are smoother than earlier engines at lower revs. If you do lots of slow riding or town work then maybe this is of concern. If you spend most of your time on country or faster roads then this isnt a big deal. These bikes also have the later led dip beam headlights, slightly better scree which is adjusted with a single hand, and of course skyhook. If you ask most who have owned an earlier ohlins equipped bike, they will mostly tell you the skyhook is not as compliant. Those who havent ridden the ohlins bikes though find few issues, the only main one being its too firm for some (the biggest comment from pre ohlins owners). Personally, if I could afford to go for finance, I would buy the new 2015 bike with 3 years warranty. The pikes peak looks great but imo, for what it gives (no extra performance,just paint, carbon and wheels), is not worth the extra money. If you cant afford new, and dont care for the looks or new features of the 2015, do a fair bit of town work, dont think you can get on with the normal lumpy low revs characteristics of the earlier engine, or having a warranty is a big deal, go for a later twinspark. If you want to avoid finance, the ohlins bikes are superb too. Since your tall I would advise checking out an earlier bike to see if you can get on with the seats, and compare it with a later bike. That may make your choice between pre 2012 or not. Hope that helps.
They can be retrofitted easily to earlier bikes. The pillion seat is slightly shorter, given the rider more space.
