DrHall

For any that missed it, I traded my FJR for a Multistrada.

I was looking for a bike that would be able to:
Cover long distances comfortably
Have a usable hard bag system
Be more nimble and less dramatic on low speed maneuvers than the FJR
Be more composed on unpaved surfaces and able to tackle SOME LIGHT off road dates

Would also be good if it looked cool, but you can't have everything!
I looked at Multi's, Buell Ulysses, and Triumph's new Tiger as possibilities. In the end it came down to this bike as I was able to trade the FJR for this one. The market is pretty soft now for higher dollar used bikes now, with quite a few FJR's out there.

So after about ten days and ~3000 miles here is my :

This bike fits my parameters ideally!
It will cruise at *better* than highway speeds all day, it is ~200 pounds lighter than the FJR and feels like a bicycle in comparison. Especially nice when moving it around parking lots, and turning around in places you shouldn't be in the first place. Speaking of which; it does well on gravel and off road. My ride home included some extended unpaved roads that were anything but straight. One of the FJR's downsides was a lot of weight carried up high. Made for tense times on gravel. I spent a lot of time looking for good places to fall over when the inevitable happened. It never did, but it wasn't fun. The Multi handles them like a big version of a dual sport. Which is what it feels like. Which is a lot of why I like it, I guess. Keys into the memories and feelings of riding SL 100 & 125's and Yammie 125 & 175 Enduro's in the 70's.

My bike is the "S" model with Ohlin's forks and shock, different bars, and some carbon fiber accents. It also has heated grips (yeah, I used them, they work good!), Sil Motor full exhaust, Ducati performance ECM upgrade, CRG levers (sweet ), a different clutch slave cyl that I don't remember the name of now (will check later), and the Ducati Performance side cases, and DP rear rack that accepts GIVI cases. And a clutch cover with holes in it to watch the internals do their stuff and make the lovely dry clutch sounds more noticeable. That clutch is noisy, takes some getting used to!

Exhaust is loud, too. It doesn't have a real v-twin type thunder, more like a high performance piped thumper dirt bike bark. At highway speeds it reminds me of an old radial type aircraft engine's drone.

The engine is tractable, nice smooth power delivery right up till the rev limiter cuts in around 8700. With no warning since Ducat doesn't believe in redlining tachs. It is smooth for a twin, 90 degree helps I guess. No where near the top end punch of the FJR 1300 I4, predictably. I will miss that, though I shouldn't be using it anyway. Low speed acceleration is instantaneous, very responsive. Front end is light too!

Wind protection is pretty good, not too much wind blast on upper body. My helmet is in relatively clean air, no buffeting to speak of. The bike does react more to buffeting in general when passing big trucks, as you would expect from the lighter weight and taller stance. Bar, peg, and seat relationship is good for me. One of the few bikes I have put miles on that doesn't put one of my hands to sleep at some point. Seat is broad and flat at the back, narrow at the front. Works good for moving around to hang off. The cushioning is a bit on the soft side, I get to know the seat pan a little too intimately after an hour or so.

I have never had these before, but the same handguards that help conspire to make the thing look like a cycloptic mutant space donkey from the front, actually really help in the rain and colder temps. And maybe keep the saplings at bay later on.

Things I don't like: The fuel gauge comes on at 85-90 miles on the average. It will only take about 2.5 gal at that point. I go to about 165ish on the trip set. Kind of disconcerting with the light on and gauge flashing empty all the while.

The bags stick out a LOT! No way around it, but it seems excessive.

It is hard to get to the key. I don't know if I like the way it keeps cranking on it's own, just different I guess.

Taking the rider seat off is a major operation. I probably don't need to much, but it would come in handy when putting the tank bag straps on. Straps , did I tell you the tank is plastic? Has to be due to the weird shape (extends back under the seats). But makes the tank bag selection and use more complicated.

Ok, that's it for now. I am in the process of setting up the suspension for my weight and riding type. I had a leaking fork seal (fairly common at this kind of mileage according to Multi forum). Replaced the seals, and set the susp to recommended specs, will have to ride it a while before I mess with them and totally screw it up.

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

bwhip

Congrats! Great choice - those are really cool bikes, and I think you made a good decision. Quirky, but cool, in my opinion.

How's the seat? I seem to remember reviews of that bike saying that it was pretty hard and should be replaced if you're going to ride much of a distance.

I hope it gives you many years (and miles) of happiness!

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DrHall

Thanks!

Seat padding is actually soft, but thin. Too soft, it compresses to the seat pan under even my lithe form! I think this seat is an upgrade from the original 04 unit that was too hard.

__________________
the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....