And here's my mini report...........
I thought it might be a good idea to take a MultiStrada out for a hoon seeing as I have already test rode the Super Tenere 1200.
A 60 mile jaunt to Millsport M/C's (
http://www.millsportmotorcycles.co.uk/) on the Fazer and within 20 minutes, I was away on the 'Strada. First impressions was that it feels smaller than the GS with the seat kinda locking me into one position. It didn't take long to realise that it is quite comfortable for my 5'11" frame with a nice relaxing riding position. It's been quite some time since my last go on a V twin engined motorcycle and I have to say I thought that this one was a bit too lumpy to begin with. However, it really is all about altering your riding style as it just won't pull a high gear with minimal revs. Through town, it was best to leave it in 3rd gear, but hit the open road and WOW ! Fek me !! This thing flies. I thought the KTM 990SMT was a hooligan tool, but the MS is absolutely mental. Wind it on in 1st and you'll save loads of front tyre wear and even into second it'll lift the front with ease. The engine smooths out beautifully and provides loads of stomp for over-taking manouvers and before you know it, you're heading for triple digit territory.
Calming things down, the MS is quite able to behave in a respectable manner. Chucking it through the empty country lanes was a joy and the suspension gave loads of feed back and the tyres gripped superbly. The mirrors are only OK and they never gave a completely clear view rearwards, but I guess you'll notice any blue flashing lights trying to catch up should the worst happen. As I wear a 'normal' full face lid, I can't complain about any buffeting from the screen which was set in its highest position. I dropped it down (easily done, unlike the Super Ten) and found it doesn't need to act as a barn door and was even more comfortable with it in a lower setting.
I got the chance to do a little green laning on it and have to say it was nicer to ride, especially when standing compared to the GS. It's so slim between your legs and off course, you don't have to think about the big sticky out things that the GS has. The power mode settings really do help off road as the sport mode is too violent to consider on a loose muddy surface. Care was given with the brakes tho' as they are really powerful, but they do have plenty of feel.
Back on the road and it's back into sport mode. I had a nice wee dice with a Speed Triple owner who was probably content to let me zoom on ahead as there aren't too many Multis to be seen on our roads just yet. I also checked out how good the ABS is once on my own again and I'd say they're better than both the GS and Super Tens IMO.
Unfortunately, I had to return to Millsport to hand back the MS. I could have happily kept it for another couple of hours and chatting to one of the lads back at the shop, I came to the conclusion that I'd love one of these things. I loved the way that you don't need to slot the key into the ignition to fire her up, the way it looks much better in the metal (and plastic) and how it makes you feel. It has character by the bucket loads and I now realise just how bland the Super Ten is. The demo has lead a hard life as you'd expect, but the finish seems to be holding up well enough and I know if I owned one, I wouldn't worry about its longevity. And although a trip to the dealers would mean a 120 mile round trip, it would be worth every mile.
