Tried out a Multistrada today

[VT636]

VT demo days in Middlbury.

Braved pouring rain over a mountain pass and got there pretty early. Turned out to be a very lenient demo session with just one sanctioned leader who encouraged us to pass on multiple occasions (he was on his personal 1198).

Multistrada.... I mean, it's so choice. If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up. Really though, it rips. Not as much leg room as my fireblade, but tons o' nuts, power wheelies in 2nd with the traction control off, and handles super nice. Ample wind protection. It feels like a bike I could lace 9 or 10 800 mile days on in a row with nary a complaint and still inspire hooligan like antics every mile.

NEXT was the hypermotard. Not so much... it was the 794 or six or whatever. It was gutless. handled great. I'd take one free, but nothing I'd pay for. Also was having some fueling issues and died repeatedly during the demo. I'm sure the 1100 would be more fun. But then again, I'm sure a husky six thirty would be too. Or a multi... despite being a lot bigger, it didn't feel like it.  In a few years, after I make my millions and you can pick one up private party for $7k, I'm on it.

[falconati]

I completely disagree with your opinion on the HM 796 - sounds like the demo wasn't set up properly, or you weren't used to the friction zone on the clutch (it's a bit tricky on the HM 796).  As for your thoughts on the Multi, I pretty much agree - it's got a lot of power and comfort, with foot room being one of the main complaints during a testride.  I'm also frustrated that owners have suffered electrical problems - a $20k motorcycle should really have electronics that work.  I think they'll get there, but it needs to be a focus area for Ducati.

[crewwolfy]

Took the Multistrada and the Diavel out on a local demo day over the weekend.  I agree on the Multi, fantastic bike; I could ride that thing for hours.  So much power..  The Diavel has even more power out of the same engine, and also a nice bike, but I didn't like the riding position.  I'm just not a fan of cruisers, though.

[VT636]

I completely disagree with your opinion on the HM 796 - sounds like the demo wasn't set up properly, or you weren't used to the friction zone on the clutch (it's a bit tricky on the HM 796).  As for your thoughts on the Multi, I pretty much agree - it's got a lot of power and comfort, with foot room being one of the main complaints during a testride.  I'm also frustrated that owners have suffered electrical problems - a $20k motorcycle should really have electronics that work.  I think they'll get there, but it needs to be a focus area for Ducati.

The bike won't idle - clutch is irrelevant. Yes - you're probably right. An example without whatever fueling problem that HM was suffering probably would have been more representative of the model.

Maybe I was a bit harsh - that HM was pretty fun, and If I had gotten to take it into anything remotely tight it would have been a lot more fun. I was just expecting it to be pretty ballsy and it wasn't.  I was thinking 'superhawk' and I got 'sv650'. However the handling was, as noted, far superior to both.

Re: legroom on the multi - I guess I meant that in terms of powerband, not actual legroom. Tight or not, its roomier than my 954, but being a twin it doesn't rev ski high even like an (old) I4. My elbows did get sore on it though - a phenomenon my ADV buddies tell me goes away after a few days on one.

[jfusaro]

I'm itching for one myself but the electrical problems and fastener issues will need to be resolved before I put up 20k for a new bike.
I test drove one myself and really fell for it, maybe next year

[Castaway]

The bike won't idle - clutch is irrelevant. Yes - you're probably right. An example without whatever fueling problem that HM was suffering probably would have been more representative of the model.

Maybe I was a bit harsh - that HM was pretty fun, and If I had gotten to take it into anything remotely tight it would have been a lot more fun. I was just expecting it to be pretty ballsy and it wasn't.  I was thinking 'superhawk' and I got 'sv650'. However the handling was, as noted, far superior to both.

Re: legroom on the multi - I guess I meant that in terms of powerband, not actual legroom. Tight or not, its roomier than my 954, but being a twin it doesn't rev ski high even like an (old) I4. My elbows did get sore on it though - a phenomenon my ADV buddies tell me goes away after a few days on one.

Yeah, I was scratching my head about that.  

[jfusaro]

Well next year came early, went in for a second demo and bought one, a touring S in Red.

[scottzilla]

Well next year came early, went in for a second demo and bought one, a touring S in Red.

When you drop 20 grand on a new bike, you are allowed to start a new thread about it.

[SalsaShark]

When you drop 20 grand on a new bike, you are allowed to start a new thread about it.

 




Agreed... and congrats on the pick up! I've had mine for almost a year and 9,000 miles in, I'm still loving it!

[jfusaro]

Short story goes like this, bike was delivered last Friday the 5th, wheeled of the cargo van into my garage and 10 min. later I am leaving for 4 days at sea scuba diving, no time to ride. Get home late on Tuesday and work late every day until today and finaly got to ride it for a proper introduction. Coming from a Sprint St then climbing aboard my own Ducati Multi touring S in red! I am pretty impressed with what is has to offer.