Tell me about Multistrada

[CAPP0]

I'm looking for a bike which I can do a long tour on next year, and alongside the (obvious) GS, or the 1290 Adv, I'm also interested in the Multistrada (the more recent ones, not the old robot-looking things). But there seem top be a vast range of options, engine sizes, etc and I don't know what's what with them.

As an aside, two mates own them (ones a Pikes Peak and the other is, I *think*, a V4) and two other mates have ridden them and don't like them. I could borrow both mates' bikes to try them, but I wanted to get a breakdown of which are the favoured ones, if anyone knows?

*The GS was the original favourite, I'd like a TE in the motorsport colours and the local dealer has one, but I'm 99% sure it wouldn't fit (width-wise) into where I keep my bikes due to the width of the pots with engine bars on

[Scorched yellow]

When you say Panigale do you mean Multistrada

[Bob_Defly]

Scorched yellow said:

When you say Panigale do you mean Multistrada

[CAPP0]

Blast, yes! I had Autotrader open in front of me as I typed!! Asked the mods to amend!

Edited by CAPP0 on Friday 10th December 15:16

[Bob_Defly]

Just buy a Panigale instead, it's obviously what you really want!

[jock mcsporran]

No reason why you can’t tour on a Panigale

[CAPP0]

jock mcsporran said:

No reason why you can’t tour on a Panigale

I’ve done lots of touring on sports bikes in the past but my bones are suggesting they’d prefer something a little more sympathetic these days! I’d probably turn round at Reims if I was on one of those!!

[NSR500]

The Multi will tour all day, i used to have a 2014 which was better than the 2016 DVT, more involving ride and engine on the older bike, but if you want to do miles then Multi will do it all day long, but that's just my tuppence worth

[CAPP0]

NSR500 said:

The Multi will tour all day, i used to have a 2014 which was better than the 2016 DVT, more involving ride and engine on the older bike, but if you want to do miles then Multi will do it all day long, but that's just my tuppence worth

Yes, I think it would be a good tool for the job. But per my original post, I’d like to know more about the various engines available, V2, V4, 950 etc, and whether the different “trim” levels are worth the extra, etc.

[jock mcsporran]

CAPP0 said:

I’ve done lots of touring on sports bikes in the past but my bones are suggesting they’d prefer something a little more sympathetic these days! I’d probably turn round at Reims if I was on one of those!!

To be honest I’d probably agree these days

[Biker9090]

I used to be set on one but every owner I spoke to warned me off as they had no end of problems with them - one even swapped for an NC750. Even heard stories about cranks snapping.

[Mr Scruff]

I have a 2016 950.

Brilliant thing, I came from a z1000 and previously had a few Triumphs (Tiger 1050, Sprint ST, Street Tripe R), couple of Thundercats etc. Chopped in a Z1000 for this.

Good bits? Cracking bike, soaks up the miles when touring and yet more than happy to be chucked around on the track roads. It also feels really solidly made and a step above the Z in terms of quality.

Negatives? If I’m honest it’s too slow and gutless under 3,000 rpm. Doesn’t sound like a drama but 30mph is right in that annoying spot between 2nd and 3rd.

I do love it but do kinda wish I got the bigger engine…

[CAPP0]

Mr Scruff said:

I have a 2016 950.

Brilliant thing, I came from a z1000 and previously had a few Triumphs (Tiger 1050, Sprint ST, Street Tripe R), couple of Thundercats etc. Chopped in a Z1000 for this.

Good bits? Cracking bike, soaks up the miles when touring and yet more than happy to be chucked around on the track roads. It also feels really solidly made and a step above the Z in terms of quality.

Negatives? If I’m honest it’s too slow and gutless under 3,000 rpm. Doesn’t sound like a drama but 30mph is right in that annoying spot between 2nd and 3rd.

I do love it but do kinda wish I got the bigger engine…

That's handy, thanks, that's the sort of thing I wanted to know (ie the 950 not being "quite there". What about the fancy-pants suspension (Skyhook?)? Worth the extra?

More feedback from owners would be much appreciated!

[Mr Scruff]

CAPP0 said:

That's handy, thanks, that's the sort of thing I wanted to know (ie the 950 not being "quite there". What about the fancy-pants suspension (Skyhook?)? Worth the extra?

More feedback from owners would be much appreciated!

Not tried the skyhook but don’t miss it. I’ve ridden the arse out of my bike and each time come away laughing like an absolutely lunatic. Rode from from Moffat to Selkirk earlier in the year and on that ride there was no other bike I’d have rather been on.

Panniers are average, centre stand is unexpectedly good (I mean, it’s just a centre stand but - unlike Triumph - this one actually works). Heated grips + hand guards also boringly practical but game changers for cold weather riding.