good review. nice point of view. I would agree on the off road toughnesss of the multi I have a ducati myself and with the right tire it can do anything, but as set up it is a great tall road weapon ready for anything. I see a super tenere in your future...
I would question that the Duke is reliable enough to be a true adventure tourer. My experience of Ducatis is that they're great when they work but spend more time in the garage than Harleys! (I've enjoyed the pleasure of both). KTM should be fun but I like the sound of shafts drive for low maintenance. Does anyone near you sell Triumphs? The new Tiger 800 and 1200 Explorer are supposed to be pretty good.
+Dazzle Rebel There is one Triumph dealer about 45 minutes from me. I have not been able to get over there yet, but plan to do so. I have seen and sat on the Tiger 800. Seemed like a nice bike and it does have cruise control.
+Dazzle Rebel The Ducs have come a long way in reliability since VW took over. Certainly not without their little things here and there, but nothing that will keep you from riding (and 2 year factory warranty!). Plus, their 9k mile oil changes and 18k mile valve adjustments gives you plenty of time on the road and not in the shop. I'd rival my '15 Multi against any Harley on that front! The KTM is a monster when it comes to regular maintenance.
Though it hasn't been released at this point, the Honda Africa Twin may be a bike that will fit your criteria at a very reasonable price. An early 2016 release is projected.
So for long rides the MTS 2015, is uncomfortable? I think that more than the seat what brings you comfortability is how much you can stretch your legs once they are on the footpeg and off course the position of your arms. Someone knows how is it?
+PontificiaU Javeriana I was only able to ride the MS for 45 minutes or so, therefore I can't really give an opinion based on experience. I think the Multistrada has a bit more of a sport riding position than does the KTM 1290 for example., but it is still pretty upright. Other than a little tension in my shoulders I was very comfortable on the Ducati.
+PontificiaU Javeriana I bought the 2016 Multi (carry over from 2015) a month ago. The longest ride I've gone on so far was about 300 miles over 8 or 9 hours, and I got home basically fresh. The seat is very nice, it supports well and doesn't have nasty hard spots, and you can slide back on it a little to move around the pressure points. Easily an all day, multi day seat. The bar position is good, especially if you're doing miles on a highway and you can hit the cruise control and relax your hands a little. Beats a sport bike by a mile of course. The seat to footpeg distance is generous for me, I'm 5'8 and the Multi is a little tall overall, but I got used to riding dual sports so I prefer it that way. A tall guy can move the seat height up to suit himself. Basically if you're worried about the comfort, don't. I doubt you can find a bike as sporty as the Multi that is as comfortable. It's a bike you can hop on for 45 minutes to do a couple local twisties, but if you told me to load the bags (I got the side panniers and top box) and ride 12 hours tomorrow, I'd hop on there no problem. I'm looking forward to summer, I plan to ride it 3000 miles from California to Colorado and back over a week.
aluisious aluisious, thank you very much for your feedback. It is true in the sense that maybe now in the market there is not a bike as comfortable as the multi, you know everything depends on what you are looking for. Now I have things clearer,
I found the seat on my '15 MTS a tad hard after a few hours... Purchased an AirHawk seat pad and now could ride all day. The AirHawk also prevents the rider from sliding into the fuel tank (Ouch... 😲).
+Charles Maines I have looked at both of the Versys models and they are nice bikes. I did not include them on my list because they do not have two things that I am looking for, cruise control and off-road capability.
The Ducati will give the most fun factor, the GS is great but i hear alot of engine problems and $$$ to fix. The Tiger And the Yahmaha are well rounded bikes. The KTM adventure is great and is really making headwaves. My vote the triumph or Super Tenere is the winner of the three for me!!' The Tenere ES And Tiger have all 5 points you need for a long trip!Happy Riding
I don't know if I'll look at a Ducati for the amount of miles you normally put on. I think their concern is more about giving the rider a thrilling experience and not long term ownership. Reliability for me is a concern for me with any Ducati:)
+Roxic12 I agree, the Mulitstrada is fun to ride, but as I mentioned it would be great at a track day. However, that is not how I would ride from day to day.
Multistrada isn't an off-road bike. Just looks like one. More in the spirit of the Yamaha FJ-09, but with a bigger engine and some more gadgets. You wouldn't really take that offroad either. ...and chain vs. shaft... For the price, you're probably better off with the GS....or S10 ES. Not sure what part of the country you're in, but here in PA, you can get a Super Ten ES out the door for about $13,500 - standard model about $12k. I'm negotiating a trade for a 2015 demo base model for $11k. At that price, I could put just about every aftermarket goodie you could want before getting to the base prices for BMW, Ducati, or KTM. Super Ten isn't as exciting as Ducati, KTM, or BMW......but was very comfortable on my all-day ride and is getting lots of love for reliability and minimal wear. Still though...there's that part of me that envies the GS folks too.
+Chris Kleiner The Multi is definitely a sport-adventure-tourer that's heavy on the sport. That said, I've had my '15 Multi for about 6 months and it has certainly proven it's off-road worthiness. While no, it wont rival a 250cc long-suspension knobby tired dirt bike, it is more than capable of handling any dirt/ gravel road out there. Enduro mode on the S model does a good job of raising the bike up and cutting the rear traction control/ abs. It has no issue flying through the air or sliding the back end out in a curve. The KTM and GS have a slight edge when the pavement ends, but really none of them compete with a true dirt bike.
I think riding a cruiser is about low end torque while a bike like the Ducati needs to be revved a bit, this engine will be happier at 4,000 rpm than 2,000. Hope you find what you are looking for.
+gerhardk98 You are absolutely correct and if I bought the Ducati I would not ride it that way. I was just trying to test the limits of the bike, see what it can an cannot do. With that said, both the KTM and the Yamaha can be in 5th gear and at 30-40 miles per hour and accelerate with no problem. I have also read that other testers are seeing similar things with flat spots in the Multistrada's torque curve. My understanding is that Ducati is aware of this and has an ECU flash that corrects the problem. All in all the Multistrada is a great bike.
+Craig Ripley (Living Off The Slab) The new DVT engine is quite the interesting beast. Definitely has loads more bottom-end power than the previous Testastretta 11 engine, but still not the same as your average big-bore cruiser (just like your typical cruiser is not capable of even revving past 7k rpm). I've noticed a bit of the lugging around under high load in the 2-3k range, but the bike still accelerates fine. Really more of a rider feedback issue than anything else.
+Chris Melochick Thanks for the feedback. The bike I was riding did accelerate fine as well, just a couple of seconds of chugging and then it took off. As I mentioned in the video, a quick down shift would eliminate this.
+Craig Ripley (Living Off The Slab) I have ridden a lot of bikes and got the Multi, and it took a couple rides to calibrate my brain to what is somehow a very insistent gear box. The breakdown of gear usage is more clear on the Multi than it has been on my other bikes. If you follow the rules it wants to run by, it's happy. 1st: starting, and really gnarly uphill hairpin kind of turns. 2nd: the goaty roads and tight twisties 3rd: most roads you're going to ride that aren't straight or highways, if you want to pop out of turns. It'll rev up happily, so you can bounce out of a turn at 3-4k revs and hold 5-6k to the next corner. 4th: taking it easy on moderately curvy roads 5th: freeway 6th: freeway if you're not worried about the cops, or you want to win prizes for fuel economy. More than other bikes I've had, the Multi really uses the shifter as a mode setting for the kind of road you're on. I got used to it, and it feels fine now.
aluisious Thanks for the input, very interesting. My understanding is that there is an ECU flash available for the MS that improves the dip in the torque curve around 2500 rpm. Anyone tried that?
Moto Guzzi Stelvio, 8gal gas tank, single side rear swingarm, comes with alum. sidecases, driving lamps, engine guardl, tubeless spoke rims and better than 100hp.
Thanks for the info. Both of the dealers you list are about 2 hours from my home. While this is not too far for a great ride, it is a bit far when it comes to bringing the bike in for service. I know there are folks who do this all the time, but for me it is not how I want to spend my time. Just me...
Living Off The Slab Enjoy your videos. I ride a 01 Guzzi CalEV with Hepco Becker Aluminum Standard Cases. Made a trip from S. Alabama to Madawaska, Me and 2 summers ago out to the Northwest. out of the adv. bikes you tested though the Tenere would have been my choice. HAPPY TRAILS.
10:19 I'm surprised that you didn't like the 'Rumble'... I think it's awesome... I do this a few times every ride... ✔
good review. nice point of view. I would agree on the off road toughnesss of the multi I have a ducati myself and with the right tire it can do anything, but as set up it is a great tall road weapon ready for anything. I see a super tenere in your future...
+GTFiorano Thank you. Yep, as much fun as the Ducati is, I think it is out based the items you mention.
I would question that the Duke is reliable enough to be a true adventure tourer. My experience of Ducatis is that they're great when they work but spend more time in the garage than Harleys! (I've enjoyed the pleasure of both). KTM should be fun but I like the sound of shafts drive for low maintenance. Does anyone near you sell Triumphs? The new Tiger 800 and 1200 Explorer are supposed to be pretty good.
+Dazzle Rebel There is one Triumph dealer about 45 minutes from me. I have not been able to get over there yet, but plan to do so. I have seen and sat on the Tiger 800. Seemed like a nice bike and it does have cruise control.
+Dazzle Rebel The Ducs have come a long way in reliability since VW took over. Certainly not without their little things here and there, but nothing that will keep you from riding (and 2 year factory warranty!). Plus, their 9k mile oil changes and 18k mile valve adjustments gives you plenty of time on the road and not in the shop. I'd rival my '15 Multi against any Harley on that front! The KTM is a monster when it comes to regular maintenance.
Though it hasn't been released at this point, the Honda Africa Twin may be a bike that will fit your criteria at a very reasonable price. An early 2016 release is projected.
Yeah, I have read about the Africa Twin. It indeed could be a great option.
So for long rides the MTS 2015, is uncomfortable? I think that more than the seat what brings you comfortability is how much you can stretch your legs once they are on the footpeg and off course the position of your arms. Someone knows how is it?
+PontificiaU Javeriana I was only able to ride the MS for 45 minutes or so, therefore I can't really give an opinion based on experience. I think the Multistrada has a bit more of a sport riding position than does the KTM 1290 for example., but it is still pretty upright. Other than a little tension in my shoulders I was very comfortable on the Ducati.
+Craig Ripley (Living Off The Slab) Thank you for your feedback
+PontificiaU Javeriana I bought the 2016 Multi (carry over from 2015) a month ago. The longest ride I've gone on so far was about 300 miles over 8 or 9 hours, and I got home basically fresh. The seat is very nice, it supports well and doesn't have nasty hard spots, and you can slide back on it a little to move around the pressure points. Easily an all day, multi day seat. The bar position is good, especially if you're doing miles on a highway and you can hit the cruise control and relax your hands a little. Beats a sport bike by a mile of course.
The seat to footpeg distance is generous for me, I'm 5'8 and the Multi is a little tall overall, but I got used to riding dual sports so I prefer it that way. A tall guy can move the seat height up to suit himself.
Basically if you're worried about the comfort, don't. I doubt you can find a bike as sporty as the Multi that is as comfortable. It's a bike you can hop on for 45 minutes to do a couple local twisties, but if you told me to load the bags (I got the side panniers and top box) and ride 12 hours tomorrow, I'd hop on there no problem. I'm looking forward to summer, I plan to ride it 3000 miles from California to Colorado and back over a week.
aluisious aluisious, thank you very much for your feedback. It is true in the sense that maybe now in the market there is not a bike as comfortable as the multi, you know everything depends on what you are looking for. Now I have things clearer,
I found the seat on my '15 MTS a tad hard after a few hours... Purchased an AirHawk seat pad and now could ride all day. The AirHawk also prevents the rider from sliding into the fuel tank (Ouch... 😲).
Do you ever look back now and think I should have got the multi
No, not really. The Multi is a very nice bike, but I am happy with the Tenere.
Have given thought about the Kawasaki Versys?
+Charles Maines I have looked at both of the Versys models and they are nice bikes. I did not include them on my list because they do not have two things that I am looking for, cruise control and off-road capability.
The Ducati will give the most fun factor, the GS is great but i hear alot of engine problems and $$$ to fix. The Tiger And the Yahmaha are well rounded bikes. The KTM adventure is great and is really making headwaves. My vote the triumph or Super Tenere is the winner of the three for me!!' The Tenere ES And Tiger have all 5 points you need for a long trip!Happy Riding
+Krazy Kool NYer The reliability factor and cost of ownership is definitely an important part of the equation. Thanks for the input.
Your welcome!
I don't know if I'll look at a Ducati for the amount of miles you normally put on. I think their concern is more about giving the rider a thrilling experience and not long term ownership. Reliability for me is a concern for me with any Ducati:)
+Roxic12 I agree, the Mulitstrada is fun to ride, but as I mentioned it would be great at a track day. However, that is not how I would ride from day to day.
Multistrada isn't an off-road bike. Just looks like one. More in the spirit of the Yamaha FJ-09, but with a bigger engine and some more gadgets. You wouldn't really take that offroad either. ...and chain vs. shaft...
For the price, you're probably better off with the GS....or S10 ES. Not sure what part of the country you're in, but here in PA, you can get a Super Ten ES out the door for about $13,500 - standard model about $12k.
I'm negotiating a trade for a 2015 demo base model for $11k. At that price, I could put just about every aftermarket goodie you could want before getting to the base prices for BMW, Ducati, or KTM.
Super Ten isn't as exciting as Ducati, KTM, or BMW......but was very comfortable on my all-day ride and is getting lots of love for reliability and minimal wear. Still though...there's that part of me that envies the GS folks too.
+Chris Kleiner I agree, those are all the things I am think about while testing these bikes.
+Chris Kleiner The Multi is definitely a sport-adventure-tourer that's heavy on the sport. That said, I've had my '15 Multi for about 6 months and it has certainly proven it's off-road worthiness. While no, it wont rival a 250cc long-suspension knobby tired dirt bike, it is more than capable of handling any dirt/ gravel road out there. Enduro mode on the S model does a good job of raising the bike up and cutting the rear traction control/ abs. It has no issue flying through the air or sliding the back end out in a curve. The KTM and GS have a slight edge when the pavement ends, but really none of them compete with a true dirt bike.
+Chris Melochick Awesome, thanks for the input.
I think riding a cruiser is about low end torque while a bike like the Ducati needs to be revved a bit, this engine will be happier at 4,000 rpm than 2,000. Hope you find what you are looking for.
+gerhardk98 You are absolutely correct and if I bought the Ducati I would not ride it that way. I was just trying to test the limits of the bike, see what it can an cannot do. With that said, both the KTM and the Yamaha can be in 5th gear and at 30-40 miles per hour and accelerate with no problem. I have also read that other testers are seeing similar things with flat spots in the Multistrada's torque curve. My understanding is that Ducati is aware of this and has an ECU flash that corrects the problem. All in all the Multistrada is a great bike.
+Craig Ripley (Living Off The Slab) The new DVT engine is quite the interesting beast. Definitely has loads more bottom-end power than the previous Testastretta 11 engine, but still not the same as your average big-bore cruiser (just like your typical cruiser is not capable of even revving past 7k rpm). I've noticed a bit of the lugging around under high load in the 2-3k range, but the bike still accelerates fine. Really more of a rider feedback issue than anything else.
+Chris Melochick Thanks for the feedback. The bike I was riding did accelerate fine as well, just a couple of seconds of chugging and then it took off. As I mentioned in the video, a quick down shift would eliminate this.
+Craig Ripley (Living Off The Slab) I have ridden a lot of bikes and got the Multi, and it took a couple rides to calibrate my brain to what is somehow a very insistent gear box. The breakdown of gear usage is more clear on the Multi than it has been on my other bikes. If you follow the rules it wants to run by, it's happy.
1st: starting, and really gnarly uphill hairpin kind of turns.
2nd: the goaty roads and tight twisties
3rd: most roads you're going to ride that aren't straight or highways, if you want to pop out of turns. It'll rev up happily, so you can bounce out of a turn at 3-4k revs and hold 5-6k to the next corner.
4th: taking it easy on moderately curvy roads
5th: freeway
6th: freeway if you're not worried about the cops, or you want to win prizes for fuel economy.
More than other bikes I've had, the Multi really uses the shifter as a mode setting for the kind of road you're on. I got used to it, and it feels fine now.
aluisious Thanks for the input, very interesting. My understanding is that there is an ECU flash available for the MS that improves the dip in the torque curve around 2500 rpm. Anyone tried that?
Moto Guzzi Stelvio, 8gal gas tank, single side rear swingarm, comes with alum. sidecases, driving lamps, engine guardl, tubeless spoke rims and better than 100hp.
There are a lot of good bikes out there. The primary reason I did not include the Stelvio is because there is no dealer near me.
A. J. Cycle Shop in Gill, Ma. just off Hwy. 2A Used to be a Beemer dealer now just parts and service and now Guzzi dealer.
Sea Coast Cycles in Derry, N. H. off I-93.
Thanks for the info. Both of the dealers you list are about 2 hours from my home. While this is not too far for a great ride, it is a bit far when it comes to bringing the bike in for service. I know there are folks who do this all the time, but for me it is not how I want to spend my time. Just me...
Living Off The Slab Enjoy your videos. I ride a 01 Guzzi CalEV with Hepco Becker Aluminum Standard Cases. Made a trip from S. Alabama to Madawaska, Me and 2 summers ago out to the Northwest. out of the adv. bikes you tested though the Tenere would have been my choice. HAPPY TRAILS.
3:13 'Testastretta'...
Testastretta not Testaretta LOL....similar spelling but completely different meaning
Cornering not corning lights...another very different meaning LMAO and thats no excuse coz that's English....LOL
It is not an off-road bike unless you can afford a BMW GSA
Ok...