2010 Ducati Multistrada Review

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by sarnali2

That's unfortunate, I've never ridden one but I sat on one at the IMS and made motor noises, I guess I'd have to make do with a Tiger or Norge` then.

Get the Norge. MO needs a long term report.

[briangorrell]

I got to test ride the Multistrada 1200 Touring version today at my local BMW/Ducati dealer... I am 6'4" with a 34 inch inseam. I've always loved the Ducati brand but nothing they've ever made would fit me. For my size, the Multistrada pushed me into the gas tank more than I'd like - seems like a flatter seat would probably help? The bike itself is an absolute riot to ride though - I started off in the the Sport mode and after trying the other settings I just couldn't imagine wanting to ride in any other than the Sport setting. The engine has tons of character and feedback with extremely light steering - with those wide handlebars it takes very little input to initiate a lean...

The BMW R1200GS fits me better - wish they'd put that Ducati engine in the bigger frame! They were ready to take my order for the red touring model today - not sure though - any thoughts??

[sarnali2]

Well at this point in the game comfort and utility are more important to me than outright performance. A bike that is uncomfortable is one that won't get ridden much, in that light if I were you I'd get the R1200GS. The Ducati might be fun but leg cramps and mashed nuts don't make for a very pleasant ride in my experience............

[Dr_Sprocket]

Originally Posted by briangorrell

I got to test ride the Multistrada 1200 Touring version today at my local BMW/Ducati dealer... I am 6'4" with a 34 inch inseam. I've always loved the Ducati brand but nothing they've ever made would fit me. For my size, the Multistrada pushed me into the gas tank more than I'd like - seems like a flatter seat would probably help?

You might want to look at an old Multi. When I was looking for a new bike, I whittled my choices down to the Ducati Multi and Buell Ulysses. IMHO, they both felt about the same. I haven't tried the new Multi 1200, but the old one felt really nice. (FWIW, I am 6'5" with 36" inseam.)

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by briangorrell

I got to test ride the Multistrada 1200 Touring version today at my local BMW/Ducati dealer... I am 6'4" with a 34 inch inseam. I've always loved the Ducati brand but nothing they've ever made would fit me. For my size, the Multistrada pushed me into the gas tank more than I'd like - seems like a flatter seat would probably help? The bike itself is an absolute riot to ride though - I started off in the the Sport mode and after trying the other settings I just couldn't imagine wanting to ride in any other than the Sport setting. The engine has tons of character and feedback with extremely light steering - with those wide handlebars it takes very little input to initiate a lean...

The BMW R1200GS fits me better - wish they'd put that Ducati engine in the bigger frame! They were ready to take my order for the red touring model today - not sure though - any thoughts??

Sounds to me that your fit issues are fairly minor. If you like everything about the bike except the seat, get an aftermarket one or a Duc accessory one. Also, handlebar position can play a major role in seat comfort. Either rotating the handlebar toward the rider or an aftermarket bar with a different bend could dramatically affect your comfort.

IMO, the new Multi is among my top choices for the proverbial one bike in the garage.