Just to round off this thread I had a look at the very good website of OnyerBike. Interestingly, it gave a table of servicing costs for all the bikes it deals in. It was interesting to see that they charge the same for a Multistrada as for ST4, 748, 996,etc - I thought the unfaired, aircooled and 2-valve engines were supposed to be cheaper to service (
www.onyerbike.net/service.htm)