Okay,
thought I'd report back following a test ride at the weekend of both a Multistrada and an ST3.
Rode the MS on Friday, and couldn't get the smile off my face. Trully superb bike.
Up to 80mph it is great, plenty of go and stop. Above 80mph though I found it wasall a bit too blowy (saw an indicated 120
). The bike was moving around under me, and I found the tops of my legs got cold in no time at all.
This made me think that for solo and local riding it would be great, but probably not ideal 2 up for 300+ miles a day.
Oh, and the fuel gauge is good entertainment
Next I tried the ST3.
This bike only had 15 miles on the clock, and the roads weren't the best on Saturday morning (different bike shop), so didn't ride it too hard, but this felt just like the VFR we are replacing, only with more bottom end grunt. I reckon I could make more progress on this than with the VFR, and not have to work it so hard either. It is definitely overgeared though. I can see why people fit the 14t front sprocket...
So. Decision made. I'm now shopping for an ST4S (the one I had my eye on sold on Friday !).
You guys have a lovely bike though. Only wish I could justify an MS to play on as well as the ST4S, but I can't.
Thanks for all the advice over the last few weeks people.
Cheers,
John.