| The Multistrada is a fantastic bike. A great all rounder. If you want a bike that will scratch, tour or bimble down the shops it's really cool.
From your last post I suspect that your touring is mainly two up, full panniers, high speed autoroute type stuff? The ST4S would be better at that. Higher power, probably has a better long range seat (the multi has a pretty hard seat unless you get the comfort option one) and looks a bit less comfortable than the ST for pillions. The 4S should keep the wind and weather off you better (for certain if you're behind the fairing of an 04 model), and if we are talking about the 04 model the adjustability of the bars and the plush seat would definitely make it a better long distance tool than the Multistrada.
When you get to the twisty alpine passes, all ST's handle well and have widish bars for leverage on tight twisty stuff, so it's a close call but I reckon the low down two valve grunt and the flickability of the Multistrada would be a bigger grin.
The engine is very exposed on the Multi and really needs a belly pan to keep the crud off, but it won't ground the centre stand because it doesn't have one (unless you order it as an option). There is a slight question mark about ground clearance on the Multistrada, some people have been known to deck the exhaust shield on the RHS and bend rear brake levers (but I think they've been going for it in a big way - haven't you keefyboy)  |