Anybody have (or had) a Multistrada? How did it compare to Hyper? - Ducati.ms

josephvman · Jul 18th, 2008, 9:51 am

I'm just curious if anyone went from a Multi to the Hyper, vice-versa, or has both. The only real criticism of the Multi seems to be the styling, and mechanically the Multi is very similar to the Hyper in terms of engine and chassis. The Multi also has far better range and wind management at highway speeds than the Hyper, which seem to be the biggest compaints that Hyper owners have about the bike.

Before you bought your Hyper, did you ever seriously consider the Multi? I didn't, but I really wasn't looking to buy a Hyper (actually walked in with the intention of buying S2R1000 Monster), but just kind of fell in love with the styling and got hooked by a test ride.

dudecati · Jul 18th, 2008, 10:25 am

Funny you should write this. I am just in the process of purchasing a Multi to have with my Hyper. I figure I'll have the Hyper for the around town stuff and shorter trips to the twisties and they Multi for longer trips.

Quote:

Originally Posted by josephvman

I'm just curious if anyone went from a Multi to the Hyper, vice-versa, or has both. The only real criticism of the Multi seems to be the styling, and mechanically the Multi is very similar to the Hyper in terms of engine and chassis. The Multi also has far better range and wind management at highway speeds than the Hyper, which seem to be the biggest compaints that Hyper owners have about the bike.

Before you bought your Hyper, did you ever seriously consider the Multi? I didn't, but I really wasn't looking to buy a Hyper (actually walked in with the intention of buying S2R1000 Monster), but just kind of fell in love with the styling and got hooked by a test ride.

ptooey · Jul 18th, 2008, 11:44 am

Had a 04 MTS before stacking it and buying a HM. Chose a HM because my priorities changed after looking back at why I bought a MTS in the first place.

MTS is a fantastic compromise for a (off-road/hybrid) tourer that you can ride like a sports. Plus the DP touring accessories (Top box, Panniers) are probably the best looking ones out there and perfectly go with the stylishness of the bike.

Agreed on the looks-- but in owning a MTS, after awhile, you learn to really appreciate the lines and come to realise that it ain't gonna look any better for the purposes that it serves. So yeah, I've now got a soft spot for the looks of it, and I still get sentimental at how actually good the bike was.

But the bad with the good (and the bads not really being that bad overall), was weight. Me being used to lighter bikes in the past like Monsters, I bought MTS with intention of touring some serious off-beaten tracks, and although the seat height of the MTS was lower than HM, if you don't have your foot planted properly, you're getting a real workout keeping the bike up. Got a couple of cramps after learning to keep it up, but unfortunately dropped it before learning to manage it. The MTS came out worse for wear with major cosmetic damage and some broken bits too.

Overall with weight, if you're used to heavier bikes, shouldn't be a problem. If you're expecting HM seat height, it's actually much lower on shorter inseamed people and the seat is much more comfy overall. Shape of the seat plays a big part on this. If you ain't happy with the seat, there are other options available, but here's the kicker-- it's a real bitch to swap the seat over to something else as the seat is mounted to the tank, which is then mounted to the frame. NB: It'd take you a coupla hours to pull the tank out.

Another bad is, if you're thinking this bike is up there in capabilities as the BMWs and KTMs in this world, think again. No way in hell can this compete off-road. It does an admirable job, and as mentioned you won't find a more exhilarating ride on the smooth stuff that can do a little bit of loose stuff on the side.

If you do end up going down the MTS path, DO NOT hesitate one bit, it's overall a better purchase than a HM except on the factors above (ie city riding). However couple of factors to think about if you buy second hand (06 models and earlier)-- fuel sensor is cuckoo (fuel light comes on at HALF TANK), older kick stands can't keep the damn thing up (you'll notice the rectified stand is the same as the HM version), mirrors may not stretch out far enough to see past your leathered arms, older models have heavy clutch pull.

07 and later MTS' have older problems rectified +1100cc, but introduces wet clutch (boo).

So things I miss about the MTS? The load carrying capacity (with the DP topbox and panniers), the fuel range, wind protection, seat height, adjustable rear shocks, lockable seat + helmet hook, instrument display, anonymous looks (boy can she go if you want her to, as with all 1000/1100 DS engines) and also pillion comfort.

Other good thing about owning a MTS is that you have your own dedicated forum for fanatical MTS owners at multistrada.net, so look there if you're still curious about it.

So, if I had some spare cash, I'd be looking into owning a MTS again, but for the time being, I'd rather get a bike for the mostly city riding I do, hence the HM.

**BillyD** · Jul 18th, 2008, 12:21 pm

I've ridden both bikes back-to-back over the same twisty road.

The bikes were remarkably similar in many ways. With the MS fairing, that bike was down right "peaceful" while dragging the foot pegs.

For me, it would simply come down to whether I wanted a sport touring bike with wind protection and range or a naked bike. I chose the later because of the type of riding I do.

bromike666 · Jul 18th, 2008, 12:57 pm

+1 to both the posts before mine.

I had a MTS and a Hyper, my friend wrecked the MTS, now I have no MTS. If you can only have one bike buy the MTS, it's the best bike I ever owned. I hear there is a redesign under way!

If you are planning on doing short weekend blasts you can't beat the Hyper for fun.

triblk6spd · Jul 18th, 2008, 10:20 pm

I find it odd that the 08 MS makes more hp than the 08 Hyper. This is all I know about the MS. Never looked into one as I don't like the MS styling AT ALL.

jbcaddy · Jul 18th, 2008, 11:00 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by triblk6spd

I find it odd that the 08 MS makes more hp than the 08 Hyper.

it is my understanding that it is due to the multi having a larger airbox. or maybe it is because when you are not as pretty, you try harder.

ptooey · Jul 19th, 2008, 12:01 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by triblk6spd

I don't like the MS styling AT ALL.

As far as hybrid bike choices go, they're all pretty much fugly-- Versys, BMW, KTM.. You're not making the choice on looks.

So quoting Jules Winfield, "[MTS]'s got personality: personality goes a long way".

**BillyD** · Jul 19th, 2008, 1:18 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptooey

As far as hybrid bike choices go, they're all pretty much fugly-- Versys, BMW, KTM.. You're not making the choice on looks.

So quoting Jules Winfield, "[MTS]'s got personality: personality goes a long way".

Or, as one of my drinking buddies readily admits, he "goes ugly early." Why drag it out?

ptooey · Jul 19th, 2008, 3:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyD

Or, as one of my drinking buddies readily admits, he "goes ugly early." Why drag it out?

Point taken, apologies for flogging a dead horse, but as a previous owner of a MTS, I'm just taking offence at people who have a dig at what really was a bike worthy of respect.

Last post on this topic.