There seems to be quite a few models of the multistrada, has the newer model always been an improvement of its predecessor... Are the last of the pre-dvt models regarded as the best of this type of model, engine characteristics and reliability etc.
the new DVT rides better than the twinspark before it but the TS is a more exciting ride imo the original 1000DS tho was a 220kg supermoto!
TBH I think they're all pretty damned good! They got the original pretty much right and the subsequent versions are just refinements to varying degrees. The big changes were for Skyhook and DVT. The DVT is a clever engine and the smoothness difference is huge but because of that, yes, it doesn't feel as quick as it's predecessors (though it probably is). In terms of suspension, I actually prefer teh original Ohlins electronic over the Skyhook but that's just me. At the moment I'd hazard a guess that a late twinspark would be the most reliable as the DVT came with it's own little batch of niggles. The early issues were pretty much ironed out by the end of the twinspark though you should check that all recall work has been done. Just my 2 penn'orth!
Just spent several weeks (6) with a dealers DVT, whilst waiting for my new bike, in my opinion the DVT model is a much much nicer bike to ride than the 2013 twinspark, never sure with the t/s I part exe'd for the new bike that when I was pulling away, whether it would stall or pull a friggin wheelie, and going through town could be purgatory. A couple of my mates had also ridden my t/s and then had a go on the DVT whilst I had it, and they both said the same thing, the DVT is a much nicer bike to ride from that point of view. But the t/s I part exe'd for the new bike had skyhook where as the shop's DVT I borrowed didn't, so from that point of view I formed the opinion that the skyhook is a much better suspension than the non skyhook one. Anyway that's my opinion.
As an eejit (spelt correctly) I have a bias for the 1200enduro. Big mileage muncher & fluid power delivery.
It's a big old girl though innit? I'm 6'1 with a 35" inside leg and the bike had the low seat option. I STILL only had the balls of my feet on the floor! Got back on my 1200S and it felt like a sports bike in comparison. Which I like cos I felt like I could throw it around more and had more control.
