Originally Posted By: LoneRanger
Yesterday I went back to the HD dealer, talked some $$. A fair deal was offered, considering they have to do a dealer swap to get one with ABS in silver. But I couldn't get the Ducati out of my mind. So today I took a road trip (100 mile) back to the Ducati dealer for another look at the 2012 Multistrada. I wore looser pants, and wore my heeled riding boots this time. Much better. I know that sounds weird, but it was better. Using the heel to hook the peg let me angle my foot down w/o it creeping down the peg and operating the brake and shifter felt much better. I think a lot of it was just having cut my riding teeth on HD's forward controls and the upright seating position was throwing me off. Once I tried it again it was much better. I think I could ride the Duc for hours and be comfortable enough.
So. I've decided on getting the Ducati. They're going to call when the 2013's they've got on order arrive, they expected them this month but not arrived yet. I want the larger wind screen and slightly wider front faring as well as the engine updates for 2013 (dual spark plugs, repositioned injectors, and air bleed changes for improved low rpm fuel burn). Otherwise I'd save a grand and get the 2012 demo on the floor (has a few hundred miles). But for that extra grand on a 2013, I get to do the break-in instead of living with the break-in demo riders put on, plus the mentioned updates are well worth it to me.
I'm sure you will love it. A much more entertaining choice for sure!
Break it in HARD!
