Go further for less with a used adventurer
Expert guide to grabbing a great used globe-trotter for under £7000
Jamie Clare grew up around motorcycles, but only took his test three years ago as a spur-of-the-moment summer activity with his friend Adam Wright. Jamie’s dad is a keen Ducati man, previously owning a 900SS, 748, 916 and 998, so it only seemed right he would follow suit. And he bought his standard Multistrada 1200 in an end-of-year deal from Ducati Peterborough, Wansford, in 2017. “There’s a bit of character with a Ducati. They are not the smoothest engines at low speed, but that seems to add something to the whole experience.
“The Honda Crosstourers I had were brilliant bikes and did everything they were meant to do relatively well. They were also fairly bullet-proof, but were just kind of a bit ‘meh.’
“I was looking for a new bike and I’d test ridden a Multistrada already. The dealership phoned me up saying they’d got a particular one in with a certain level of trim on it and wondered if I was interested. I went to see it and I bought it.
“I use my bike for commuting, but my friends and I also do several mini tours a year. I have only managed UK tours so far with the Multistrada, but I am planning a proper European jaunt soon.
“My commute is literally from one side of Grantham to the other and it’s probably too much bike to be doing that. However, it’s also handy if I need to get out and see clients when I know traffic is going to be an issue. “I can just scythe through it all and I’ve got all the luggage, so it’s not a problem taking stuff with me. I can take a laptop and spare clothes too. I don’t use many of the bike’s engine modes and tend to keep it in Touring as it gives me a bit more stability on poor road surfaces.
“I have used Sport mode, but find that it gets the traction control light flashing up on the dash when it’s cold. It’s an animal.
“Some people say that modern bikes with all their electronics dilute the riding experience, as the bike does so much for you. I find they allow you to focus more on the important bits and worry less about what the bike is doing, meaning you can enjoy riding it more.
“I would like to upgrade the bike later this year or at the start of next year to the 1260 model because I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the quickshifter. They’re brilliant and so cool.”
‘I love the bike’s electronics as they let you get on with just riding it’