Ok all I just got off the phone with one of my local dealers who just returned from dealer training in Palm Springs Calf for the 2013 models and we had a nice and favorable conversation about the Hyperstrada and Motard. He indicated that the new bike is far less twitchy than the previous air cooled version as far as handling is concerned, that you sit farther back more centered on the bike. When you look around while riding the bike stayed in line better than the older version in other words you didn't have to focuses in on the bike as much keeping in line as you did with the older version. He is 6'2" or so and felt a little cramped on the bike more so than the new Multi but thought my 5'8" frame would be more than comfortable he could also stand flat footed on the Hyperstrada but needed to rise up a little on his toes for the SP Motard. He indicated the touring seat on the Strada seemed comfortable and kept you locked in place more so that the SP saddle did which allowed more movement around on the SP. There is no fuel indication on the bike other than the low fuel light common to others and there is also no gear indication did not get to fiddle much with the bags so no real opinion about them and the rear view mirrors were better and required less effort than the bar end mirrors of old. They did do several miles on hard packed dirt with some sand thrown in on the Multi which has the same tires as the Hyperstrada and he never felt like those tires weren't up to the task, he did not get to ride the Strada off pavement. Gearing and engine speed I believe he said that 55mph netted him 4000 rpms and there was a little bit of snatch throttle in the low rpms again fairly typical. Delivery is still expected 4 to 6 weeks out and he did not have firm arrival dates. On several occasions he used the term nice, nice, nice motorcycle so read into that what you will.
