Most of your concerns are not unique to where you live. I had all of the concerns. My local dealer also has the feel of a boutique store, I think it's how many Ducati dealers market themselves. I was looking at a new Tiger 800 XC, BMW 800, or a V-Strom, or a used 2008-9 Multistrada. When I went over ...

That was well said.

I'm looking at an '08 from private owner. He's actually made an appointment with his dealer who is ordering a new tank and is going to coat it before installation. So in view of all the issues, I'm probably starting out about as good as I can get.

I owned a '04 for two years ...

I'm looking at different Multistradas, mainly 1100's. I've read and re-read very post available on the issue with ethanol and tank swelling but can't come to any real occlusion other then it's a pretty screwed up problem. Some post they're on their third tank, others post they're selling their bike ...