Make sure it has the '05 sidestand, should have been put on under warranty. Depending on the owner, it might also have the '05 mirrors instead of the shorter '03-'04 mirrors on it.

Problem with a low mileage '04 is that it is out of warranty, but still likely to have valve guide problems in the ...

Back past the rear corners of the seat, between the frame and gas tank, there is a round rubber brace on which the tank rests on either side of the bike. The brace screws down into the frame. If you look carefully at the tank in that spot, you can see a rounded area where the rubber should meet the ...

Is there ethanol in canada? If so, has the tank on the 1100 been treated, or did the owner avoid using ethanol gas? Its usually easy to tell if the tank has expanded, btw.

I view the 1200 as kind of a "GT" version of the multi. It can do back roads just fine, but its more focused on longer touring ...

Hmm, 19k miles. At 19k, here is what I recall changing on my '04:
-new chain and sprockets at 17k, so if they have not been changed yet they soon will be due, even with an oiler.
-steering head bearings (ball) were shot around 21k IIRC, changed to needle bearings.
-changed fork oil at 20k. Make sure ...

Even after I had the warranty repair, my guides still went bad by 40k miles, even the one they replaced at 20k. My understanding is that virtually all multis will eventually need the guides replaced due to the design and installation of the OEM ones. The stock guides are pre-sized to fit the valves ...

If you're used to a vstrom for comfort and roominess but want a bit more sportiness, I would recommend you get a newer model Tiger instead of the multi. It has a very similar riding position to the vstrom, but better suspension and motor.

The multi is supposedly in the same class as the vstrom ...

Reliability shouldn't be a problem. although some of the bikes have issues. However, riding in the winter (or generally lots of miles) will make the engine dingy and cause the engine paint to flake after a year or two. If you can handle having a less than perfect looking bike, you're all set. Its ...

Get either a used one or a heavily discounted leftover (best of both worlds if you can find one). Let someone else eat the depreciation hit for the new bike. Multis are somewhat overpriced at MSRP, IMHO. The used market for multis is pretty reliable since most of them are well cared for.

The gearing makes a difference as well. The stock gearing is pretty high in order for the bike to pass noise laws. Going down a tooth in front or 2 to 4 teeth in the back will help it at lower speeds.

Biggest pitfall of the multi for everyday city use is the composite gas tank. If the bike gets knocked over or run into while parked, and the tank takes a good whack, it will crack rather than dent/bend. If that happens it usually costs over $1000 to replace it ($1700 is retail price for the tank ...

I wouldn't buy one without dealer support. Though its a fairly simple bike in concept, there have been too many warranty issues and potential headaches. Remember, even if you're mechanically inclined and can do the routine maintenance, when something happens that is potentially a warranty issue ...

Test rode a st3 on thursday while my multi was having the maintenance indicator reset at the dealer. Nice bike, but not as fun as the multi. The st3 had less vibration, but also had a lean surge at 4k. It didn't pull as hard down low. I prefer the aircooled 2v motor for its simplicity and its still ...

If your back is getting twinges, it may also be the low pegs. Higher pegs actually make your torso tilt forward and stabilize your back, so if your knees can stand it you might want to try raising the pegs a little bit up and back. The nice thing about the multi is that its very narrow, something ...

You should be able to find an '04 for less than $9700, probably closer to $9k nowadays.

The savings over an '05 should be more than enough to purchase an '05 or aftermarket seat and possibly the FAR mirror upgrades and still have some $ leftover. Definitely ask for the '05 kickstand free upgrade ...

You should check out the ktm 950 sm. Supposed to be an awesome back roads machine, without many of the compromises of the adventure (though still not FI). It would need some sort of windshield for extended highway use, of course.