Motorcycle Explorer May 2016 Issue 11 | Página 149

The FT is a head-turner and not just because of the
popping coming from the Termignoni mufflers on
the exhaust. The FT looks ‘muscular’ and ready to
play but with a fine groomed finish that resonates
quality. I sat and chatted at my local bike hang out
(Devil’s Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale) and just about
everyone liked the look of the bike but when asked
what they would use the bike for… that’s when the
guys on the likes of the BMW GS and KTM 1090
would rub their chin. The FT seemed to be fitting
into the realm of ‘Mistress’. Something for a dirty
weekend at some local event but for anything that
required distance, carry capacity, tank range etc it
was never going to be the main horse in the stable
for these riders and I’d have to agree! The FT has a
‘dual seat’ but the wife was less than impressed and
even cut the ride short (we had aimed for a run of
about 50 miles to Hawes in the Dales). She felt the
suspension was unkind to a pillion and the amount
of seat was lacking combined with the high pegs was
‘not for her’. Liane (the wife) has ridden pillion
through the Alps on the 650 VStrom before now with
8 hour days of riding. I have to say that the FT
comes over as a single rider bike and even with the
power there to take a pillion without issue you can
feel the ‘discomfort’ of your pillion as the rider.
So while the FT is beautiful in her style and has the
punch, grunt and power to get a smile on your face
you’re not going to be rushing out to replace your
KTM or Yamaha anytime soon for the Italian
contender and there will be a world of difference
from the Ducati Multistrada.