I’m about the same height as you. The 1200 is quite high, it especially feels so when fully loaded with luggage but if you hit the mode button changing to enduro mode drops the suspension down. This helps greatly getting on and off. Once on the bike a guy of your height/ leg length shouldn’t have a problem. Does the 950 have modes?
All 2010+ Multistradas have modes but only the S models have semi-active suspension. The 950S model was introduced this year (2019).
I don't want to be difficult but I felt enduro increased the height? What I do is set the height to minimum in urban mode and switch to that for getting on and off etc. But as steveb123 correctly states this only works on bikes with skyhook. I stand to be corrected! To I have a 28 inside leg and now seem to be struggling more than when I first got the bike regarding seat height. I have tried lower seat which is garbage, comfort seat which is higher than standard and not that comfy. As it happens I am now just going out the door taking my seats to an upholsterer to see what we can do.
I also have a 28" inside leg but have found the Comfort Seat (on the 1200S) in the lower position to be a good compromise between being able to get feet down when stopped and a not too cramped when riding. Urban mode does have the lowest rear suspension preload setting, and is obviously lowest when set to Rider Only (Rear Preload level 1 of 24) which is the recommended setting for checking chain adjustment. When two up and fully loaded, I'll usually be Urban mode before stopping and then change to Rider Only once stopped. I have found it's important to remember to change back to Rider/Passenger/Luggage once on the move again, I typically do it just after I worn another lump of the main stand
And have you ever been 2 up with luggage with settings for that, pulled into a petrol station, passenger gets off and my feet are left dangling in the air!!
I think you’re right, I stand corrected. It is urban mode that is lowest. It does make it easier to get on and off though. Alternatively park next to a kerb. Once on the Multistrada I don’t find it a problem though.
I wasn’t aware that ‘Rider only’ made any difference to the height. I’ll have to check that out. When touring with my wife I set it to ‘Two up and lots of luggage’ and left it there for the whole tour. Only adjusting the modes for the height.
