I retired a while ago, I think my touring days are over, most of my riding is into London, mainly for football, occasional shopping trip and the odd Sunday morning blast, most trips are for a purpose. There was a lad parked next to me yesterday on an 1100 evo, lovely looking bike which sounded amazing, it got me thinking, I may be better off with something I can just throw my leg over, light, nimble but fun too. I have owned a Monster, I'm a little long in the leg for one, but can live with that. Then a mate said he may be selling his Monster, almost perfect timing, but what to do? I don't want two bikes, sold the old 999 for that very reason, do I need a 1200 DVTs touring? Maybe I should have a final tour then think about it, I really don't know, answers on a postcard.
what your post is telling me is that you do need to think clearly about this, as easy to make a snap decision just because someone is selling a bike. I am talking to myself just as much as you as now realise that i have too many bikes taking up space at my age. how's your health? - this could be a factor as 1200 DVT is an armchair compared to most Monsters. Take it for a ride if possible, it might help you make up your mind.
You can do everything easily and in comfort on the multi if you only have one bike. Not the case imho on the monster.
I’ll be swapping my MTS for a Monster SP later this year. Had 3 Multistrada’s and they are fantastic but on the basis my journeys are now no more than 90 minutes, they are incredibly heavy and I’m in no rush to get anywhere.
I concur with the heavy bit, I'm tall and reasonably strong, but struggle on uneven ground / gravel drives etc moving it around
It took me over a year to make my mind up to sell my Multistrada. I wasn't using it so it was parked up in the garage. In the end, I still couldn't decide so I flipped a coin, heads keep it for another year and not use it, or tails and sell it .... its gone now
I had a monster (696) whilst living in the states and I used it in a very similar fashion to you, what an absolute blast that bike was. I rode into San Fran from Alameda almost daily and would then pop up to the redwoods for fun rides on the weekend. As you said, throw the leg over and ride it, no fuss, faff or concern, just ride.
I've reached a similar point. The Multi is too heavy to manhandle on rough ground. So I shall use it for long distance trips and poor weather rides. I've just bought a Spitfire for local rides.
The Monster will make things work even better. I'm 66 and love my 1200S. No desire to swap it for anything else. I can just about carry enough spare grollies in a 30ltr Kriega pack for around 5 days away if the need arises.
