My Multi is two years old in April so a change is on the cards. I want to test ride an Ariel Ace first but initially thought I'd end up buying a 2015 Multi. However, I have lately been seized by an uncontrollable desire to buy a Monster. I was thinking of a 1200 Stripe. Any comments?
Before committing to a Monster if you can test ride the Ariel Ace go for it - would love to hear your feedback. Cheers, Moses.
Now that Ariel Ace is what I would call one helluva ugly bike....... .....still, it can't appeal to everyone can it?
I'm going to book a test ride in March or April and will report back. Review in the Telegraph - I think - was very positive.
I've heard that said of the Multistrada, even here, but I love the looks of mine. I think the Ariel is a bold statement and reserve judgement on living with its looks. And I quite like the fact that I can customise it by choosing the rake etc at the build stage and see it taking shape at the factory. I also like the thought of having a frame that took seven hours to machine out of a billet of solid aluminium. I will see if that translates into superlative handling when I test ride one. A lot will depend on how they've adapted the Honda engine - and the shaft drive - for use in a sportier bike. And it will need to inspire as much confidence as my Multi, while giving the thrills of my ST. A bike's looks are very subjective. I, for example couldn't own a GS. Now that is ugly! Eye of the beholder and all that.
I have bad history with the Diavel. Borrowed a Dark once and within an hour it had been nicked. It was fun while it lasted though. Particularly scaring tourists going round Parliament Square in second!!
I think the monster will be too sporty for you after the multi after all your back is not good I think a scrambler would be just right for you speedy
Back is fine after my sessions with the chiropractor and the Monster is upright too. I will see on a test ride. I'm also going to check out the Ariel Ace. But the Scrambler doesn't have enough long-distance capability for me. Would be great as a second, fun bike but I have my ST for that. Thanks for the input though.
The Stripe looks the bizz, gets rid of that low rear mudguard thing. I just find the Monster a bit cramped for me, and that right hand passenger footpeg is just very annoying ( with size 10 boots ). They haven't proved to be very popular so second hand values would concern me. I was offered a 200 mile demo, 2 months old for £10.5 from a dealer. Diavel carbon with the white frame would be my choice.
I'm enjoying my first V-twin experience after decades on inline-engined machines at the moment and my sports bike days are long gone! The MV adventure bike also doesn't look worth waiting for!
No, just checked their website and it's gone. I actually had the same deal from 2 dealers. Bet you could get this for £10.5k DUCATI MONSTER 1200 S, 2014, ONLY 139 MILES. | eBay
Ahahahaaaa, hahaha haaaaaa. Speedy, you seem like a perfectly lucid and sensible guy, but tell me you're not weighing up between any ..... any .... beautifully designed Ducati and this? I was truly impressed when I saw the milled frame at the Nec show. I love the fact that you can choose the rake you desire. But how... Just how can they marry that..... to this!!!!? I'm sure you wouldn't, but isn't it bizarre? It reminds me of my dad's old 1914 Chater Lee.
You make good points - but I'd go for standard telescopic forks. That would make a big difference to the overall looks.
