For the past 8 years I’ve ridden a Multistrada. First the original 2010 version, then the 2015 DVT S version. This year i’ve been lucky enough to be able to change to a Beemer for touring and comfort, and a Monster 1200R for those sunny, blast rides for a short day out. At that stage of life, where I can’t ride the Monster for long rides, or hours in the saddle, but like others have said Lord Farquarrd, if I were to only have 1 bike, it would be the Multistrada. It does everything you need, but..... the monster gives me that something different / extra. The DVT was great, but it always seemed slightly sanitised after 5 yrs of owning a 2010 Multi. My 2010 Multi needed to be ‘ridden’ - some days I rode it like a real Doris, but when I rode it well, it felt really rewarding. Big grin factor. Same with the monster. For me, with dodgy knees, the monster is a bit cramped, with no wind protection, or comfort, but..... boy does it make me grin and feel great when you wind it up !! It needs to be ridden.... I’m in charge, if you know what I mean !! Ride both, and enjoy making the decision !
I currently own and regularly ride a 2014 Monster 1200S and a 2016 Multistrada S with touring and urban packs. They are similar but quite different. I'm 6'2 and wear custom ear plugs. The Monster is smaller, lighter and naked. It's edgier at low rpm. If commuting in traffic I'd recommend a 14 tooth front sprocket. Seat height is lower than the Multi but it accommodates me easily. The ride is firm but fair. It's rawer. Range up to 250km ridden enthusiastically! An 821 basically weighs the same but has less go! By comparison the Multi is gigantic. You sit in it rather than on it. The riding position is more upright and the bar is wider. It has more hp that is negated by the additional weight. It's best in touring with an amazing amount of suspension compliance to give that magic carpet ride. The screen does little other than keep my tank bag dry and stop it blowing off (as it did on the Monster) at speed. It's a fast and extremely capable tourer, but wide if lane filtering with panniers. It's flatters the rider. Range will drop from 400 to 300km ridden spiritedly. For long commutes get a Multi. For fun factor, buy a Monster.
I am 5ft 9in with a 29inch leg so sadly the modern Multistrada is too big However the Monster is very comfortable both for me and my wife (!) with a sport screen it is quiet and comfortable to 105mph and 50mpg the standard seat is ok at 400 miles in a day - not sure i would want to double that It was because it was so controlled with a pillion on the back that i sought out a 1200s. But it is short travel suspension so you cant use much speed on Somerset and Gloucester lanes. Unfortunately the side exhausts mean there is beggar all luggage space - so I may need to get a ventura pack
I bought my Monster 1200s new a year ago and have done just under 4000 miles. I usually change my bike every 3 years but as I decided to keep the monster for longer I wanted the best I could afford so went for the 1200s. I am only 5 foot 6 and have short legs so the adjustable seat is a bonus too. The Ohlins suspension works well and handling is awesome. Quickshifter has always been good on way up the box but clunky on downshifts but is getting better with more miles on box. Finding neutral is still a bit hit and miss but also getting better with miles. Bike has been reliable with no issues. Have fitted rad and oil cooler guards, tail tidy and bungs all in evotech and all really good. Also its a ducati so had to fit Termi's. Absolutely love the bike and have booked a spain tour on it in late September for 10 days. Have to say if riding for more than about an hour and half you start to feel it but you need to stop for fuel every 130 miles so not a problem.
I've now got this bike and am about to go over to Normandy in a few weeks to do my first touring holiday! Apart from swapping the screen to a Puig sport version, removing the ugly mudguard "thing" and fitting a top plate for a Givi Trekker she's stock n ready to go which in comparison to a Monster must make for a better distance bike. Do what I've done and have both! Multi for long trips and my original 900 Monster for shorter trips and being loud
