Hi; I wanted to get your opinion on if you feel I am making the right choice/decision. I am 34 years old and I have been riding for about 4 years now, and my 1st bike was a Monster 695. However after an accident in 2011 (where I clipped a large pot-hole) where the bike was written off. So I replaced it with the Monster 796. I love the bike and everything about it - I am not going to go though all the great things about it, as I am sure you all know what I mean. In the last 2 years I have found myself changing the type of riding I am doing, by doing less London town riding and more Europe trips. I have taken my Monster on a few 2500mile trips across Europe. For those if you who have done this on a Monster will know what I mean when I say that it is not the 'most' comfortable if experiences. especially when it is raining and windy - don't get me wrong, once you get to the mountain passes and hairpins - the Monster is in it's element. So - this year a few of my friends (who ride a Kawasaki Grand Tourer & Triumph Explorer) and I have scheduled a trip to Morocco. So - my concern naturally is if I will survive the trip on the Monster (I know the bike will get me there ). I also naturally have concerns about fuel range - luggage security (I have Kreiga luggage at the moment) and general bike suitability. With all this in mind I have been looking at the Hyperstrada (due out next month) or a 2nd hand Multistrada. I must admit that I am leaning towards the Multistrada (as I feel that if I get the Hyperstrada, I will keep thinking "man I should have got the Multistrada" - if that makes sense?) - but my concern is if I am experienced enough to handle that type of bike. I know it sounds pessimistic, but I have only really ridden a naked bike before. - hence why I am asking for your thoughts. I have not test ridden either bike and will be doing so once the snow clears. So - basically, I wanted to see what your thoughts and experiences are. Thanks
G'Day BZH You have easily got enough experience to ride a Mutley if you've been in London riding, test ride is the only way to be sure and from the reports from people in a simalar situation (on Multistrada.net) won't regret the Multistrada choice. Were you thinking 1200 or air cooled ...go for the 1100S the height thing worries some people, I'm 5' 7" and have to slide off slightly one side at the lights. easy to ride all day and not notice it
Thanks for the advice Android. I have been looking at the 1200S Touring (2 years old), thinking that I can get all the panniers etc needed for my trips included. I am 6ft, so hopefully I should not have too many 'sliding off to thye side' issues I have not really thought about the 1100s...mmm food for thought You are right - a test ride is the answer (now just have to wait for the snow to clear . And yeah - Lucazade - I am worried I will suddenly jump to being 68 years old
i bough the mts1200 in my 30's (39 and 11 months to be precise) and i love it.. will tour, scratch & hooliganise you if that's your thing all in one package
Tbh whilst many reports talk about the multis 150bhp I wouldn't be overly concerned, if your 6ft your plenty big enough (I'm 6ft 4) and whilst I appreciate a monster 796 isn't in the same league engine wise I found the multi extremely forgiving and easy to ride. its not really a handful like the 1098/SFS for example but then I am used to 1000cc superbikes. From what I remember I just found it very easy, very comfy and very capable, in fact I fancy another go in a similar position myself but still not made my mind up until I get a go on the new hyper sp, do touring myself but I also love a blast out for a quick hour here n there so kinda need to make my mind up whether the comfort means tht much to me have a go, you won't regret it
Thanks guys; I am feeling allot better about my thought process Hopefully it will feel 'right' fro me and then I can find a good 2nd hand one for a decent price
If your thinking Multistrada 1200 S Touring its also worth getting a test ride on the Triumph Explorer and one of those rare beasts; a BMW GS.
The Multi, while it shifts when you want it to, is also incredibly easy to ride and it flatters any rider. Never before have I been so fast and felt so relaxed and secure doing it. Just be respectful of it at the start and you'll be fine. It's in a completely different league to the "competition" too.
After a lay off for 20 years i bought a 696 then a year later 1100S then a year later Multi 1200S sport. Went to Italy on it for WDW2012 You will love it!
Thanks again - great advice. just waiting to pick up my Monster 796 - it has been for repair 4 times for warped brake disks - (I have even had Ducati UK dealing with this directly) and then I will be arrangign a test ride of the 1200s Touring model if I can.
Hi BZH, I've just bought a 1200 Mutley and I absolutely love it. A bit like you I had a naked road bike before (Triumph street triple R). Once I rode the Mutley I was totally convinced this was the bike for me, I was grinning like the proverbial Manchester cat. Don't get me wrong the triumph is an excellent bike but the Multi is in a different league altogether. And don't be worried about it being such a huge leap on in power and size - I felt the same until I got about 100 yards up the road on the demo, then I realised how easy this bike is to ride. Book a demo and join the dark side! :biggrin:
Thanks Wellsy. After hearing what you guys are saying, I am feeling allot more comfortable about things. I guess I am just in this 'limbo' of questions while I wait for a test ride - Damn snow
As others have said, I think you will love the MTS1200 (the 1100 is great also). With the ABS and traction control combined with a commanding riding position (great visibility for safe overtakes) and wonderful handling; it is a very safe machine to be riding. Do respect it's performance though as it will feel like a rocket ship after the 796. I use mine for mostly long trips and 1-2hr blasts and it does it all and will put a huge grin on your face. You can ride 800 mile days and still feel human when you get off the bike. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
