Hi Folks, I usually reside over on the Multistrada page, but I am currently thinking about switching to a Monster 1200 S. It won't be as versatile, but having ridden a Monster R at the weekend it was every bit as fun as I'd imagined, and I think a Monster should suit the majority of riding I do. I mainly just wanted to know if there are any issues I need to be mindful of? Thanks, Nik
I've got a Monster 1200 R and when doing my research after testing riding an S model, the only things I found where your right heel touching the exhaust protector and potentially a lack of ground clearance if 'getting it on' (usually a racetrack).
My 1200r still has not reached its 600 mile service but, in controlled mode, is just so much joy to ride. Difficult to put into words why but it is a great bike. Went out on my 2013 Multi S today and it felt very pedestrian and staid and, although a great touring bike, very much second fiddle. Spent many a thoughtful moment wondering whether I should be buying the 1200 Monster but now have absolutely no regrets. Still more thoughtful moments ahead wondering whether I will sell the Multi.
Having essentially ridden The 1200R back to back with my Multistrada I can confirm that while in isolation it's an amazing bike, it's just not quite as much fun as the Monster. Splitting hairs somewhat - it's still brilliant, just that the Monster really is better - in my opinion. In an ideal world I'd have both, but the reality is I'd probably end up hardly riding the Multi. Thanks for the replies chaps. Hoping to pick up my Monster next week... Nik
I replaced my 2010 Multi S touring with a Monster 1200 S Stripe in December. Ducati Glasgow were doing a deal where they threw in the full Termi system with the evo map which is why I bought a new bike in December. Anyhoo, I love it. To me it just feels much less civilised than the multi, more fun and the noises it makes always put a huge grin on my face. It really is an animal. Last weekend I did 800 miles on it and, while I don't go as fast on the motorway as I did on the multi, this is a good thing for me, off the motorway it is a complete hoot. I think it pulls harder than the multi lower in the revs but has less top end than the multi. I don't tend to rev it out like I did the multi, again a good thing because on the multi I was doing incarceration speeds all the time, because I can no longer sustain high speeds and this is exactly what I was needing. Self-control through wind blast. I recently got the suspension setup by an ohlins specialist (Bob Grant in Fife) and it was the best £40 I've ever spent. Before, during aggressive riding (is there any other kind?), it suffered from a bit of head shake, wanted to wheelie all the time and felt light at the front when pushing hard through corners. That's all gone. It's now a very sorted bike. I don't suffer from the feet fowling the rear footpeg hanger thing, even though I have size tens, I think because I'm a bit hen-toed when I have the balls of my feet on the pegs. The inside of my heels does rest on the rear hanger but that feels OK. I haven't had any ground clearance problems but then I don't do track days. Watch the turning circle though. The monster has very little steering lock compared to the multi. I really, really liked the multi and it is a better motorway bike and high-speed tourer but I'd only tour a couple of weeks a year. Most of my riding is weekend blasts with loads of twisties and I prefer the Monster for this. I frequently do 300 mile days and there are no comfort issues with it. The multi is the better all rounder and so arguably the better bike, but the Monster just makes me feel better than the multi ever did.
Thank you for your reply, that's appreciated. You've more or less exactly summarised my position. I'm unlikely to be really exploiting the touring potential of the Multi, and this appears to be more than offset by the extra fun that the Monster provides! Just can't wait to collect it now.... Thanks again, Nik
Me and Wally had the same discussion when i was looking to change from a Multi. the first thing I wasn't happy with was the lack of wind protection coming from a Mutley. However, I have forgotten about that issue and miss out the motorway most of the time anyway. Wally has summed it up great. If you don't tour, you really won't be disappointed with the 1200s. The Ohlins make a real difference and the power is noticeable compared to the standard 1200. It is a hoot of a bike and although i missed out on the Termi deal :cry:, the noise is great. Although i think Termis will be coming soon! :smiley: You won't be disappointed
Well I got a lucky gap in the weather on Saturday, and off I went on the Multistrada. I had a lovely ride - started off taking it really steady, as I specifically didn't want a mishap, but as the ride went on the pace built steadily, as is often the case. The Multi is such a confidence-inspiring bike, and feels almost uncrashable. It ended up being a fantastic last ride, and I'll remember the bike with terrific fondness. There was some fiddling about, as the bike had been prepped, but they'd left the seat in the low position. So some spacers etc were scrounged off another bike, and I was finally on my way. First thing that impressed me is that the standard exhaust makes a pretty good noise - it's got a nice burble to it, and even pops a bit on the over-run. Nice! Now I've got to find some more gaps in the weather and get the bike run in. I've self-limiting myself to 4000rpm, although did slightly sneak over that twice while I was out. I'm trying not to labour the engine, and use the gearbox as much as possible. In the meantime I think I'll have a little look around to see what the thinking is on running-in procedures. I imagine it might be a bit like starting a tyre or oil thread!! In summary, very very happy with my new bike, it's an absolute delight! Nik
