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68 Posts
OK, I know this is a sensitive topic, but I am considering defecting from the ranks of Monster ownership. I posted the following (see below) on multistrada.net and the feedback I have received is pushing me strongly in the direction of the aesthetically challenged MTS. Does anybody in Monster-land (preferably with MTS experience) care to try and make the counter-point?
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OK, I've been riding a 750 Monster for the past 5 years and I have decided that I "need" a new(-ish) bike and I plan to buy near the end of this winter. Right now, I am torn between an 04-05 M1000S ie and an 04-05 MTS 1000 DS. I prefer the looks of the Monster, but I like what I perceive as the greater versatility of the Multistrada. The real issue is my comfort level with the bike. I have gotten very comfortable with my Monster and I am extremely confident in its handling. I am fortunate to live within a couple of hours of some great roads (Shenandoah/Blue Ridge). In general, I'm a somewhat conservative rider, but I do like to get a little aggressive in the twisties. What I have loved about my Monster is how easy it is to ride quickly through the curves. It always answers the bell when I need to change a line. It's bailed me out a few times when I've encountered unexpected road debris etc.
I test rode a MTS1000S DS last year. In general, I liked the experience, but there was a bit of unfamiliarity. I learned to ride off-road, so I really like the upright position (even more upright than my Monster), but the height was a bit off-putting. I'm 6'0" and have no problem flat-footing the bike, but even so it did feel a bit odd tipping the bike in to a turn at speed from so high up. I got the feeling that I would get used to it, but it was a bit off-putting.
I'm wondering if there are any riders on this board that made the transition from Monster to Multi or from riders that have ridden a lot of miles on both. I'd like to hear their views and what they see as the pluses and minuses. What I really want to know, is how likely is it that I will relatively quickly get to the same level of confidence in the handling of the MTS as I have with the Monster. Is the MTS the equal or better of the Monster? If it is, then the choice will come down solely to beauty vs. utility. Not that I find the MTS ugly, parts of it I really like. It's just that I am still enamored with the looks of the Monster after all these years. As a final note, my budget will likely not allow me to consider the "S" Multistrada. The upper limit for me is $8,000. From watching this board, it seems I should be able to find a standard MTS for that price. Comparable year Monsters go for about a grand less.
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OK, I've been riding a 750 Monster for the past 5 years and I have decided that I "need" a new(-ish) bike and I plan to buy near the end of this winter. Right now, I am torn between an 04-05 M1000S ie and an 04-05 MTS 1000 DS. I prefer the looks of the Monster, but I like what I perceive as the greater versatility of the Multistrada. The real issue is my comfort level with the bike. I have gotten very comfortable with my Monster and I am extremely confident in its handling. I am fortunate to live within a couple of hours of some great roads (Shenandoah/Blue Ridge). In general, I'm a somewhat conservative rider, but I do like to get a little aggressive in the twisties. What I have loved about my Monster is how easy it is to ride quickly through the curves. It always answers the bell when I need to change a line. It's bailed me out a few times when I've encountered unexpected road debris etc.
I test rode a MTS1000S DS last year. In general, I liked the experience, but there was a bit of unfamiliarity. I learned to ride off-road, so I really like the upright position (even more upright than my Monster), but the height was a bit off-putting. I'm 6'0" and have no problem flat-footing the bike, but even so it did feel a bit odd tipping the bike in to a turn at speed from so high up. I got the feeling that I would get used to it, but it was a bit off-putting.
I'm wondering if there are any riders on this board that made the transition from Monster to Multi or from riders that have ridden a lot of miles on both. I'd like to hear their views and what they see as the pluses and minuses. What I really want to know, is how likely is it that I will relatively quickly get to the same level of confidence in the handling of the MTS as I have with the Monster. Is the MTS the equal or better of the Monster? If it is, then the choice will come down solely to beauty vs. utility. Not that I find the MTS ugly, parts of it I really like. It's just that I am still enamored with the looks of the Monster after all these years. As a final note, my budget will likely not allow me to consider the "S" Multistrada. The upper limit for me is $8,000. From watching this board, it seems I should be able to find a standard MTS for that price. Comparable year Monsters go for about a grand less.