Test ride the new Multistrada 1200. It's going to change a lot of things in the bike world. Unfortunately, it's not eligible for the promotional finance rates that Ducati is offering at the moment.

JR

I'm awaiting delivery on a 2010 M696, yes I'm a 5'6" Sicilian. It fits me perfectly. The senior wrench is having a ball installing my mods. You guys might enjoy seeing what I have done so I'll post the pix when I get the scoot.

This made me grin. You are correct. The Monsters are definitely small bikes. Also really light. Like 350 lbs. light. Which is what makes them so flickable. But I agree, the are more for someone my size (5'8", 160 lbs) than your size.

Mine:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1275571156.jpg

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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1275571901.jpg

Some comments on the Multistrada 1200:

Soup :: Soup Tests The Ducati 2010 Multistrada--Part Two :: 03-17-2010

JR

I loved my original Multi - the new one looks to be an amazing machine. I'm sticking with my GS at this point though.

Monster is a small bike. At 6'1" 180 I'm a tight fit. Actually the 848 felt more comfortable for my legs than the 1100.

I didin't like the feel of the 1200GS after owning an 1150GS. It just felt cheaper, not built like a tank the way mine felt (dash cluster moved around alot on the 1200, etc.). I've also ridden an 1150 R with a bunch of mods and it was a screamer.

Like Todd said, look for a used 1200 R. I'm 6-4 and I was able to sit on one. THe naked K bike is pretty nice, but I'd kill myself on it.

Other than my big tourer, I have a stable of dirt bikes...

As a smaller guy, I also can tolerate the riding position of Monsters.

Slight threadjack: I was riding my 888 on Cape Cod a couple years ago. There are very few non-cruiser bikes on the Cape. I pulled into a hardware store parking lot in Hyannis, and a customer very excitedly (think Luigi from Cars) came up to me as I was taking off my helmet.

Him: Is that a Ducati?
Me: Yes.
Him: I'm Italian. Are you Italian?
Me (as I'm Chinese and finished taking off my helmet): Are you blind?

If a guy is really tall, (say, 6'4" and up), almost every bike is too small. Some are a lot worse than others, of course. I always thought that Harley Davidson accommodated large riders the best; in fact, many riders are too small for their bikes. The Monster has always been a bike that big guys can't ride, at least not without looking like they're on a clown cycle. I'm 6' with a 31" inseam and the old Monster fit me like it was tailor made. Just unbelievably perfect, better than anything I've ever sat on. The new one is not as good but still comfortable.

I have a buddy who is huge, (6'5"+), who has a new GS 1200 and absolutely loves it. He has it all kitted-out with boxy luggage and racks and he looks perfect on it plus is comfortable. He also has a Ducati GT 1000 but he never rides it anymore. The GS is a serious love affair. I'll see if I can find a picture...

That new MS looks cool but after reading the soup review I'd be worried about potential electrical gremlins rendering the bike unrideable. Are the Italians better at electronics than the Brits?

I had exactly zero problems with both of my Ducati's, over a 10-year span. I was actually somewhat surprised how nicely they are made and assembled. Some of the hardware and detailing was superb.

JR

Yes but it sounds like this new MS is significantly more complicated than your 10 yr old bikes. No argument about fit and finish on a Duc - they are beautiful. I'm NOT talking about basic MC hardware - more the computer and servos that control engine output, suspension, etc...

:D

And I second riding the new Multi--Good enough for Doug Polen at the track, good enough for me. I rode both the new monsters and felt like I was sitting on them instead of in them, if that makes sense. The hyper is wrong as a class, imo--with all that motor it's no longer a motard that's light and flickable.

Second the new Kawa naked--beat the streetfighter and brutale in a recent Bike test and about $10k less.

The GS can be a good fit for tall riders. I have a 34" inseam, and a pretty long torso, so finding a windshield for my GS and even the newer ones, was a bit problematic to prevent massive amounts of helmet buffeting at interstate speed.

That is one of the reasons I like my big HD tourer, with the "chips" full windscreen, I can have the visor of my full face open and barely feel the wind, and I don't get any buffeting.

I rode the first gen Ducati MS when they first came out, and really liked the bike. I'd think about getting one of the newer ones.

I look like a praying mantis on a monster. I really wanted it to fit, because I wanted an S4, it just wasn't happening. Very similar to the pre 2008 (I think) Boxster, I am just too tall for them.

if the monster is too small, did you try the streetfighter? Friend of mine who's at least 6'-2" loves his...

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/cro...ter_460x0w.jpg

if you're looking for naked bikes also check out the Ktm Superduke. I got mine 2 months ago and its been great so far.

Read a review of the Kawasaki just today. Looks like a very viable contender.

The power is truly intoxicating. In 2nd or 3rd gear, ease up to about 7k rpms. Then move up on the balls of your feet, crouch a bit and when you're ready...whack open the throttle. First time I did it I almost threw up in my helment.

But after you've ridden routinely with that kind of thrust, it becomes your friend. The on/off throttle response in the tight twisties make it an absolute hoot to hustle along on. Just rolling on the throttle in 6th gear on the freeway brings a smile to your face. Pulls like a freight train while being very subdued in around-town riding.

From a safety perspective...insane throttle response can save your neck as well. Getting away or around dangerous situations are very easy. Passing is also a delight with little concern for "not making it" if you mis-judge your timing. Also, the brakes on these bikes are equally intoxicating. Linked front/rear, ABS, etc. A gentle one-finger actuation hauls it down like the hand of god (with little or no dive due to the hassock front end). I'm sure the R-bikes are just as good in this regard, but "too much power" is not the reason to avoid a K.

Man, I love bikes! Wish I could own 10.

After all the stats are in, though, I fully admit I'm a sucker for looks and sound. This counts out the kawa for me as well as the beemer, no matter how great it is. I truly love going in the garage and staring and caressing the Ducati or Triumph.

And starting the 848 with Termis in the garage! Mama mia!

My point is that, to me, a bike is more than how it behaves--so go with what you'll love.

Listen to the above comment. Try it, then tell us you did not have a grin while riding one.