I was just wondering what you guys and girls would choose if the choice was narrowed down to a ST or a Multistrada. To me they are competing in the same market ... and I would choose the Multistrada as it is more exciting to look at.
Re: What would you choose ST or Multistrada (Dave R)
Dave,
Good questions, but I am not actually looking at buying either (I want a ss800) but I am confused by what appears to me to be 2 models that have very, very similar markets.
So lets go through your questions:
Two up touring ?
Both are marketed for this, but I would assume that the ST would be slightly ahead here.
More sport than tour ?
Hmmm, Multistrada looks heaps more sporting ... to me anyway
High speed sweepers or tight, multiple curves ?
Well they advertise that the Multistrada corners like a superbike, and I guess the ST's do pretty well on corners too.
I won't pretendt to understand Ducati marketing but to me they don't seem to target the same market at all.
The ST is most sertainly aimed at the sport-touring market and it has a pretty loyal following there! The new ST3 is of much interest!
The MS is on the other hand more of an adventure touring bike. One that is designed to handle things like those interesting looking rough roads that head out into the further reaches. Something more akin to a BMW GS.
Yes both bikes are similar but if you are going to be two up most of the time the ST certainly has a broader power delivery, it also excels in higer speed sweepers because of HP.. In the tight stuff, not much can touch the MTS.. both have their strengths.. tough choice
Re: What would you choose ST or Multistrada (Dave R)
I'd take the MS just because everything I have read indicates it is a funner bike. Not more powerful, not better for touring or any of that, but just a very good all around bike. The ST obviously smokes in the power department, and the look is a little more polished, and bags are easier to get etc. The MS I like better mainly because it is air cooled and raw and light
Having ridden both the ST4s and the Multistrada, i think the question regarding usage are right on. I personally would get the Multisrada, it is a back-road weapon with out peer. The ST4 would be the Iron butt guys choise and it has a slight advantage in the fast stuff, maybe.
I think the MS also has a much better seating position for long rides. I'd like to see a 4R; an MS with a 135HP testa engine, c/f bags and wheels, and a wet weight near the existing MS.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DanST4 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think the MS also has a much better seating position for long rides. I'd like to see a 4R; an MS with a 135HP testa engine, c/f bags and wheels, and a wet weight near the existing MS. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Agree, as long as you're willing to swap out the stock seat for something with a bit more padding, the MS is good for longer rides due to more upright ergos. Also, it has wicked good handling in tight slow corners. Mountain road worthy.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Emperor_Nero »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...it has wicked good handling...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Multistrada - I can't get past the ugly looks. Before y'all start flaming me - it's called "an opinion"; I think they're ugly as sin - not as ugly as the MH900e, though - but close.
If I could ride at night or with my head stuck through a hole in a cardboard box so I couldn't see the bikes - maybe a MS. It's a comfortable bike (with the optional seat) and I hear it rides very well. It's just butt-ugly.
Re: What would you choose ST or Multistrada (Buckelew)
I have to agree with Mark, I just can't get past the look of a MS. It is supposed to be a great bike, but it does less than nothing for me. A ST3 in person is very good looking. A friend of mine has one and there aren't any photos of this bike that do it justice. I have seen a MS in person also BTW. Just like Buckelew, this is my opinion and if anyone thinks it stinks, that's fine, I still like the way it smells.
MS - based on Rick's opinion of it's handling when he roade one, AND for it's unique look. Damned ugly, of course - but like a Bulldog, kinda cute because of it....and certainly distinctive.
The ST's ahev become too generic for me, although that ST3 is real comfortable to sit on. Nice, NICE seat and ergos for the long haul, by the look of it.
I owned an ST2 and Gran Canyon 3 years ago. I only have the Gran Canyon now. The ST style, weight and riding position were just not that much to my liking and it didn't do anything to stir my soul, either looking at it or riding it like my 900s do. The Gran Canyon is certainly not the MS but it's a fair facsimile and I love the thing - plus it has the 900 engine I'm most familiar with. It's no dirt bike but I've only been turned back once on what is considered the worst 4 wheel drive road in Colorado and it is also no slouch on the highway. I've passed several guys on sportbikes that thought they were going fast.
i've never gone to the outer reaches and prob. never will, but would take a MS in a heartbeat for working the city streets, leverage, clearance and upright seating possition, i would take the ST for longer trips on the highway where you can really open up the throtle and put the fairing to use
which would you want to have in mid-day traffic in any city
I'm sure riding one for any distance may change my mind but that seating position on the MS is very odd. Too dirt bike-ish for me. I'm not gonna knock it because I haven't ridden one but my buddy said I was right. It's too straight up and it killed his back after a while. When I get to old for my 749 I may get a ST4. It looks like an older bike, IMO. On a side note, if I was in the market for a ST type bike to do some one or two up touring the new BMW K1200S would definately receive a good looking over before I made any rash decisions...
What would you choose ST or Multistrada
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