I'm a new rider.  I've been riding about a year and have put 5,000 miles on my Monster 620.  I like the Monster, but I'd like something more comfortable for riding on the freeway.  I think I'd prefer a more sit up bike.  I'd also like more wind protection, less vibration and a bit more power.  I have a 29" inseam and don't want a really tall or really heavy bike.  I really like the low seat height of my 620.  I use the bike to occaisionally commute to work (in town riding) and also to ride up the freeway to the mountains on weekend days, which are pretty full days of riding.

I put the gel seat on my monster.  I also added handlebar risers and a taller windscreen.  But I still don't like the hunched over position.  It makes my back hurt and I end up putting too much wieght on my hands.  In the twisties, the 620 monster is perfect for me.  On the highway, I find it annoying.

One option I thought of is to keep my current bike and replace the stock handlebars with the Monster City bars, but I'm not sure how much different that will be from the stock bars with risers.
Another bike I've considered is a Multistrada, but the seat is a bit higher.  Perhaps I could get a Multi and get it lowered.
I've also considered the BMW F800ST, which comes in a "low" model that would allow me to flat foot it.

I would definitely consider a Japanese bike as well.  I'm really more interested in reliability than fashion.  And I'm wanting a forgiving bike that's easy to ride.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

A used or new Suzuki Bandit 1200 or 1250.

Here's mine in touring mode (with lower Suburban Machinery bars -- the stock bars are higher):

...and with the cases off:


The bike is reliable, there are loads of aftermarket parts and an excellent on-line community.

I've put a lot of miles on mine, including a few cross-country trips and the maintenance is gas, tires, oil and chains.     [moto]

You can pick up a used one for a $2000-$4000, and most are adult-owned.

In my eyes, the Hypermotard is really appealing.  Comfortable riding position.  Wide bars.  Plenty of power, unless you commute at 130mph+.  Best of all, still have the ability to go wild in the mountains without pushing a bike to its limits.  If I am not mistaken, pannier hard bags are available. 

multistrada 

Depending on the inseam thing, it's the multistrada for sure.

They can be modded to heck and back, they handle VERY well, and if it you wonder if they are good on the open highway there's a Gary Egan guy that will vouch for em.

http://www.multistrada.net/index.php

LA

Quote from: pompetta on July 06, 2008, 07:09:06 AM
A used or new Suzuki Bandit 1200 or 1250.

Here's mine in touring mode (with lower Suburban Machinery bars -- the stock bars are higher):

Nice Bandit.

Thanks everyone.  I like the Bandit.  (And I like the nice gazebo behind it.)

I sat on a Multistrada and its seat height is 33.5 inches (according to Ducati.com) but the seat is pretty narrow at the front, so it felt a bit shorter.  If I could lower it an inch, I think I'd feel OK with it.  I think sitting upright with a little less wind would make me feel more confident going 85mph in thick highway traffic. 

But if I got the F800ST Low, I could flat foot it and would be willing to put my wife on the back. 

Is the Multistrada like my M620 in that there's power throughout the whole RPM range - so if I'm not in the best gear, I can still keep moving?

Well they did have a Multi with the 620 engine for a few years though.

I rode the 1100 for awhile and didn't notice any particularly low spots in the power band.

Quote from: mking on July 06, 2008, 03:19:32 PM

........

Is the Multistrada like my M620 in that there's power throughout the whole RPM range - so if I'm not in the best gear, I can still keep moving?

I was surprised to see that he MS puts out max torque MUCH lower than the Monsters. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it was 1,500 - 2,000 revs lower than the Monsters. So the answer is yes, you will be moving - that's an understatement.

Good luck searching for your new ride, but please don't leave Ducati

I love my multi!

HeWhoHasBoth: which, in your opinion, is the fastest through the twisties?

My 620 monster has enough umph to get me through the mountain roads just fine.  It's actually great because I can really jump on the gas and have fun hearing the motor go without me and my junior-grade riding skills flying off the road into the pine trees.  And the somewhat low handlebars on the Monster feel super comfortable on the twisty roads.  But on the 75 minute ride down the freeway to get home - the 620 motor, with the 14t sprocket, has to rev pretty high to keep up with the traffic going 85mph.  The bike just feels like it's working too hard.  So I think if I was going to get a Multistrada, I would not get the 620.  But I think an 1100 sounds a bit much for me.  So what I need is a Multistrada 900, with a 31 inch seat height.

I'm 3 t-shirts invested in the Ducati brand, so there's some incentive not to leave Ducati.

Quote from: stopintime on July 06, 2008, 04:59:48 PM
HeWhoHasBoth: which, in your opinion, is the fastest through the twisties?

S4R without a doubt. The 1100 motor does not have the power the S4R does. And the multi is alot heavier, I must have shaved 40+ pounds off the stock Monster. BUT I must say, the multi is a blast in the twisties. That full Ohlins suspension is amazing! Arrow pipes are going on in the next week, so that'll add to the fun and performance factor.

They are opposite of the riding extremes. I hadn't ridden the Monster in about 3 weeks, hopped on last week, and had to re-learn how to handle it. The Multi is complete upright and comfy.. the Cadillac between the two. The Monster is Raw, stretched out with the clip ons, noisy with the open dry clutch, and loud with the full arrows and open airbox. But I still love it  

Either way, the Multi made a great addition to my stable.

What about a BMW F 800 ST?  If my 100-mile round trip commute weren't ending at the end of the month, I'd seriously consider one. 

What about an ST3?. It's a duc, it has a great engine, VERY practical, comfy, and most important, FAST.

Or maybe even an aprilia futura. Those things are bulletproof, beautiful and very very comfy.