696 plus what?

[Lab1]

Hope this is the right forum for this question.

This was my first year riding, and have moved from a 250 to a 696. Now, I am seriously thinking about purchasing a bike to compliment the 696. I want something that will hold enough to let me run errands, travel for a day or two, but be fine in stop and go traffic. Given my limited experience, I am trying to stay with something that isn't too heavy. It's sort of down to a new Multistrada 1100s, a Tiger ABS, or maybe a BMW F800ST. There's also the Triumph Sprint. At 6 feet, 32 inch inseam, and over 50, being upright-ish would be nice. I have ridden and liked the Multi, but frankly I wonder if ABS would be a good idea. The Tiger seems a little top heavy, at least in the showroom. The BMW seems a bit tight, and it might be a better idea to reconsider heavier bikes in the line, after a few more years.

I really do want something that is fairly easy to deal with in stop and go traffic. If I am going to act, it will either be this week (to get the benefit of year end pricing) or it might just make sense to wait until spring. I like the 696, and plan to keep it (especially if I can change the ergos a little). I figure this group leans a little toward Ducati, but then, so do I. If the Multi had ABS, it would be a no brainer for me. Thoughts? Thanks.

[Xiphias]

It looks like you know the right answer...I would throw a leg over them and see what fits you the best. All of the bikes you mention seem pretty good but I'm a one trick pony sort of.

[stopintime]

Maybe it's not a good idea to act this week, if you're not further along in the decision process.....

Ducati is supposed to launch a new MultiStrada (late?) next year - Stradaperta. Worth the wait?

Honestly I don't understand why you would spend so much more money on a second bike - wouldn't you be happy enough on the 696 with some bags and/or a good back pack?

[Popeye the Sailor]

I want something that will hold enough to let me run errands, travel for a day or two, but be fine in stop and go traffic.

I thought that's what a monster was for?

[sfarchie]

Have you checked out the Aprilia Mana?

http://www.apriliausa.com/modelli/road/modello_txt.asp?id=124

[Holden]

If wind isn't a concern, just make the 696 made-to-measure. Consider some aftermarket handlebars & levers and the DP touring seat & bag for the 696. Then get some really comfy Dainese gear to lighten your purse instead. It'll be like riding a new bike.

[Porsche Monkey]

Get yourself a good tankbag and or tailbag and drop a tooth on the countershaft sprocket so its easier to ride in traffic. Then change out the bars to your liking and you should be fine.  Welcome to the nut house.

[herm]

wait for the new -strada

[Lab1]

I'm not sure that the monster is really ideal for 300 mile day trips. I have the DP comfort seat and tail bag. It would still be nice to have panniers. It would be nice to feel a bit more secure on a dirt or gravel road, but my main focus is still asphalt. There are times when main highways (slabs?) are still necessary.

I know about expectations for the new Strada.

I am far enough along to buy a Multi. It may be possible to ride either of the others. I wanted to know what people think of the Multi, vs. the Tiger or BMW. Especially for a newer rider. I appreciate your comments about waiting, and will give them serious consideration. But I'd still like to know what you think about the other bikes. Thanks.

[wreckedem]

i have a tiger 1050 abs.i find the bike very light. take a test ride on one. traded my 1050 sprint for a tiger after i rode it

[stopintime]

  But you ARE asking Ducatisti, so we would prefer you stay with the brand  Of course these other brands know a thing or two as well, for some riders they might even make more sense.

I have no FHE, but the comments I've picked up put the Multi before the Tiger before the BMW on open roads - the order will be reversed when you hit dirt roads. This is regarding rideability and control over the bike, which in it's turn translates to fun when you get to that level of skills.

If you get carbon fibre (not hot) exhaust I think you can use tailbags of much larger size, like this.... http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/916/658/

I still think you will be better/best off developing you and your relationship with your Monster, but if you're set on two bikes I won't try to stop you. It's just the "fact" that two bikes are twice as expensive, but not twice the fun?

Let's hear what you end up doing, you'll have our biker support anyhow [moto]

[Spidey]

I know you were asking about other bikes and that people already talked about waiting, but I already wrote up this whole post, so lemme throw in my two cents. 

I really do want something that is fairly easy to deal with in stop and go traffic.

It sounds like you're having some issues with stop n' go traffic on your 696.  Is that right?  If so, a 14 tooth front sprocket is a cheap mod ($30 or so) and very effective for making your bike more manageable at slower speeds.  I've found it makes a world of difference.  If you don't like it, it's easy to change back.  It's a very simple do-it-yourself mod.  

Additionally, before buying another bike, you might want to give yourself some time with the 696 ergos.  Often, especially with newer riders, certain ergos exacerbate poor technique and body position.  A coupla thousand more miles and your 696 ergos might feel just dandy.  Personally, I'd wait.  Get some more miles in on your 696 and spend a few hundred $ on playing around with ergos.  You might find something that works for you.  It might be money well spent.  Additionally, though bike prices are pretty low right now, it's not like they're gonna go through the roof in the next 6 months.  Better to pay a bit of a summer premium (despite the fact that we'll likely still be in economic duldroms) and be certain you're getting the bike you need/want.  

As for multi v. tiger v. BMW, I have no FHE to share.  Either way, good luck.  

[Lab1]

Tim, I appreciate the input, but just don't like the feeling of having my feet in front of me. At one time, I used to jump horses over fences and still feel better with my feet under, or a little behind me. Harley's just don't do it for me, but I believe you about the weight, etc.

Spidey, the small friction zone on the 696 clutch does take some getting used to. I admit, I still don't gas it enough on rare occasions and stall. But I'm pretty much used to the clutch, and the gears are pretty sweet. With the larger motors that hate low revs, I just worry that stop and go clutching might be a pain, and I worry that sometimes you just have to stay under 2500 rpms and need a bike that can deal without protesting too much. The Multi can handle it but I did notice a certain chugging. You may be right about time with the ergos, and I've been trying to keep weight off the bars (which a dealer told me today was not the right concept on the 696). As my knees are about as bent as I can handle, perhaps some stompgrip on the sides of the tank? As for timing the purchase, you are probably right, but I can get a little obsessive/compulsive. I'm still looking for answers. But maybe if I can have only two bikes, the 696 and Multi are too close?

I wonder, after reading these comments if I should consider trading the 696 for a Multistrada. The Multi is sporty enough, and will go 2 up with water tight luggage. Or keep the 696 for fun, and look at a Triumph Tiger ABS, a Moto Guzzi Norge (shaft drive-540lbs dry), or maybe even a Suzuki Bandit (no, just can't see the last one). Just a bit worried about handling the weight and higher center of gravity.

Those who advise sticking with the 696 have a point, especially about honing my skills. And I do worry that the Multi would be hard to get rid of. But I have ridden the Multi and liked it (but only 40 minutes), I have ridden the Triumph Speed Triple and liked it, but wonder if the Tiger is too top heavy. I would happily pay for lessons on street handling, but don't see doing a bunch at the track. Most of my longer trips are about 100 miles each way, but I would like to take a longer trips in 2009. I assume there are enough Ducati dealers to make going cross country reasonable on a Multi (worry about Moto Guzzi). I need to learn even the most basic maintenance but don't foresee ever living to do my own valves or mods.

Thanks again, everybody, for the input so far. It also seems clear that nothing I've added to the 696 (Termis, seat, CF exhaust shield, dp tail bag) matters for trade in or resale. Would someone suggest where I might check trade in or outright sales values for either of my current bikes?

[Popeye the Sailor]

Have you considered renting the bikes you've named for a weekend at a shot to give them some longer distance tries? That's what I've been doing before deciding on my next moto. Gives you time to see all the pros and cons.

[Ivan]

Try to get a test ride on an Aprilia RST.  They can be found in good shape for less than $5k. The stock seat is comfy for hours, the panniers can double as a steamer trunk, and the low-cost addition of Heli-bars makes it  semi-upright.  I commute on mine every day, with the panniers removed, and its served me well as a sport-tourer....