[BikerRN]

Being an old Harley rider I took a look at the V-Strom for "practicality" but ended up with a Multi 620 and never looked back.

Ducati bikes say, "Ride me, ride me hard. I do, through town, the twisties and down the highway. The V-Strom says, "I will get you there and back," sort of like a Greyhound bus will. If you have passion and soul the Ducati is the only way to go.

To me bikes are an exstension of ourselves. Are you a passionate individual or just a "plugger" who shows up daily to get the job done? The passionate individual will get the job done with some flair. The plugger will just get it done, no muss no fuss.

It's your call, depends on what type of person you are.

[ge360]

Oh, it easy. A buddy and I were out for a ride last week and stopped at an ice house. There was a guy with a VStorm 1000 there. He had all kinds of questions and compliments on my 620. I just kept my mouth shut about his.

[NBHansen]

Having considered the 650 V-Strom, before purchasing the 620 MTS, the other posts covered the pros and cons right on the mark.

My previous BMWs spoiled me, however, with their altenator output for a heated vest and grips. Therefore, I checked this out before buying the MTS. An e-mail from a Ducati Tech Rep said: "The output of the 620 is 520W, more than enough for your needs." As I recall, the 650 V-Strom was only 380 watts. A potential V-Strom buyers may want to confirm these numbers, if the altenator output is important to you.

[pinkiewerewolf]

NBHansen, thanks for the alternator info. I was wondering what the Ducs were capable of running.

[pinkiewerewolf]

Looking at some postings, are these guys serious?
"Chicks dig it" is the reason to buy a bike, or I'm rude to other bikers who compliment my bike.
Please tell me that most are into riding their bikes, not posers.

[joe camarda]

Hi Pinkiewerewolf....I'm not sure they were giving those as THE reasons, but rather as illustrations of the different qualities between the two.

To add my 2 cents worth. The MTS has a "cockpit", a tight little place to tuck your head into, a little bubble that kinda encloses the experience.

The VStrom, on the other hand, has a "dashboard" feeling to it...like the windscreen is two car lengths in front of you.

But the VStrom is more comfortable.

But the Ducati is better looking.

[Wizid]

A buddy of mine has the VStrom and let me ride it, and at 6'5" I felt glad I got the 620 Ducati. The engine on the Duc seems better, and the bike just feels right, u said 6', you might be all right on either, but for me, the MTS is the only bike I fit on in the showroom when I got it, haha, on a Monster I look like a "Monkey F_cking a football" to quote my father.