Being a triumph fan and a multistrada fan my answer would be....what do you want to do with it?

The triumph is a great all around bike. You can tour on it, or carve canyons on it. Factory side bags are easy to use and work well. The engine is unique and has its own character. One you will either ...

Scrambles wrote:3 strikes and you're out!

I got him covered.

Why it is a good starter bike:

1. Power is very linear. Makes it easy to access. It does not surprise you with a sudden spike in HP.

2. The more comfortable you are the better you will ride. Don't underestimate this. As KRSR says, 90% of riding is mental. If you are relaxed on the bike you will ...

If you are talking about below 4000 - 3500 rpm, then yes that is normal. If it is above that area then there is something wrong.

I did not purchase the hard bags initially. But went back and got them - yes they are worth it. Very well designed and thought through. They do have an odd shape, so fitting a laptop can be tricky. Mine have been water tight (note my location - we know about water :whistle: ). Since before that I ...

I sat on the GT only, but did you guys notice the mirror placement? It seems that if you get aggressive at all the mirror is exactly where you want to place your head on a turn.

Over 12K, just routine maintenance. I had an idle stumble that was self induced (arrow full exhaust system). At 12K valves were perfectly in spec. On my third set of tires (tyres). Fourth if you count the nail through the back that had to get replaced early.

Welcome. I rode a transalp as a rental in Italy for a month. Not a bad steed, but I can understand wanting a couple of more ponies. Handling on the MTS is WAY better. As a commuter it will do fine. You might check that your clutch pull is lighter (models seem to vary, mine if nice and light). There ...

Ignore those guys! They are late to the scene arrivals and are just jealous that we had one more year to ride our multistradas! Most '03 and '04's I have seen have had these issues fixed. I have longer mirrors, better kickstand installed, same seat (but call me wierd, but I like it), and the valve ...

I make enough for both him and I combined. He can have one of mine for free.

Yes. I did the practical thing and got a hold over non-S model. I figured the money I saved could upgrade the bike. Wellllll.....I now have a bike that is arguably better than an S model - but I spent way more than an S model would have cost me. Great deal.

We don't have any old guys. We had some guys that were in their 70's, bought a multistrada, and within 100 miles they lost 20 years!

I think the new Tiger is going to make the choice harder. The thing about the tiger before was is was sooooo ugly! New model will have 17" wheels and an updated look. If you run in a very hot climate the tiger may have a little advantage as it is water cooled.

I own a triumph (675) and the MTS ...

For just about everything you mentioned the MTS is perfect. I'm 6'3" and came from a Falco. (which has 1/2" more leg room than the Tuono). I got it for many of the same reasons. The Rotax engine is better (my opinion). But the MTS does everything else just great. You might have an issue with the ...

The other option is to check out Harbor Freight. They have a LARGE socket set for cheap ($40 if memory serves...). It comes with a braker bar, extentions, ratchet wrench, etc. Not as portable, but I use mine a lot more than I thought I would.