I feel the small Monster or Multi would make decent first bikes, but it does make more sense to go used if you haven't ridden before.

An SV650 (or equivalent) would be a fine choice from what I've heard. And there's a strategic advantage too--if you have a wife or significant other who vets your ...

I went with the 1000DS Multi as my "getting back into the game" bike and I thought then it was an inspired choice and I still do after 30,000 km or so.

I came from a background of midsized street bikes, so perhaps there is a parallel to your considering going from an enduro however many years ago ...

I rode my Multi for almost a year before giving two-up a try with the wife.

No, not because I'm a self-absorbed bastard...but because my wife was carrying our firstborn and she didn't want to be riding while in a family way.

Once we tried, though, we were both surprised at how well the bike does ...

In terms of your "first real bike purchase," it appears you've already settled the "new or used" and "Ducati or something else" debates. That's the hard part I think.

As to whether you should go with the MS or the baby Monster, I would agree with my fellow posters and say go with the MS if that's ...

Skip,

I would say you will find the Multi sportier than the Tedium and more comfortable and practical than the CBR600RR. From your post, that sounds like the combination you're looking for.

Of course, it's certainly possible to do things on other bikes other than what they were actually designed ...

OK, I'll try.

You're basically 100% street. So I would think that would give the nod to the the MS and GS1200 over the 950.

OK, now to choose between the remaining two, I guess it depends on what you mean by "long-distance," what your commute is like and how you use your bike for fun on the ...

A number of people ask about the merits of the MS relative to Bike X, Y, Z, etc.

I can't help any of them since the only significant concern I had a while back was "Red" or "Gray."

But I am curious about what people consider the viable alternatives to the MS. I see people considering Vstrom ...