I am actually considering trading in my DR650 for a MS 620. I am approximately six feet in height, and currently weigh 210 lbs, though with proper exercise that can change and I could weigh as much as 250 lbs or as little as 180 lbs. I have about 30 years of riding experience, and have twice taken the MSF course (it was a requirement to ride on a military base).
I currently ride both the DR and a Harley-Davidson Roadking. Both excellent bikes to be sure, but both are equipped with cheap spoked wheels using what I term, "bicycle wheels" (i.e., they have tubes in them).
My next bike will not be so hampered, and I am looking hard at the "little" MultiStrada. Why not the 1000, you say? I do not require a lot of power to make me happy, but I do need good fuel economy. Even my ToadKing delivers 40 mpg or more (usually 45 mpg and as much as 50 mpg), and the DR650 is all most all ways returning 52 mpg around town and as much as 58 mpg on the free way.
How does the MultStrada 620 compare with these figures. Does it deliver mileage (at least) in the 50 mpg range? I know that the tank is but 3.9 gallons, but if the bike can provide the above noted mileage, I should be happy with that. I know that the 1000 has a much larger fuel cell, but I am concered that the bike will not do that well at the gas pump. I understand that some folk do not care all that much about fuel economy, but I do. Especially now with gas prices continually soaring ever higher.
I am not all that good a rider, hence my hesitance to purchase a machine as power full as the 1000, tho' a good friend has told me that I should test ride both of them. I rarely (if ever) carry a passenger, as my wife refuses to ride, and does not allow either of our children to accompany me any where on either motorbike.
I have a (for lack of a better term) brake "fetish" , LOL! Due to the lack of dual discs up front, I will not be considering the "Dark" version of the 620 that is availabe in America. My dealer has one, and the sales man told me that I could have another 320mm disc and caliper put on for a price, but the so-called colour (asphalt?) has yet to win me over. Another disc up front might help...
The red 620 with the bird cage/trellis frame in matching red really caught my toadish eye. The same holds true for the 620 Monster, but the seating position on the Monster is too uncomfortable for one such as I (read: olde). The 'Stradas are far more comfortable for me, even sitting on the show room floor. I have ridden my DR650 for 370 miles in a single day (all street), and my ToadKing for well over 500 miles in a day. The 'King is more comfortable that either the 'Strada or DR, but as I am keeping it, this does not really play in to the equation.
Are there any of you that are of equal height/weight (or greater) that own the 620 and can offer insight into how the bike works for you, both negative and positive. Additionally, I have avoided Ducati owner ship in the past due to the maintenance costs, but with my HD costing me $350 for the 5,000 mile service, and the 10,000 mile service set to hit me for $500, I can not fathom a Duc being worse.
Or can it?
LOL!My local dealer would be GP Motorcycles in San Diego. A fine bunch of lads, and true enthusiasts. I would buy a nice retro Ducati Jacket to go with the Multi, but the sizes offered are not sufficient for my ("AHEM"!!) bulk. They only go to size 50 USA, and that is not going to cut it, unless I shrink down, which I do not want to do right now. I own two HD jackets, and a very nice Triumph retro-style jacket, I do not own a Suzuki jacket and never will. I like my bike, but the name just does not belong on a jacket. No cachet, if you will. Triumph is the coolest sounding name for a motorbike.
I digress...sorry.
So there you have it lads (and any lasses!). Fuel economy, cost of maintenance, fun factor, and the good, the bad, and the ugly. I await your insight my friends. I am going to try and get a test ride on the 620 (finally!!!) this Saturday. I am not all that keen on trying out the 1000, as I am a scardy toad. Regardless, I am capable of riding such a bike, as I tend to obey the speed limits, and a toad's got to know their limits.
I know mine.
I just want to have fun.
The Lord be with you all.
El Toado Verde
