ugly but fun - a mini review of the 620 Multistrada

[silentbob]

This is an old review of mine but thought I would re-post it here.

So, it ended up that both of my Italian beauties were in the shop at the same time and I ended up on a loaner. A 620 dark MultiStroodle. I haven't been a big fan of TurdBlanche designed body work and never gave the Multi a second look in the showroom, let alone sat on one. Now here I was riding one. I just have to say, this is the MOST comfortable motorcycle I have ever ridden. Suspension that soaks up bumps as well as my old Harley Road King or my Yamaha Warrior, yet with more travel and better ergos allowing you to keep more weight on your feet. Very precise handling, allowing the rider to carve up the twisties, while never being thrown off line by mid corner bumps. The seat is just awesome for rider and pillion. I could easily do 500 miles at a time on this bike. Fuel economy, I can't give an accurate number, as I rode it for 2 days and the low fuel light never came on. The 620 mill is incredibly punchy. I can see why 620 monster owners don't upgrade so quickly. At times I found myself putting around local streets, looking down at the tach, and realizing I was at 1500 rpm, something my S4R would not do without acting like a bucking bronco. The fairing did a great job of punching through the air, allowing for very upright ergos without being battered by the wind. Yet at the same time there was no discernible heat from the engine being directed at the rider, as is common with many faired bikes. I didn't have bags or a trunk on my loaner, but they would have made an excellent addition. Downsides, well, upshifting in hard left hand turns is impossible with the current rear sets (at least if you like to drag a knee on your way to work), and the fairing creates the usual wind roar, which mandates ear plugs on the highway. So, now I just need a third job to justify the expense of the third bike.

[c_rex]

SB- do you think if you were looking for an upright you'd opt for a MTS over an Hmt?  Purely hypothetical but the thought crossed my mind and others might be curious.  Cheers.

[silentbob]

SB- do you think if you were looking for an upright you'd opt for a MTS over an Hmt?  Purely hypothetical but the thought crossed my mind and others might be curious.  Cheers.

They are very similar.  But, if you want wind protection, good range, and luggage, then the MTS is the only way to go.

[tommys67]

Do you think it could be considered along with the BMW GS range if you're cross-shopping?

[mxwinky]

As an owner of a Multistrada 1000S (love the Ohlins!)  I've gotta chime in that, IMO, it's the best overall do-it-all motorcycle out there, and by far the best motorcycle I've ever owned.  In fact my gf found it even better for two-up touring than our Harley bagger so I sold it.  Mods have been minimal other than Arrow cat bypass and Leo Vince slip-ons, a slight EFI tweak, and the addition of full saddlebags and top box and the taller DP windscreen.  This bike works fantastic!  Of course we all know and give proper accolades to the 1000DS motor so no surprise there, but definitely the 620 is far better than most people expect.  Too bad they discontinued it for '08.  Don't get me wrong, I love my S4RS Tricolore beyond words, but if I could only own one motorcycle the Multistrada would get the nod.  Let's hope it never comes to that!

[Manny]

i've been mulling over this exact bike. i've come to accept it's ugliness. however, i can't quite decide on engine size. i currently ride a620, which didn't quite do it for highway use (or with my last gf on pillion). hmmm... pondering.....

[Triple J]

i've been mulling over this exact bike. i've come to accept it's ugliness. however, i can't quite decide on engine size. i currently ride a620, which didn't quite do it for highway use (or with my last gf on pillion). hmmm... pondering.....

I own a MTS 620 (actually my wife's) and an MTS 1000.  I've also test ridden an MTS 1100.

While I absolutely love the 620 engine, I'd go with an 1000/1100 if I was to get a new one.  It's geared better for the highway and can more easily carry a passenger. The SSS also makes chain maintenance/tire changes/etc. much easier than with the 620 DSS.  My only complaint is the 1000 dry clutch gets tiresome (mainly the noise) for a daily driver.

The only complaint on the 620 is the suspension.  However, about $1600 will get you GSXR fully adjustable internals for the forks, and a new rear shock.  Very worthwhile investment.

I'm REALLY hoping they release a re-styled MTS for 2009 with a detuned 848 engine.  That could possibly be the best bike ever.    I doubt it will happen though. 

[Juan]

I like my Multistrada as well, Very nice bike to ride, I just avoid looking at it for very long, specially at the front. 

[Manny]

i like the clutch noise. 

[NAKID]

I have to say the only way I could deal with the looks of the Multi is if it looked like Nicks...

[rafa]

MTS620 ROCKS!

[Augustus]

I love the look except for the fairing.  That was the bike that got me interested in Ducati, and then I saw the monsters and was hooked.  If I could find a good aftermarket fairing, I would consider getting one.