Hi from Leicester, UK

[DonVulpes]

Hi

I'm not actually a 950 owner, but it's on a short list of three, so I thought I should join and research on which bike to choose.

I'm trading in a Tiger Explorer ( keeping my Thruxton R ) for either a 950 or:

Tiger 800XRT ( more touring focused and cheaper ) - Tested and enjoyed

BMW S1000XR ( more like a sportbike on stilts and fast road riding biased than actual touring it seems ) - Tested and apart from a slightly cramped position, I enjoyed it.

I haven't tested a 950 yet, but it seems to sit right between the both, so might be perfect for me.

Anyway this round is on me, while I mooch around for some gems of info to help make the decision.

[MattR]

Hi welcome to the forum 

Having owned all 3 bikes on your hit list I would say your brief description of each is spot on.

The Tiger is a great bike but for some reason I just couldn't gel with it.

BM XR is bonkers and like you say it's a sportsbike on stilts. Can get a bit buzzy on bars and pegs especially on older models otherwise a nice bike. Good choice if you want something seriously quick.

MTS950 probably does sit between the two and IMO is seriously under rated, it's well worth a test ride. Try and get a test ride for as long as you can. It's one of those bikes that some people might discount, then you ride one and you go oh.... that was actually quite good.... 

 

[DonVulpes]

Originally Posted by Multistrada 950

Hi welcome to the forum 



MTS950 probably does sit between the two and IMO is seriously under rated, it's well worth a test ride. Try and get a test ride for as long as you can. It's one of those bikes that some people might discount, then you ride one and you go oh.... that was actually quite good.... 

 

Thanks.

It was a last minute addition as I'd forgotten Duke released the 950 and the 1200 Enduro is too much coin for me. SWMBO thinks it's pretty so that's half the battle 

[thenozzle]

Hi DonVulpes welcome to the forum and you will luv the 950

[off_again]

I have had a string of Triumphs including an 800 XC and a 1200 Explorer! Loved both, and were fantastic.

However, with more commuting and filtering (called lane splitting here in the USA) I do find the Triumphs a little top-heavy. The Explorer was such a fantastic bike and I loved it, but the weight!!! Argh.... The 950 carries the weight so differently. Its easier, simpler and much lighter on its wheels. I find filtering easier and low speed stuff is so much simpler.

Engine characteristics are different too - the 1200 was fantastic to run from 2000 RPM to 8000 RPM in say 3rd - dont need any other gear! BUT, the engine in the Multi is fantastic too. Way more economical (from what I am used to - just come from a Tiger 1050) and instant response / torque. So different to the triple! Needs revs though, and doesnt really like being below 3000 RPM which will take some getting used to, but having never ridden a bike with a slipper clutch before - I AM TOTALLY SOLD!!!! Wow, those things are amazing! So much easier to manage, downchange and keep the engine spinning.

Try a Multi - they are really that good!

Oh, and the vibes arent that bad. I had massive issues with my 800 and the handlebars, the Multi is way smoother!

[nunov]

I had similar thoughts but then...
I came from a Tiger 800 Xcx and I wanted a more road oriented bike, so I tested the Tiger Xrx, but this one lacks character, and you lose that high position riding and it's just not fun.
There was something missing: the 800 xcx was more off-road oriented but then it's was really not because it's top heavy. I would never trade a 800 XCX for a XRX. I do love Triumphs and triples and I do miss the outlet gear.

Then I tried the Ducati, sport mode 

Pros:
Very good windshield, super-fast 50-150km/h, soul engine with plenty of torque when you have triple vibes, great breaks and suspension (much better than Xcx in my opinion) and the Ducati riding, 30k valve adjust,
Cons: more like 1 rider oriented (and you will have more fun for that reason); not as off-road as a XCX, Ducati expensive gear,

I don't considerer the seat shake an issue, it's not that pronunced, try a Bmw nine t first 

Just test ride the Ducati

[off_again]

Originally Posted by nunov

I don't considerer the seat shake an issue, it's not that pronunced, try a Bmw nine t first 

Really? That bad? Not ridden one, but plenty of GS's. Have to say, and I am likely to get complaints from BMW owners, but I have never liked that torque reaction on that flat twin engine.