Hi Ian,Ive been away for a few days,so Ive only just picked up this thread.
I bought my 'Strada initially as a second bike to my 999,but now I think of it as an equal,complementing the superbike series.I think that LWH has basically answered all your questions.The differance for me is that on the 'Strada you dont have to try hard to have fun,ie,go ballistic and "prove" yourself and your bikes abilities.What I mean by that is,if you want to pootle down the shops in a paddock jacket and jeans or take the missus to a country pub and not dress up like a Power Ranger then the 'Strada will do it.If you wanted to go touring around the UK or Europe then the 'Strada will do it.And if you want to do track days,.....................well you know the answer to that!
The 2 valve motor is a peach,and lets get real here,you dont need any more than the 84bhp it produces on the open road.It'll do 100mph all day with a top whack of 131 bolt upright and 138 if you bury your head under the screen.Thats fast enough,innit?
Dont get me wrong tho,I still love the speed and thrill of the superbikes.Its just the 'Strada is a more practical bike for all occasions.I did look at Monsters,but a great big bloke like me looks silly on those.(No offence Yorkie!)ST2,hmmm maybe.Certainly it does just about everything the 'Strada does,but the 'Strada is a taller bike giving me loads more confidence in town and back lanes.It great being able to see over cars and hedges.The wide bars make it easy to hustle the bike around.For me the Multistrada is an easier bike to ride than the ST.Nope,the 'Strada it is then.
Get a test ride,take off your 916 glasses and enjoy.Hey,if you are up this way,you can have a go on mine if you like!
