Triumphrat

ikonoklass · 05-10-2005, 07:01 PM

Anyone ridden both? I'll probably replace my venerable '00 Sprint ST next year, and I'm looking for suggestions. The S3 would be perfect, but I'm a little concerned about the total lack of wind protection.

dgilmore · 05-10-2005, 09:02 PM

I traded in an '04 Multistrada for the S3 - couldn't be happier!! The S3 just feels much more solid and substantial, with a great engine, and good ergos. The Multi sits you up a little straighter, but when moving, there isn't that much difference. The Multi certainly wasn't very good in the wind protection department, and the S3 seems to have smoother air flow to me. I had the comfort screen on my Multi, and I have the flyscreen and barend mirrors on the S3 (both of which make a big difference). I really prefer the airflow on the S3, and the bike isn't nearly as affected in strong winds as the Multi was. The Multi would get moved around a lot in gusty crosswinds, and the S3 seems perfectly stable in the same conditions. Also, the Multi really wasn't nearly as much fun to ride as the S3. I have to admit, I really like Triumphs, and lately, forays into the world of Ducati and BMW haven't paid me any real benefits. If you want any more specifics, please let me know,
Dave

2cats · 05-10-2005, 09:06 PM

I found a big difference in leg room between the two: the Multistrada has lots. I felt like I had to stretch my legs out to get to the pegs. The S3 has me considerably more folded up in the leg department. The Multistrada seat bothered me after about 2 minutes. It takes a couple of hours for the S3 seat to get to me.

dgilmore · 05-10-2005, 09:34 PM

Yeah, 2cats, the legroom issue really surprised me when I got my Multistrada. In fact, the Multi actually has better legroom than the Tiger, now that really surprised me. I'm also with you on the seat. I tried 3 different seats on mine, and the Corbin was the only one that came close for me, but that's such an individual issue, YMMV. The gel seat on the S3 seems to be working out pretty well for me, but I'm still interested to see if Corbin will come out with a saddle for us.
Hey, keep it dry over there in East Tennessee next week, the wife and I are headed over to ride the great roads in your part of the country.
Dave

ikonoklass · 05-10-2005, 11:21 PM

I've owned parallel twins and flat twins, but never a v-twin. Every time I hear one of those blasted Ducatis, it makes me weak in the knees. It's like I'm being lured by some siren song.

Yoshi · 05-11-2005, 03:15 AM

I work opposite a Ducati showroom and have test ridden the multi strada but when i pull up on my S3 its them that come out and look at my bike! Could just be the loud exhaust and triple roar! Im 6' 4" and found suprisingly the triple more comfortable even though it is a more compact position and as said with a flyscreen you will get the protection. The Ducatis do sound a bit like a wet fart till you get aftermarket cans on though and have found V twins to be lumpy at slow speed. Go for the S3 everytime......