I'm actually an inch shorter and have not found a need for any lowering. In fact, I have a bout an inch *added* for better cornering clearance. All it means is I only have one foot down at a time and I have to hop off and push it if I need to back up. 3yrs and 21k miles later....I still won't trade ...

I have 21k on my 04 (the more problematic year). that 06 is barely broken in.

I use Krylon primer, then a couple coats of flat black and several coats of clear with very nice results that have stood up well to the elements.

If a dealer doesn't treat you right because you didn't buy it there, then that's clue number one they aren't worth a damn.

Dealer support is a very valid concern. But if you like the bike, you like the bike.

It seems the valve guide issues showed up between 6-12K on the bikes that had a problem. Finding a later bike that has already gone through atleast its 6k service will significantly decrease the chance you'll run ...

The new R motors are much improved power wise from the 1150....bordering on exciting even.

I found the GS windscreen to produce even worse buffeting noise than the MTS screen, but that's a fairly easy change

the brakes were good and strong, but I didn't like how hard I had to squeeze the lever ...

I'll be another of the people recommending the MTS, but have you seen the spy shots of the 2007 Tiger? It looks like they intend to compete more directly with bikes like the MTS as a road bike rather than a large dualsport. It also has the 1050 motor...very cool. If this truly is the new Tiger, I ...

Habanero wrote:

JohnB wrote:Here's what I get from all this:

The Multi is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

The Vstrom is a sheep.

so the Multi is baa'd ass?

*groan*
*shakes head*

Look up Gary Egan. He did 100K+ MILES on his.

Heh....that was me. My bike's at the dealer right now for a new piston/cylinder. it is NOT a common problem. The trouble with reading these internet sites is you'll only hear from people who are having trouble. There are thousands of others running flawlessly.

Also, most of the initial problems ...

It will ultimately cost more to maintain than a japanese bike.

It's sure a hell of a lot of fun to ride, though.

your call.