The love for my MTS is beginning to fade. Between the persistent clutch issue, flaky fob, flaky rear brake, flaky fuel gauge and wind issues, it's really starting to lose its luster. Aside from that, it's a bit larger of a bike than I want, ideally. If everything were working properly and it was 100 pounds lighter it would be about perfect.
I took my '98 ST2 out yesterday. It had been relegated to second place in favor of the comfort of the MTS until its clutch went awol. The ST is a fun ride. So much more visceral, nimble and responsive than the MTS, but just not comfortable for me for more than 2 hours. And while everything works perfectly it lacks those things the MTS brings to the table; electronic suspension, decent lighting, twice the power, heated grips, power outlets, etc. etc.
Which brings me to alternatives in the Sport Touring or ADV Touring niches. I'm just not interested in the Asian bikes --I don't care for the Transformer aesthetics, nor the soulless ride. I looked at the newer SuperSports, but the semi-rigid non-locking bags are a deal breaker for me and I have a feeling the ergos would still give me some trouble. Finally, I just can't drop $20+k on anything, regardless.
The MV has always piqued my interest and the aesthetics are second to none for me. Features seem to be on par with my MTS, but at 421 pounds, it's 150 pounds lighter and 1" lower saddle height, making it much less cumbersome. It makes 40 less HP, but torque is pretty similar (80 Nm versus 87). $15k for a new 2021 model with a 3-year warranty seems pretty reasonable
Now for the stupid parts; there's only one dealer in the entire state of CO and they never have any MV bikes on the floor. I'd be surprised if their mechanics work on any on a regular basis and they're about 60 miles away. I'd be buying sight-unseen from a dealer in Vegas and having it shipped. And aftermarket support
Any thoughts? I'm particularly interested to hear from any current or former MV owners out there.
I took my '98 ST2 out yesterday. It had been relegated to second place in favor of the comfort of the MTS until its clutch went awol. The ST is a fun ride. So much more visceral, nimble and responsive than the MTS, but just not comfortable for me for more than 2 hours. And while everything works perfectly it lacks those things the MTS brings to the table; electronic suspension, decent lighting, twice the power, heated grips, power outlets, etc. etc.
Which brings me to alternatives in the Sport Touring or ADV Touring niches. I'm just not interested in the Asian bikes --I don't care for the Transformer aesthetics, nor the soulless ride. I looked at the newer SuperSports, but the semi-rigid non-locking bags are a deal breaker for me and I have a feeling the ergos would still give me some trouble. Finally, I just can't drop $20+k on anything, regardless.
The MV has always piqued my interest and the aesthetics are second to none for me. Features seem to be on par with my MTS, but at 421 pounds, it's 150 pounds lighter and 1" lower saddle height, making it much less cumbersome. It makes 40 less HP, but torque is pretty similar (80 Nm versus 87). $15k for a new 2021 model with a 3-year warranty seems pretty reasonable
Now for the stupid parts; there's only one dealer in the entire state of CO and they never have any MV bikes on the floor. I'd be surprised if their mechanics work on any on a regular basis and they're about 60 miles away. I'd be buying sight-unseen from a dealer in Vegas and having it shipped. And aftermarket support
Any thoughts? I'm particularly interested to hear from any current or former MV owners out there.
