As an update as requested -
I normally wouldn't bash something I just bought, but there are quite a few issues that have cropped up that I didn't experience when I bought my Monster. It's possible the Monster is just a more expensive bike so it's more refined, but it's 2 years older than the Strada and I would have expected the Strada to be more put together.
1. The Strada has huge fueling issues. My monster has none of these. I read around, I knew there was surging issues, there were lean spots, etc. but lord, it's worse than I had actually anticipated.
2. Due to the fueling issues, or maybe this is the starter issues that plague these bikes, I couldn't figure out if it only effected the 821's or if the 939's were also effected, but my bike takes 2 - 4 tries to start. It'll sputter to life and die, sputter to life and die, then it'll run fine. I've read this being an issue for quite a few people as well.
3. The suspension, I've been spoiled on the 1200s with the Ohlins suspension. It's clear this thing is NOWHERE near as planted as the 1200s. It's odd how close these were price wise new ($14300 for the Strada, $16,000 for the Monster), but the Monster has a much better and more refined engine, better all around materials (all metals compared to plastics of the Strada), and infinitely better suspension.
4. Power isn't an issue for me, but there is a stratospheric difference between the two, which was and is obvious. Like I said, zero issue for me, just reporting the differences, but the 1200 pulls hard EVERYWHERE. Doesn't matter if you have it at 3k RPM and you gun it, or if it's 8k and you roll on it's there and it scares you, or earns your respect.
The 939 just doesn't have this. The engine is serviceable, when you get it going things run well, it pulls where it needs to, but you definitely have to be substantially more aware of what gear and what RPM you're in. But this, again is nature of an engine 260+ CC's and 50 HP down.
5. I've figured the clutch out enough that I actually have zero issues with it, but the clutch on my monster is lightyears smoother. I did add an Oberon slave on my Monster for a bit easier of a pull, but even before, it was good.
All in all, it's a comfy bike, it isn't bad, I really wish it was as refined as my monster which is funny since you wouldn't imagine a bike named a "Monster" to be more refined than a sport/touring machine.
I don't necessarily regret the purchase so far, but I reallllly hope I can get some of the issues worked out.
I'm actively reaching out to Rapidbike to see if one of their tuners would allow for some tuning of the fueling, the considerable surging and hard starting makes city riding a chore.
