I traded my 2011 MTS1200 on a Hyper last Friday and put about 700 miles on it over the weekend. I had 20,000 miles on the Multi and loved it, though it was a bit big and I was not doing the mega distance trips on it, less one 3,000 mile trip to Nova Scotia in May/June. I know the bikes are not a direct comparison, but some observations (all comparing to the Multi):
The Good: 80lb lighter and feels it. Smooth responsive engine, with good fueling. Transmission does not have any false neutrals and the spacing between 2nd - 5th seems spot on. Range with the four gallon tank has been ~150 miles till reserve light at 3 gallons used. It is a very economical engine. No buffeting from the fairing at all. Despite the lower spec calipers, the front brakes seem better and the back brake works! Bike is very chuckable in the twisties. ABS on it feels different to the Multi "“ not sure if it is a newer version. A lot easier to handle in the city. Mirrors crystal clear at any speed. Key ignition rather than fob "“ never really liked that on the Multi "“ always checking to see where it was. Stock pipe sounds great.
The So-So: Seat slopes toward the tank and you are a long way forward on this bike. I did about 50 miles on the freeway and it is not as good on the slab as the Multi. Would not be good for a pillion long distance. Dash is small and takes a little to get used to "“ no gear indicator (I can live with that). No fuel gauge, but when the low fuel light comes on a third trip meter starts showing how far you have gone on reserve "“ clever. Bags, side and top are smaller. Built to a price? "“ just doesn't have the same quality feel to it "“ I could be wrong here. Forks are non-adjustable and not particularly compliant. Shock has preload and rebound only. Center stand grounds out on left handers. More tiring to ride? No wave of torque to ride like the MTS.
The Bad: With bike on center stand and kick stand up, my foot becomes trapped between the two stands when pushing the bike off the center stand. Needs a 7th gear! Bag zippers not watertight. Suspension not as compliant as the Ohlins on the 1200 S. Poor design fuel cap and can't mount a tank bag ring. Key is the same as on the '04 ST3 I had "“ old school. Latches on the side bags are cheesy.
In the mountains of Northern VA and WV this weekend the grin was a mile wide "“ bike turns in easy, and hammers through the gears. The Multi is a fantastic bike, and this little Hyper is good too.
The Good: 80lb lighter and feels it. Smooth responsive engine, with good fueling. Transmission does not have any false neutrals and the spacing between 2nd - 5th seems spot on. Range with the four gallon tank has been ~150 miles till reserve light at 3 gallons used. It is a very economical engine. No buffeting from the fairing at all. Despite the lower spec calipers, the front brakes seem better and the back brake works! Bike is very chuckable in the twisties. ABS on it feels different to the Multi "“ not sure if it is a newer version. A lot easier to handle in the city. Mirrors crystal clear at any speed. Key ignition rather than fob "“ never really liked that on the Multi "“ always checking to see where it was. Stock pipe sounds great.
The So-So: Seat slopes toward the tank and you are a long way forward on this bike. I did about 50 miles on the freeway and it is not as good on the slab as the Multi. Would not be good for a pillion long distance. Dash is small and takes a little to get used to "“ no gear indicator (I can live with that). No fuel gauge, but when the low fuel light comes on a third trip meter starts showing how far you have gone on reserve "“ clever. Bags, side and top are smaller. Built to a price? "“ just doesn't have the same quality feel to it "“ I could be wrong here. Forks are non-adjustable and not particularly compliant. Shock has preload and rebound only. Center stand grounds out on left handers. More tiring to ride? No wave of torque to ride like the MTS.
The Bad: With bike on center stand and kick stand up, my foot becomes trapped between the two stands when pushing the bike off the center stand. Needs a 7th gear! Bag zippers not watertight. Suspension not as compliant as the Ohlins on the 1200 S. Poor design fuel cap and can't mount a tank bag ring. Key is the same as on the '04 ST3 I had "“ old school. Latches on the side bags are cheesy.
In the mountains of Northern VA and WV this weekend the grin was a mile wide "“ bike turns in easy, and hammers through the gears. The Multi is a fantastic bike, and this little Hyper is good too.
