I'm in a dilemma, as the title says, I have a choice of a 2014 ducati multistrada 1200s with side bixes. 428km yes, only 428km or a 2013 bmw r1200gs with 38000kms and includes a full set of vario luggage and engine bars. I've never owned either models before, always has inline 4 bikes. I just sold my k1300s. But I did test ride the new GSA and was very impressed. What to do?
If you want to be cool, sexy and infuriated at times - take the Multi. If you wanna look like a cock all the time - take the GS.
There’s not many GS’s on the road so there’s the rarity value and being one of a few, oh, no hang on!!!!!!
I also asked on the GS forum, they must be more open minded as they said test ride both as they are both good bikes. I was hoping to get similar opinions here, especially if someone has come from a GS to a multistrada
To be honest, a bike a year newer with sod all miles against a bike with 38k miles, the engine bars are an extra and can be fitted to the Duc, boxes are a personal choice, but the mileage and age should be a help to decide. I changed from a Triumph Explorer to a Multi, I love it, but it’s obvious they are totally different bikes so yes, test ride both, then make your choice based on what you want your bike to do. Cheers Mick.
Would have to be the multi in this case, if similar mileage then maybe the GS... the multi will be more fun however an out of warranty multi even with low mileage would be a worry, nobody keeps them once the warranty is up
At last I get some decent replies . I carry a pillion a lot, usually 4he plus miles. All my previous bikes gave been large inlone 4's . This is the 1st twin since my RD days. I'm a bit concerned about major service costs. For the multi it's $700-1000 bmw $350 from bmw $200 non bmw
I own a multi and have ridden a gsa of that vintage for a couple of days. The gs was a bolt upright riding position and definitely more comfortable, but entirely unengaging, and far too top heavy. The standard gs will be better in that respect. The multi is a sports bike by comparison. A fairly compfy and practical one though. And it'll always look and sound better. Ultimately, they're totally different, you really need a test ride to decide. You pays your money...
Have you ever ridden a v twin or a boxer engine? they have their own distinct style and it can feel odd if you've only even ridden standard fours. Some people are put off by the differences but others adapt quite easily. Given you say you are in Malaysia, one of the key questions I'd be asking is what are my dealer support options like for both bikes?
I test rode the new GSA and considering how huge it looked, I was surprised how light and nimble it felt. I was doing 100mph and it felt like 60mph. The nearest ducati dealer is about 2hrs from me, bmw about 20mins away.
Not yet, I've had fast sports or sports Tourer for the last 25yrs. My last bike was a bmw k1300s only bmw I've had. My wife loved being on the back. I've had so many varois reviews about the pillion comfort of the pre dvt models that it's difficult to choose. My wife says the multistrada seat looks to high and I sit further in the seat compared to the GS. My mind says GS, heart says multistrada . Then my wife pointed out the ducati has been sitting in the showroom for 4yrs along with 5 other 2013 models. He had 4 GS's last month, all gone.
We're different. We have opinions that, to be fair, aren't always correct. That does not preclude them from being opined. If you want ruthless efficiency with all the blandness that engenders, choose German. If you want it to fall to bits, yet look pretty then choose Italian. It's like girlfriends, the ones that are hard work were always the best in bed. If I wanted to travel the world quickly, then the bmw. If I wanted to travel the world poetically, then a Ducati. The former will be nice, safe and satisfying. The latter will likely bankrupt me, give me an STD and require an osteopath. I'd still choose that latter because life's about the unexpected. You know what you get with the BMW. The Ducati? Fuck knows.
Both good bikes, GS better IMO. More stable, less hassle. Multistrada more alluring and on paper faster... on paper.
Two totally different bikes I’m afraid, you have to test ride both. Even though their both twins they feel and ride differently, to me the big advantage of the BM would be the shaft drive. I wouldn’t fall for the BMW quality thing though, their not that problem free, the latest problem being front suspension collapsing. As to which is more reliable I wouldn’t like to say but for me the Ducati is more fun.
Fantastic description which is exactly how I invisioned both of them. Don't want the GS stigama but I want the excellent customer service, worldwide support and reliability . Ducati brings out the hooligan in you but can also tour but is lacking the customer service and worldwide support. Reliably is as usual on a bike to bike basis. The only problem I have is the 20min test ride limit. You don't get an hour, you get a fixed route to take. Pretty shit.
How is the multi like on terrible road surfaces? Other than the highways the roads are teeth shattering bad.
To me that would give another direction beyond the riding. If you buy the gs and don't like it, it looks like you would have no problem selling it on quickly, the same could not be said if you did it the other way around for the ducati, based on how long they stay in the dealers.
