Please don't fall for the reliability angle, BM's used to be well built but not so much now, have a look at their recalls and the (common faults) they won't class as recalls. Mate's XR just spewed it's petrol tank out, which after a little research seems to be a not uncommon fault. If the roads are as you say, go for the GS definitely.
I’ve changed from the GS to a Multistrada 1200s dvt, the GS a slightly better bike with a pillion. The BMW build is not as good as older ones. I think the bmw is a slightly better package as it does the boring stuff better, BUT would I have another one? No. It’s like bangers and mash it’s ok but you don’t want it every night for dinner.
Thanks, good to hear perspective from someone who owned a gs. The prices for vehicles in Malaysia are crazy, import duty is added so for those 2013/2014 bikes they are costing £13,000 $17,000 . I know the DVT is better but it would cost another £4,000. Would you say the GS is more comparative with the DVT model?
I did 26,000 miles on my 11 plate Multistrada and have now done 32,000 on my 13 plate GS. If you’d like a chat p.m. me your number and I’ll gladly tell you my thoughts.
This is something I've heard many times before. It's not uncommon for a GS to do high mileages, however I've looked at possibly 30 multistrada's for sale and the highest mileage was 50 something. Possibly the main reason is that they trade up to the newer model.
I have owned both these exact bikes on the bounce. I traded the GS in on the Multi, and I still own it now. My thoughts. The GS is Germanically efficient, it really does work, the package is good but not without faults. The front paralever is a bit of an odd set up with a ball joint that is prone to failure, as is the final drive if your unlucky. Clutch replacement is a bugger, you have to basically split the thing in half. Having said all of this you can pack it like a donkey and ride it all day. They are quicker than they feel and handle well, but don't expect to feel special, it's the German way. The Multi is a different animal, it can be tame and sensible, and a hooligan at the flick of a switch. I have never had a reliability problem with any of the 5 Ducatis I have owned, so no comment on breakdowns. It takes my missus on the back as well as the GS did, does not seem to eat any more fuel unless you hammer it and the packing space is adequate but admittedly not as spacious as the BMW Vario system. The Multi is also better handling, but heavier on tyre wear. Servicing is not cheap, but day to day stuff you can do yourself. My opinion, the Multi wins hands down, it does you make you feel special, is much more fun to ride and delivers far more smiles per mile
Another thought. I have never ridden either bike off road. Despite having toured South Africa for a few years. I would expect the GS would handle it far better than the Multi, as it has a bigger front wheel and is slight more biased to dirt. The Multi is just too pretty, and probably too fragile to cope with it. A million Charley Boorman wannabes can't be all wrong when it comes to that side of it.
I'd be interested to hear now many other life choices you've put before forums. How did they work out for you. TB
Thanks Mk drew, the multi definitely sounds more suitable to my riding style, the bmw sounds like I'd get bored with it pretty soon and I don't think I'd be doing any off roading, the roads are pretty shit but I'm sure the multi's suspension can cope. I'm not phased by reliability issues as I've had over 30 bikes of various manufacturers and each has its own qwerks. Anyway, thank you for everyone's input. Much appreciated
Sorry, I don't understand what you mean? I only wanted to know other riders point of view of the two bikes, particularly the ones who have owned both. I've answered similar questions as it's quite a big decision to make, especially when your spending such large amounts of money. As they say, there is no harm in asking. If people don't want to say anything, that's their choice. But for me, I'm up for helping other Bikers, regardless on what they ride.
Given your circumstances, and especially mileage to the dealers, I would go BMW. If you have a wider choice, it would still be BMW but check out a K13GT or an XR. The GT has the same engine as yours and is a true comfy GT bike. Great performance and wind protection, but not a sports tourer or adventure style bike. The xr is just as good as the multi, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. I have had multi since the first batch into the UK in 2010. Travelled all over Europe mainly 2 up. I ride brisk, and like to make progress. The group we ride with are all quite progressive too, and had a bunch of bikes, including all of the above. The GT and XR will do the same performance wise as the multi (and your S), the GS will not. The GS solo wont stay with a multi two up. Two up is obviously worse. This is most noticeable on 70 to 90 roll on overtakes. It is so noticeable that I will not go out for an overtake behind a gs until he has nearly completed it. On open roads they are all much the same. We have test ridden all of them over the years but my wife has flatly said don't get anything but a multi, it's the most comfortable for her. This obviously depends how tall / what build you both are. If the Ducati dealer was the same distance I would say that one no question. The fact it is not would likely become an annoyance. The fact the bikes are still in the dealers may mean they are over priced... Which ever you choose, all bikes have issues, and if you don't like it you can always change it again
Another comment regarding the above. I have ridden a FS a number of times, just not owned one. In 2016 I did a trip through Lesotho SA on GSs. The bike rode great, and due to the mileage between stops was the best choice. To say the GS is more accomplished off road, you need to compare like with like. A gs with alloy wheels is no different to a multi off road. You really need spoked wheels or risk a broken wheel. Most of us lost our deposits due to various bits of damage in the bikes (this was a guided tour). Wost was the now public fork failure. If you do the occasional gravel road they will both deal with that fine. If you drop the multi you risk more damage. If it's just bumpy roads again they are both great. Hope that helps.
Hi Jo Hi John, The reason I got rid of the k1300s is that I needed a more sit up riding position and since the roads are bad where I am I thought an adventure style bike would be more appropriate. I have not seen any GT's here. Only a few XR's the XR I test rode was great, just let down by the constant high revving engine. Maybe this can be cured by changing the gearing. The XR was too tall for me but the GS was OK, on tip toes but I can get the lower seat. I'm not sure about the multistrada I know the DVT models are lower. But the price is a lot higher. I'm 5'6 tall and 70kg 5'4 50kg. It good to hear that your wife like the multi's seat better. Is it a standard seat? BTW all the GS's here have spoked wheels.
Quick input from me. I owned a Multistrada S (original 2010 for 5 yrs then a 2015 DVT for 2 years) before changing to a 2018 lowered suspension GSA. The lower centre of gravity of the GSA makes it easier for me when loaded up with panniers / top box etc when touring, than the Multi...which I found to be a bit too top heavy for me. I bought the GSA mainly for comfort / touring, but to be honest, tho it doesn’t have the ‘punch’ of the Multi, it is still no slouch when pushed. To be honest, with the shaft drive etc, I find it easier and more comfortable than the Multi. both are great bikes. The Multi does everything whatever your mood. The beemer will not give you the ‘fix’ of a spirited ride in quite the same way as the Multi, but excels in distance, comfort etc. Mind you, i’m Lucky / fortunate to be able to get my ‘fix’ by owning a Monster 1200R as well, for those occasions we all need !! Good luck....
The gs based on what you have said sounds as though it should be your weapon of choice. Shite roads dealer a few minutes away prefer the comfort can buy a lower seated model matching your height good and easy resale
We had the standard seats initially but then fitted the touring seats. The riders touring seat is a better shape imo and gives a bit more leg room. The xr is as you say a revy bike. The multistrada is a torquey bike, which makes it feel effortless to ride. If you could find someone more local yo look after the multistrada it would be my choice. If you can live with the service cost and round trip mileage I would buy it.
Had Multistrada (2011), XR and GS. Multi was my favourite. GS never set my heart alight-very competent thrumming along, but ... I traded in the XR ‘cos I was in danger of losing my licence! Addictive noise, loads of grunt and many toys but so easy to look down at the Speedo and !!! Quite vibraty on the hands and feet, too. I went back to Ducati in the end-Supersport. Not so much power as Multistrada, but it suits me. If I had both, I don’t know which would be the favourite.
