Hello everyone and greetings from Antwerp, Belgium. I am 44 years old, have owned a Honda VFR800 and a Kawasaki ER-6F in the past. Looking to get back into motorcycles and i am very interested in the BMW S1000XR and Ducati Multistrada I have seen the BMW on you tube and in pictures but i think it is a good looking motorcycle. Problem over here is that it is still not available anywhere to have a good look at it or have a test drive. Should be available around 16th june. Problem then is that if i like it after a test drive then delivery will be lucky to get before end of July. So a long wait and it could even move to September since the BMW factory takes a break in August for two weeks i was told. Really want to test drive it and look at these points for myself in comparaison to the Ducati: + engine power and sound + seating position and comfort + handling + wind protection on the highway on helmet level + vibrations that everybody is talking about Big competitor for me is then the Ducati Multistrada which i have already ridden. Love the look of this bike in red colour, engine was great, comfort outstanding on the S version with electronic suspension, handling was superb on winding roads, windscreen also very good but did not get to test it on the highway. Don't like the keyless go system because this can only cause problems if it doesn't work 100% reliable, little worried about their reputation for problems, more expensive then BMW to buy and to maintain. Also doesn't have a quick shifter and i thought the rear brake had almost no stopping power. But it look's fantastic ! Other competitor is the KTM 1290 Super Adventure. All reviews on this bike are very positive. Engine and suspension should be great. Windprotection should also be very good with the big windscreen. Price is below BMW and Ducati and also maintenance cost should be good. KTM also has the best reputation for reliability. Don't like the colour (only white colour available), massive exhaust and on picture it looks massive in total. I drove the bike already and it's a great bike with the exception of the raw sound of the engine and the looks. Last thing i can mention is that i also took a test drive on the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce. Nice bike with a great engine and quick shifter. However very little wind protection from the small screen and hard suspension. Suspension could be fixed with the Lusso version that is still coming out and has electronic suspension. Wind protection is however a deal breaker for myself.
