I joined this forum around the time I bought a 950s Multistrada, for the reasons most do I expect – knowledge, tips, eye candy and generally integrating into a community. I’ve been using forums across a spectrum of hobbies for years, but this place is simply the best. Well moderated, friendly, super informative and has a cracking set of members. But I’ve sold the bike! My entry into motorcycles was late in life – late 20’s / early 30’s, when I took a direct access course and bought an R6. Realising quickly that wasn’t for me, then bought an ST2, then an ST4, then a 799. The 799 was written off on a ferry returning from the NW200 when the uninsured bike next to me fell onto mine and basically totalled all panels. It was brought back to life but sold and tinkered with enduro riding a while, during which time I broke more bones than I think I have. Back onto a road bike and that’s when I bought my first GS – a 650, then ten or so other variants, the last one being a 1250 Rallye just prior to Covid. I financed that bike and during lockdown it simply annoyed me every time I went into the garage, this big lump was costing me £250 a month and hadn’t turned a wheel, so flogged it and with the equity started looking for something I could buy cash. That was a Tenere 700, which I loved, but as most of my time on a bike is road travelling Europe, it just didn’t cut it, so sold and went on the hunt again. I thought I wanted an Africa Twin but ended up in Ducati ordering a V2s. The wait time was loooong, so they had a 2019 950s in the showroom and decided to buy that until the V2s arrived. Liked it that much, cancelled the V2s. Did 4,000 miles in a year of ownership, but I just found it a little top heavy, and I’m a short arse, dropping it stationary around half a dozen times (I know, I know). During a recent trip to France and Spain, with 11 GS owners I decided I would look to go back to the dark side after a few ‘man down’ shouts and a try on a low chassis GS, ordered a new 1250 GS. It happened to be the last available low chassis triple black of the outgoing model, so a good deal, strong part ex and the bike I now own. I farkle everything and today have sorted the navigation, loads of protection (I’ll still drop it for sure), a few trick bits and a juicy sounding Remus 8 slip on. It’s being PPF’d next week and I will pick up some headers and a few odds and sods as I go. Not sexy, but the right choice for me. Wasn’t sure I should post a photo, so didn’t, but it’s a big black tractor like bike. So, after all that, can I stay?
No! Of course you can, ya daft bugger! I’ve had over a dozen GS’s, am keeping an eye on the new 1300, as that could be a potential stablemate for the others.
It was a rhetorical question Not getting rid of me that easy lol! I'm not a GS fanboy, despite having almost a dozen, but it is the bike which works best for me. The new 1300 seems it's trying to compete with the V4S, with radar etc and a price tag to match, but after two 1250's, I wanted to stay with what I know, plus the lowered chassis really does work for me as old age creeps in. I'll miss being a little more individual than the pack and getting more compliments than all the others, but I'm better and happier in a GS saddle.
My 1098 went last September, it became too uncomfortable to ride with my advancing years. On Saturday I picked up my new Ninja1000sx, but I still have a love of all things Ducati
What can I say? Apart from they really are great bikes. They are heavy if you go GSA but the GS version is basically a road bike and is little different in weight to Multi, KTM and Triumph offerings. But comes with the amazing telelever set up. Do I like them? I am on my 3rd, a 2022 Rallye, the white one with black wheels….
My last two were the same. I do miss the blue Rallye, but it didn't have the TFT, so went white and enjoyed it. Always previously a fan of the spoked wheels (gold on my white Rallye), but went black alloy with the Triple Black this time. The GS does feel small after the Multi - maybe in my head, but the right thing for me to do it seems.
What you need sir, is. Multistrada V4S, with a lowered suspension kit and low seat……….then you can stay
This is what you need…. Workhorse.. 16,000 miles in just over 2 years Showpony.. Bought it new in 2014, over 30,000 miles on it now, luuurve it
Just think..FZ1s a bit handy for an upright bike. X R1 motor. Seat, solid oak….1152 miles in 23.5 hours including Calais to Dover crossing to Consett NorthEast EnglND…starting from Austria! Prize? Feked for a week.
Not far off the truth that. Could you ask your young child if I could borrow it for a weekend sometime?
