This week while the Panigale was getting its first service I took a Multi 1200S GT for an extended test ride, some of it with the wife. TBH the wife found it more comfortable than the BMW RT, which we use for touring. I liked the performance and was surprised how much better it was than the old DS, which I had tried a long time ago. Changing the RT for a Ducati is probably going to cost a small fortune, although I don't actually know yet. I might just go and try the new liquid cooled GS first as I like the shaft drive, or put another way I hate chains. Has anyone in here tried the new GS and compared it with the Multi ?
I know a couple of people who have gone multi to WC GS, but be amazed if they don't come back ;-) 2013 MY on seems to be better with twin spark, there is still far more power than the Gs and better looks.
I had one of the new GS LC's - with ESA. Sold it after 6 months of ownership, felt like i was about to die a death of boredom, had no character at all. One of the most sterile bikes ive ever owned, even the old GSA had more character.
I've ridden my mates GSA LC and another ones '08 GSA. The latter one bored me silly, it's like riding the multi stuck in Urban mode. The new one however, has plenty enough go in it, but the gearbox is a bit rubbish and I'm not so sure about the handling characteristics, must be that big front wheel? Looking on the GS forums, it appears that they are as troublesome as our Multistradas' and not the paragons of German build quality you would expect?
If you hate chains then you've answered your own question. And when did the shaft driven Panigale come out?
Its a hub system. Take the rear mid plugger thing off and a 5min job max to adjust. And fit an oiler if its that important.
When I told Tom at Snells I hated chains he said bring it back they will adjust it for me. I held the Panigale while the mechanic torqued up the rear wheel nuts on Thursday, looks like a need a 55mm socket !
Not to adjust the chain, its a simple two pinch bolts and a special tool. And I have spares if you havent got one
I've just come back from Ireland with a m8 with a Triumph adventurer there shaft drive and it had every thing on it from heated seats to cruse control, it seemed fairly manoeuvrable and nippy too, if you want shaft drive why not take one for a test ride.
I rode the New GS LC a few times when I had to decide over a GS / MS, I got to say I was very very impressed with the GS, big bike handled really well, it also went pretty well as well over the older versions. On the first test ride on the MS I did not like it, trouble was it was a far too shorter test ride, the worse thing the engine lumpy at bottom end, the BM far smoother, and coming from a K1300R that is ultra smooth. I also hate chains so another issue. Screen also an issue that needed resolving (Now is) It was a real tough call and I actually sat down to do the deal with a BM, I like the whole set up, dealership, (Had a K1300R at the time) but the dealer annoyed me, the deal was a joke, another dealer offered me a far better deal (BMW) I decided to have another go on the M/S a far longer test ride, understood it more. After this test Ride I did a deal and bought one. MS Better looking Much better performance, (GS no slouch now though) Better Storage looking system Better Handling Individuality, there are so many of the GS around The bike has a personality, it is a great bike to ride in all conditions, especially mess around my local lanes, and weekend outings in the UK. The little things on the MS engineering wise makes you think that someone has put a lot of thought into its design S Hook works very well especially loaded up The CHAIN is a pain though Reason I did/not buy GS:- Tall, heavier, I am 6'6" Very Common I hated the look of the storage boxes etc. On the 2nd ride I found an annoying vibration, about 6k (this version was a steering damper version) It is a great cruising bike, better ride with the mono system, and active suspension Will cost you less to buy, and less to run, with a slight better fuel consumption. but you are looked at in a certain way, where as a MS people just admire it I just love riding the MS though, I look forward to riding it. 2nd EU trip in a few weeks, done about 2.5k miles so far in about 4 months.
Adjusting the chain is a pain, you have to remove the rear plastic wheel guard, 3 bolts first, a pain.
I had the GS, the latest LC TE model for about a year. I swapped to the MTS, I took the Pikes Peak and had extras to make it touring friendly like panniers and heated grips. Try both is the obvious answer but ultimately, the GS is aimed at a very different breed of rider to the MTS. Have a browse on UKGSer forum, you will quickly see that most of the owners are staunch GS riders and nothing else - I'm stereotyping from experience of being on there. There is a lot of snobbery in the GS crowd, same as here and the older air cooled guys slate the latest version and vice versa. Bikes are an emotional purchase, the GS is not attractive and I never looked back after filling with fuel and felt any sense of emotion. I enjoy hooning about on the MTS, with or without a pillion. The GS is really just an efficient tool but the width, design and industrial nature can be difficult to enjoy. It does go well but the MTS is a world apart. If off road is required, GS any day but I simply don't do those sort of rough terrain trips. Chain vs shaft drive is a non issue. There isn't that much you have to do after all. If you really want to go crazy, the KTM adventure bike is another option that I would include in any decision.
Another point, if it makes a difference to you: I never worry about turning up at Box on the Pikes Peak. I'd cringe inwardly getting off the GS in a crowd of Ducatisti. I may be daft and/or shallow but that's how I felt. The GS has a certain sort of owner and while I had no issues really with the bike, I didn't think I fit the profile.
The GS is the motorcycling equivalent of the old boxy Volvo. Flat cap and stringbacks swapped for silly suits and intercoms.
