So I'm sort of leaving the Ducati fold given I've ordered a KTM SDR 1290 to replace both my Streetfighter and my Superbike (hardly used in the latter case). That would leave me with my GS for touring and no Ducati. I have an option to keep the faith which I must admit I'd like to do with swapping my GS for a 2012 Multi S touring with plenty of bells and whistles. No Skyhook but Ohlins obviously and a few toys like Termis and some carbon. Am I buying into a bag of trouble or were the later bikes of the last couple of years OK? I realise it's an open questions and I could trawl through the forum but some initial reactions would help or pointers. My intended use is mostly touring, sometimes two up, no real off road but I need to be able to handle rough lanes etc.
I recently bought a 2011 1200S Touring, not had any issues what so ever so far. Done over 2k miles in 2 months! I had some odd vibrations at one point, but it turns out the rubber grommet on the centre stand had worn out and was vibrating against the catalyst box. They are fine mate, just buy a good example like you would with any other bikes and keep on top of it. Just take into mind that it obviously won't be as bullet proof as the GS... But unless you are touring ac across the desert, tropical forests or the volcanic wastelands in iceland. You won't need that amount of 'sturdyness'. The sports side of the Multi more than makes up for that, and it puts the GS to shame in the twisties... Which is where you will be riding it mostly when touring around Europe no? Just read all the reviews, GS for true off road adventure touring. Multi for true sports touring.
Plenty of GS have problems. Immobiliser rings to start with. Many a Ewanabee has been stranded at the roadside with that little problem
I dont think youll have a problem with 2011 onwards mate, maybe even some 2010's. I think you hear far too much doom and gloom and its not really a large percentage when you take in to account numbers sold worldwide.
I read BMW are recalling 51,000 bikes in the USA including seemingly every GS since 2004. However, the same bikes will not be recalled in the UK so you will be riding a potential incendiary bomb :biggrin: I miss that with my MTS 1200S Touring 2012, 7,000 miles in 17 months and the only issue I have had is that not once has it burst into flames.
I dont think any year is better or worse, the main thing is that it has been looked after, and any recalls etc taken care of. I have just bought a 2012 to replace my 2010, and cant think of anything else I'd rather have, so maybe I am biased No bike is 100% perfect. Over the last 10+ years of touring I have spent more time either fixing or looking for parts for GSs than any other bike. Clutches, rear shaft bearings, rear wheel bearings, alternator belts, they are the things we have had to contend with. The GS is a great bike, but its not without it's problems.
Buy a standard 2013 Multistrada. No need for Ohlins, Skyhook etc. After one quick road side set up in Germany last year, I just cant fault anything on the bike. No need for the Ohlins/Skyhook. And yes, I have had bespoke expensive suspension on bikes before, so can make an educated assessment of the difference. Might not help you if your addicted to bling?
Yup thats what I went for basic 2013 MTS. So far 3 months / 2100 miles all good so far. Love the bike just wishing for warm dry weather to see what it can do, but it will sure be better than me.
They're no better or worse than any other bike with the same level of complexity IMHO. Buy a good one that's been well looked after and make sure you get a warranty (or buy one yourself for about £350). I've been through the "shall I sell to stay in warranty or should I keep it" decision on my 2010 S and I've decided to stick with it and extend the warranty - much cheaper than changing bikes, and besides that there isn't anything else I'd rather have...
Had a good look this weekend. Bike is 2012, 8K miles and someone has spent a fair bit on plenty of options with carbon and things I would probably never have bothered with. It has a graphics kit which is a bit OTT but I suppose offers protection, a titanium Termi and has had the upgrade to the Ohlins (Multitronic?) It all seemed pretty sorted and looked fine aside from gold wheels - if anyone fancies fancy gold Marchesini wheels that probably cost a fortune and has plain black, I'll swap ! Failing that, these will be powder coated asap along with the belly pan and bits.
Sounds good - I'd go for it. The Suspension SCU upgrade is a great thing to have - best couple of hundred quid I've ever spent. Surprised you don't like the wheels - they sound pretty nice to me. I have gloss black pikes peak style (with the red detailing) - wouldn't mind seeing pictures of yours...
I think I know the bike your looking, I looked at selling mine before xmas, and am still undecided its Mint with 3637 miles on it, I take it you've had a spin on one?
Count, that sounds like the bike at P&H ? The graphics should come off with a bit of gentle heat. Try a place that does wrapping, they should be able to remove it. As for the wheels, your looking at about 200 quid to have them painted.
