GS AGAINST MULTISTRADA VIDEO

[bsogri]

TESTED AGAINST EACH OTHER IN ITALY VIDEO

This one?

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YjDOcfMlrqw?fs=1&hl=en_GB"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YjDOcfMlrqw?fs=1&hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

 

[AshR1]

Do we have to imagine it?

 

[PhilK]

TESTED AGAINST EACH OTHER IN ITALY VIDEO

Where ?

 

[ronnie69]

I knew that one would win

 

[Montydog]

wow certainly very entertaining

 

[PhilK]

Typical,

2 MCN "sportsbike lovers" telling us how un-sportsbike the GS is.

I think they miss the point, personally.

 

[Dave Ett]

Do they? I think they got it right - the MS is a bike that sportsbike riders will buy and ride to Rome, whereas those of us who want to ride to Cape Town would buy the GS.

The 800GS.

 

[AshR1]

Well I 'come from a sportsbike background' and I was looking 'for something more upright' as the video quotes.

I test rode both the MS and the GS back to back before making the decision to go with the GS. I liked the Ducati with it's toys and the handling and power are more than enough for most riders. Here are the reason why I didn't choose it:

My riding style is 'enthusiastic' and I found that whilst both bikes seem (from a seat-of-the-pants feeling) equal up to around 100mph, the Ducati then stomps on to an indicated 150 that I saw but was unstable and the front end went uncomfortably light.

I did the tests at the end of July and was quoted an October delivery if I wanted to order the MS. Can't wait that long.

Even though the test bike had the expensive electronic Ohlins it was harsh even on the softest setting. The GS in comfort mode knocks it into fits in this respect and so this was important to me for the miles I do.

Build quality of the Ducati is... well... Italian.

Even whilst being shown the controls and the keyless ignition the bike refused to start for about 5 mins whilst the dealer fiddled with settings and even put the key right on top of the yoke to get it going.

Ducati dealer was not willing to do a deal. Everything was full price including accessories that I wanted to add on.

I use the bike every day to get to and from work and I just couldn't convince myself that the Ducati would stand up to this.

 

[SilverFish]

... bikes seem (from a seat-of-the-pants feeling) equal up to around 100mph, the Ducati then stomps on to an indicated 150 that I saw but was unstable and the front end went uncomfortably light.
...

At those sort of speeds, my old K1300GT with its 160HP wasnt any faster compared to even something as small as a F650GS. Much above those speeds and you're up for a ban (if you're lucky and dont crash). So what's the point I ask myself? The need for speed thrill only lasts a few minutes and is ultimately empty - requiring no special skill to achieve.

I had a very similar test ride a few months back, between the DOHC GS and the Multistrada. I was looking forward to riding the Multi, but things kept bugging me which I wasnt going to get past. Like the windscreen, fine for a summers day, but all weather riding and commuting? Forget it. The mass of untidy wiring around the headstock and bars, the too high pillion seat, the riding position which has you too far forward with your forehead almost touching the windshield. I even took the Multi up a one mile dirt track - 'just to see if it could'. Sure enough it did, but it was bouncing all over the place, and the front wheel didnt give much control or confidence.

I was dissapointed by that ride, as I really thought the Multi was the bike for me. So a few months later I tried it again, same route, same speeds - same conclusion. I just think the GS has a more sorted chassis, manages to be planted for the fast roads, but agile in the B roads, is better at touring, and it's a better bike overall. It just wont do 150mph - and that doesnt bother me.

Mike