GS v Multistrada 2016

[DING-DONG]

I do agree with Andres the Ktm especially the 1290 SA is the best engine out of all of em, but I cannot touch the floor, not even top toe so that ruled the SA out for me but it was stonking, the 1190 adv I had for a day and at the time they were no deals to be had but now Craig's Ktm are selling new 1190 adv S bikes with travel pack (panniers - bars - tank bag) for £11995. Bargain !

@SiRich the pannier issue is down to human error as you slide the panniers on instead bods were pulling and snapping the lug, this lug unbolts so it can be replaced but agree should have been made better but there's only been a handful of cases so it's not really a major issue. I put a blob of silicon grease on the tabs and they slide in/out with ease.

Servicing, you see lots of ducati bikes coming up for sale just before they want a major service and the new gen bikes are much cheaper to service with longer schedules, I had a 999R and that was the most expensive bike I've had to have serviced, but if you can't afford the service don't buy the bike.

There all good, I'd happily buy any of em.

 

[G&T]

I notice the GS triple black just comes with just spoke wheels. Perfect for proper off roading, but for everything else I guess the cast is perfect? Or do you guys know different?

 

[Nutty]

What with all the opinions being posted up here it looks as if it's all pointing towards 'going Orange'; good build quality, quality componentry, loads of character and stonking engines on a par with or nicer than Ducati................

Unless your name is Nutty, in which case they are reallly, really shit bikes. He'd hate one. Don't bother even test riding one Nutty, it'd be pointless

Andres

You don't need to tell me. I've had two test rides. Still won't be buying one.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

You don't need to tell me. I've had two test rides. Still won't be buying one.

Phew

Andres

PS A ride around Box Hill car park wearing high viz does not constitute a test ride

 

[Arsey]

Phew

Andres

PS A ride around Box Hill car park wearing high viz does not constitute a test ride

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[Nutty]

Phew

Andres

PS A ride around Box Hill car park wearing high viz does not constitute a test ride

That was the first test ride. I had a half day on one since then.

 

[Arsey]

Did you try the 1290, Dr No ?


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[Blackal]

The vibration on the XR is not a major issue. There are heavier bar end weights now available, which eliminate the handlebar vibes, however, most of us that have put a few miles on these bikes have found that any vibes have disappeared. The issue was picked up by one journo, and ever since he mentioned them, EVERYONE was looking for them. If they were that bad, people wouldn't be buying them. The vibe threads on the XR forums have now gone quiet, as there is no longer an issue.

I get the impression that they aren't selling nearly as well as hoped, and that there are hundreds sitting- unsold. I think that perhaps BMW aren't determined to conquer the "Multistrada" market - merely to have a presence in it.

But - with what you say, I think I should treat myself to a long test ride of the XR, as - It certainly used to be on my shortlist.

Al

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

That was the first test ride. I had a half day on one since then.

.........and you didn't buy one?

Told you they are shit

Andres

 

[Nutty]

Did you try the 1290, Dr No ?


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Yep. I wouldn't rule one out, one day. See below.

.........and you didn't buy one?

Told you they are shit

Andres

I know you're trying to be ironic. It's a good bike, just not for me. KTM as a company don't fill me with much confidence, if I'm honest.

 

[ymfb]

As I think I said previously I have tried all of these machines and own an MTS, in my opinion the

KTM SA is a great bike, but the build quality was disappointing, the ride was great.
MTS/DVT great bike, poor range
XR, great ride except the vibes, you cannot ignore them, certainly not on the test bike I rode

If its big miles are your thing the GSA is the way to go with its 30 L tank and drive shaft.

Again all my opinion.

 

[Nutty]

I get the impression that they aren't selling nearly as well as hoped, and that there are hundreds sitting- unsold. I think that perhaps BMW aren't determined to conquer the "Multistrada" market - merely to have a presence in it.

But - with what you say, I think I should treat myself to a long test ride of the XR, as - It certainly used to be on my shortlist.

Al

I'm not sure where you get "hundreds" from. All dealers will have one or two in the showroom, plus their demo bike(s). There are a few floating around the system, but certainly not hundreds.

If you take one out, get an extended test ride, not half an hour like most of the "experts" on here.

 

[Nutty]

As I think I said previously I have tried all of these machines and own an MTS, in my opinion the

KTM SA is a great bike, but the build quality was disappointing, the ride was great.
MTS/DVT great bike, poor range
XR, great ride except the vibes, you cannot ignore them, certainly not on the test bike I rode

If its big miles are your thing the GSA is the way to go with its 30 L tank and drive shaft.

Again all my opinion.

I'd go with that, except the vibes on the XR, but we've already discussed that.

I've heard quite a few reports of KTM reliability/ build quality, and see the issues reported on forums. Those alone wouldn't completely put me off ever getting one, but it's the way that KTM address the issues. There was someone on here not so long ago that wouldn't touch one with a barge pole due to the crap service he received, after having a few issues, and the handful of KTM dealers that I've visited didn't do anything to fill me with any confidence either.

As a serial bike changer, Ducati residuals would be in the back of my mind if I ever bought one. I know bikes aren't about residuals, but when you change bikes regularly, it's a factor.

The GSA is still, IMO, the best all round package, and it would take a lot to make me not have one in my garage.

 

[J biker]

Done 15k on a 2013 multistrada. Base model. One track day, euro tour one up, euro tour two up, lap of Scotland an lots of Sunday blasts.

outright performance its the multi. But thats not the whole story. The water cooled GS isn't exactly slow. handles really well too.

The Ducati took a bit time and money sorting suspension and I still wasn't 100% happy. After fitting Andreani cartridge kit at the front to eliminate dive, I still had high speed weave. (commented on by a guy on a fire blade following on me on a track day..)
Just IMO, basic suspension is so so, Skyhook is not built around better quality suspension parts. Proof? Well the new Pikes peak now comes with Manual adjusting Ohlins...not Marzocchi.
Single sided swingers looks great PITA to adjust chain, which you will need to if doing any long distance touring two up.

 

[G&T]

Thanks for all the advice. Either bike has big boots to fill mind

 

[ymfb]

Single sided swingers looks great PITA to adjust chain, which you will need to if doing any long distance touring two up.

I modified a 12 point socket by machining in half to reduce the weight and the distance between the breaker bar and the nut to prevent slipping off, but the PITA bit is carrying the toils to do it. My chain has only been adjusted by the dealer at services, however you need the same kit to remove the wheel and you also need to remove the end can, although that's easy. By contrast there is no chain and I suspect removing the rear wheel on the GS is the same as on my K1300S, very simple.

 

[Nutty]

Thanks for all the advice. Either bike has big boots to fill mind ��

As soon as you get used to a GS or a Multistrada, you'll wonder why you didn't get one years ago. My mate had a Fazer for 5 years, then bought a Tracer last year, and said he couldnt imagine going back to a Fazer again.

 

[Schtum]

Proof? Well the new Pikes peak now comes with Manual adjusting Ohlins...not Marzocchi.

That's probably more to do with the fact that Marzocchi has finally been folded by the parent company Tenneco.

 

[jags]

what about the aprilla caponarnd instead of the multi?

 

[J biker]

GlennT
I did 20k on a FZ1s as well. With sorted suspension a handy bike and very quick in the right hands.
Seriously don't think GS or Multi would leave you feeling wanting. Btw, when adjusting the multi chain, in an ideal world you should torque up the pinch bolts....one more tool to carry.
GS obviously beats this, but even the Fz1s was an easy job with simple (and compact!) tools.

Long distance on the Fz1s used to leave my backside and knees aching though. And nothing beats a big twin for punch out of the corners.

I tried a flat bar gsxr1000 (k8) and also a s1000r sport since the fz1 as well, both ridiculously fast. But some how lacking soul and only split seconds difference on the road up to silly speeds.