GS v Multistrada 2016

[J biker]

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

Maybe. Bet the Ohlins only goes on the top model though.

 

[G&T]

J Biker,
Thanks for info. Yup, At over 6ft tall, backside, knees start aching in saddle after a couple of hours or so. Longest stint with fuel stops 8 hours 2 up. Fantastic mind. I honestly just want to get that warm feel good feeling from the next bike. You know the sort, when it just does its thing and all is well with the world! No dramas, no tantrums, just endless miles and miles with a big grin.

 

[G&T]

Multistrada fizz on test ride

Finally got a test ride on the Multi. A week later than hoped because a journo failed to return the Demo back to Kingswinford dealership. Anyway, an awesome bike. Engine sound and performance quite incredible. Sorry to the folks in Kinver near Bridgenorth for literally waking the dead?

However, as for comfort - it will rearrange your anatomy. Basically if the engine fizz doesn't make your balls explode the determination of the seat to push you forward in crushing your nuts in a trouser wedgie will! In fairness the dealership said there was a comfort seat but I'd be interested to hear if other Multi owners on here suffered? I'm not sure I can live with that on long distances which is a shame because it is a great bike and could be a mile cruncher if there was comfort.

 

[Nutty]

Finally got a test ride on the Multi. A week later than hoped because a journo failed to return the Demo back to Kingswinford dealership. Anyway, an awesome bike. Engine sound and performance quite incredible. Sorry to the folks in Kinver near Bridgenorth for literally waking the dead?

However, as for comfort - it will rearrange your anatomy. Basically if the engine fizz doesn't make your balls explode the determination of the seat to push you forward in crushing your nuts in a trouser wedgie will! In fairness the dealership said there was a comfort seat but I'd be interested to hear if other Multi owners on here suffered? I'm not sure I can live with that on long distances which is a shame because it is a great bike and could be a mile cruncher if there was comfort.

Go and actually ride an XR. The scaffolding can be taken off the back, and it can be tidied up.

 

[G&T]

Go and actually ride an XR. The scaffolding can be taken off the back, and it can be tidied up.

Nice...funny that I have a test ride on the XR tomorrow along with the GS again. Looks great with the scaffolding off. I have to say the multi was frickin awesome, but reading all the issues on the MTS owners club don't fill me with confidence and I have to say the BMW family is very accommodating. Let's see.

 

[DING-DONG]

If you want reliability and great warranty buy a BMW, only buy a ducati if you have a second bike because it will at some stage let you down and make sure you have a local dealer, you will become a regular face there, it's a great looking bike and my Dvt looks stunning in the pikes peak scheme and sounds gorgeous with the full termi .

 

[G&T]

If you want reliability and great warranty buy a BMW, only buy a ducati if you have a second bike because it will at some stage let you down and make sure you have a local dealer, you will become a regular face there, it's a great looking bike and my Dvt looks stunning in the pikes peak scheme and sounds gorgeous with the full termi .

Ding Dong, what issues did you have with the bike?

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Finally got a test ride on the Multi. A week later than hoped because a journo failed to return the Demo back to Kingswinford dealership. Anyway, an awesome bike. Engine sound and performance quite incredible. Sorry to the folks in Kinver near Bridgenorth for literally waking the dead?

However, as for comfort - it will rearrange your anatomy. Basically if the engine fizz doesn't make your balls explode the determination of the seat to push you forward in crushing your nuts in a trouser wedgie will! In fairness the dealership said there was a comfort seat but I'd be interested to hear if other Multi owners on here suffered? I'm not sure I can live with that on long distances which is a shame because it is a great bike and could be a mile cruncher if there was comfort.

Same problem here, mother of all nut crushers after an hour, spongey dished seat.other than that awesome. I've gone for an s1000xr, lovely in red, love the bike it's comfy , smooth and ballistic, and I doubt it will go wrong.

 

[DING-DONG]

Ding Dong, what issues did you have with the bike?

This is my second Dvt and its done 10 miles, the issues are niggles tbh, so on buying the bike i transport it home, once home it won't accept the keyless key so cannot start it and even the override option doesn't work, it needs a new hands free unit, time scale taken to do this 5 weeks. I collect the bike and yet again i have another issue the fuel sender has now gone tbh not sure why the dealer did not clock that the fuel tank is full and the gauge reads near on empty ! Especially when they had to take the tank off, it's a common fault Ducati have never been able to manufacture a sender that lasts even the previous model had the same issue.

It's really not so much the issues it's the time scale it takes to get fixed, 5 weeks for the hands free, no Curtesy bike, nada. Now I brought mine outright but if I had brought one on pcp i would be paying for a bike whilst it was sitting in a workshop and no use.

Mine does look stunning with all its added extras and full termi but I feel it's an expensive ornament.

 

[DING-DONG]

This is my second Dvt and its done 10 miles, the issues are niggles tbh, so on buying the bike i transport it home, once home it won't accept the keyless key so cannot start it and even the override option doesn't work, it needs a new hands free unit, time scale taken to do this 5 weeks. I collect the bike and yet again i have another issue the fuel sender has now gone tbh not sure why the dealer did not clock that the fuel tank is full and the gauge reads near on empty ! Especially when they had to take the tank off, it's a common fault Ducati have never been able to manufacture a sender that lasts even the previous model had the same issue.

It's really not so much the issues it's the time scale it takes to get fixed, 5 weeks for the hands free, no Curtesy bike, nada. Now I brought mine outright but if I had brought one on pcp i would be paying for a bike whilst it was sitting in a workshop and no use.

Mine does look stunning with all its added extras and full termi but I feel it's an expensive ornament.

I've also owned the XR whilst it's reliability is better i found the suspension to harsh for myself with only 2 settings hard and harder it was like a guided missile ballistically quick but in essence it's just a really fast inline4 and tbh i prefer twins because the engine has so much character over the inline4.

 

[oldnfat]

GS v Multistada 2016

OR go for the perfect bike.......I have found a way to eliminate the all the issues with keyless ignition, infinite number of rider modes, self modulating brakes, naff switch gear, unadjustable chains, engine vibes (smooth as), eye watering service costs, poor dealers, depreciation, clunky transmission, uncomfortable seat, weight, feet on the ground....





















......aaaah, and relax!




Granted....it might not be able to quite keep up with a MS on the long straights.

 

[Flipfly]

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.

Vibes weren't a problem for me, I was too busy concentrating on the rapidly approaching shore, and I live in the midlands

Of all the fast soft roaders it would be the XR for me everytime, if I could stomach taking my bike to the stealers for servicing.

 

[GunZenBomZ]

Have you not considered the multi-enduro? I've brought one & it should be arriving next week. Larger tank range but still equiped with shoddy hand-guard turn indicators that break very easily.

 

[G&T]

Have you not considered the multi-enduro? I've brought one & it should be arriving next week. Larger tank range but still equiped with shoddy hand-guard turn indicators that break very easily.

I did have a look at NEC, but it wasn't in my time frame as demo not out yet. However I'd be interested to hear a report.

 

[Nutty]

Nice...funny that I have a test ride on the XR tomorrow along with the GS again. Looks great with the scaffolding off. I have to say the multi was frickin awesome, but reading all the issues on the MTS owners club don't fill me with confidence and I have to say the BMW family is very accommodating. Let's see.

So, how was the test ride?

 

[G&T]

Decision made...

So the decision is made....bought today....and the winner is.....

2016 R1200GS TE Triple black.

A bit of context...I'm trading up from the Yamaha FZ1s Fazer 1000; 6' 2" rider; pillion on board and want bigger trips. So why the GS for me and why not the XR or Multi?

In summary, how would I best describe the GS? It felt like a family pet that has its quirky habits but just makes you smile and you know it will be a faithful companion. The Multi? The shag of your life when it wants too but watch out for the mother in law - she's a bitch. The XR? The SAS grey man during interrogation - deadly but doesn't show it.

Can I just say a big thanks to you, for all the advice and support on the GSER forum.

In a bit more detail which is non technical - because I'm not, an honest opinion of how I found each bike.....but hey we're all different.

GS: This was at first a very strange bike to demo compared to my FZ1, in fact almost took it back at the first junction. It felt lazy and washy and had to work down a gear to make it come alive, but once I found the sweet spot the bike really showed its character. When I found dynamic mode this just felt much more like the FZ1 and it just got better as I calibrated to the bike. I particularly liked the engine pops on down shift. Plenty of grunt and comfort 10/10 too. Really great support at the dealership - Benhams Wolverhampton. A great atmosphere and reliability from what I have heard and read is good. The bike in the triple black looks the part too.

Multi: Well after waiting for a week and a half to demo, due to a journo not bringing it back on time, or so I was told, I finally got to ride it. Firstly it was absolutely filthy, not what I expected for a premier brand demo and the tank on empty. I have to say though the bike performance, sound and gearshift were quite amazing- absolutely smitten. However, I found the seat uncomfortable which I described in an earlier post as making your balls fizz and your nuts given a wedgie. I was told there was a comfort seat you can order, but none to try for demo and they didn't check seat settings. The dealership I refer to is Wolverhampton Ducati. I really do think there is a culture issue going on there. The reliability issues also spooked me plus the 'couldn't care less attitude' from the Wolves dealer. I'm still waiting for the final pricing of the bike from the dealer, promised the next day - still not arrived. It's sad that this all clouded my judgement, when it should be about the bike, not the dealer!!! Because of the time taken to test ride the Multi I only found it fair to give the GS another go and try the XR.

XR: What a bike! Does everything. The slickest gear change I've ever experienced, super easy - super smooth and does exactly what the FZ1 did, but for me just lacked something - probably character. I'd have bought it before I had the FZ1 for sure. This really is a great bike and gives you everything without any drama. I understand why you would buy it. The new livery colours are stunning too. I did worry about pillion comfort though as the seat is small compared to the GS or Multi.

I'll add pictures when I get her

All the best
Glenn

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Nice one Glenn, good choice.

 

[DING-DONG]

You made a great choice and Benhams are exceptional, Andrew fearn is one of the nicest guys to deal with, any issues they will look after you, the dealer principles (there's 2) are very customer focused and pleasant guys.

Wolves ducati !! Well you had a lucky escape, I'm actually surprised they sell any bikes, there attitude sucks, it's as tho there doing you a favour by selling you a bike.

If your Fazer was the gen2 version it shares some traits with the XR, being of the Rev happy nature ! Anyway the TB is an excellent choice and a great dealer to buy from, ask Andrew fearn what he thinks of the Multi (he has owned one and it fell to bits !)

 

[J biker]

You wont regret your choice. Character by the bucket full.
Like I said in previous replies, the Multi is a great bike. Just too many quality and long term issues IMO. The XR, fast as fcuk but knowing the S1 engine, not a tourer and feels bloated and fat when sat on it (again IMO, but couldnt understand the bulk looking at the other inline thous by BM).
Thing with the GS, it takes an extended ride to bond with. Then when you do its like the lights being switched on!

 

[Apex]

My 10 cent's. Buy a used low miles GSA. You'll sit there worrying the Ducati will break when you drop it otherwise. Then buy one of these with the spare cash and make like a YOOF!

GRENADE!