GS1200GSA or Ducati Multistada 1200

[Devil]

Hi.

First hi all, ive been lucking for about 9 months, But never registered.

I have a R1200 GSA (30 year edition), Now ive never done a long motorcycle trip, but have talked about it for years. With this in mind, I going to replace my bike, for a new one,. And finally start planning a real trip.

Im thinking of looking at a Ducati 1200. and wondering if anyone has any experiance with one.

 

[rattler]

Hi.

First hi all, ive been lucking for about 9 months, But never registered.

I have a R1200 GSA (30 year edition), Now ive never done a long trip, but have talked about it for years. With this in mind, I going to replace my bike, for a new one,. And final start planning a real trip.

Im thinking of looking at a Ducati 1200. and wondering if anyone has any experiance with one.

Stick to the GSA

 

[DrAlf]

Agree, the GSA is a better touring bike. The MS is faster and probably more fun short term but the stability of the GSA and its ability to handle well even when heavily laden make it the better option for a longer trip. Riding with a pillion is also much easier on the GSA due to the telelever front end and lack of dive. In addition the GSA is far superior offroad.

Real question is why you haven’t done a long trip until now?!

 

[Devil]

Real question is why you haven’t done a long trip until now?!

I dont know, life just took over, 30 came and went, 40 is going very fast.

I have looked at tours, but dont really like the idea, of being fully organised.

So, im looking at Morroco as a first trip. later on this year. The Snap Dragon, is happy for me to do whatever i want.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Completely different bikes IMHO. If you want a pure road bike which will make you laugh like a lunatic every time you swing you leg over it, the Ducati is the fellow.

However, if you want a proper all rounder to do big mileage, load to the gunnels or just have a laugh round the local roads, the GS is the option and you won't be dissapointed.

 

[Georgeeboi]

Plenty of threads on here as to why the GSA is better than the mutli or vica versa if you've already got a BMW just test the duke and compare but for me coming from a Ducati 1198 the BMW felt more comfy better luggage and pillion comfort is better, if you want a ballistic engine want to wheely in every gear go for the multi, OH and if you go for one get the standard with abs as the electronic suspension fails on a lot of them. Good luck.

 

[Rasher]

Completely different bikes IMHO. If you want a pure road bike which will make you laugh like a lunatic every time you swing you leg over it, the Ducati is the fellow

For performance get the Ducati, I tested one and loved the motor and handling, but the bike is not great two-up and the luggage is quite small.

Have a look at the other bikes out there, I traded the GS for a Tenere, which is similar to a GS but without the huge running costs and reliability issues.

The new Triumph is another great road bike and probably better for touring and two-up and the Honda Cross-Tourer is not a bad bike, I did not gel with it personally but as a road bike it is fast and capable with half decent luggage.

 

[DJ GSA]

Go and ride one.

I had my heart set on a GS. Tested the MustiStrada but still bought the GS.
And would still buy the GS over it.

The MultiStrada in my mind is a very capable bike but still very sports oriented and not a true match against the GS.

Decide for yourself. Book a ride and try one

 

[Wapping]

Ride the Ducatti for a proper day or two. See if you like it. If you do, buy it.

I know several people who own one, most of whom have done extensive longish jaunts (southern Italy, Spain, Croatia, the Alps, the Baltic States) all quite happily. It's a very good bike, adequate fuel range, enough luggage space, goes like the clappers but easy through traffic, handles well and is as flattering to ride as anything from BMW's stables.

If - after two days or so - you can't decide over it and your comparatively current (Anniversary Edition*) GSA, then you maybe won't want to change..... unless you really do want to change irrespective (and why not, it's your money and fun, not ours) in which case nothing you learn here should change your mind.

===

A more interesting question perhaps is why the Ducatti? Why not a KTM (they have a great range of nice bikes) or the Kawasaki Versys 1000 or their 1400, or a Honda, or a Triumph, or a Yamaha? They are all good bikes too, any of which will eat up the miles, cart luggage, haul a pillion, hit the root vegetable queues or bash down the twisties as well as anything else out there. Several are cheaper, too.






*Like the Twipple Bwack, it's only really paint, the rest of the bike is much the same as a vanilla GSA variety. Though it's spangly, I grant you. Wherein maybe lies the true attraction of the Ducatti, perhaps? It's as good a reason to change as any other.........if you can't think of a better one.


PS You could ask the same question on a Ducatti forum. 10-1 says i know what the answer will be.

 

[Reporter]

You already have the best bike for the trip to Morocco. If I were you I spend the money on more and/or longer trips. Another personal view is the 30th anniversary edition is MUCH better looking than the triple black.

 

[Nutty]

Get rid of the GSA if it's too big, and get a regular 1200 twin cam. You get the best of both worlds then.

 

[FENNER]

I went and test rode a Multistrada yesterday (just for the crack ), nice bike, very very VERY fast, handled well, and loads of toys on the top spec model that I rode (15k + though !!!!!), easier for my little legs to paddle round as it seemed lower and lighter than my GS, a really nice bike.

However I got back on the GS sure that I'd think it was slow, clunky and agricultural again, but WRONG, even though I have not had it long (only done 2k on it)it was like putting a comfy pair of slippers on ! I feel that the GS is easier to throw about, probably due to the wider bars, I was happy to plod on at 80mph, which I found difficult to stay down to on the Multi and the GS feels a lot roomier. I can honestly say that this is the first time I have taken a test ride like this and not had even a tiny hankering to swap my current ride !

That said the Multistrada is one awesome bit of kit and if I could afford both I'd be tempted, wouldn't swap though.

Tony