I thought I wanted a GSA, not sure now??

[neil27]

Great feedback guys.....
A little update from yesterday, I dragged SHMBO to a couple of bike shops yesterday, well she offered so I grabbed the chance....

I went to my local Ducati dealer, Claycross powersports and spoke to a guy there regarding information on the multistrada. Well the facts are they are due to have FOUR, yes four demonstrators in for the end of March:
One standard
One standard with ABS
One touring model
One sport model
Also they have sold 3 out of 4 of their initial allocation, all touring spec (which indicates to me that people are looking on this bike as a possible against the BM). I enquired about running costs, as like others on here I have heard about Ducati "service" costs...
He stated no more expensive that any large capacity bike and as the service intervals are now 20000 kms or 15000 miles it should see the work shop a lot less than usual.
I have put my name down for a test ride, I'll try the standard with ABS and the touring model when they get them in.

Right, then went to Triumph world at Chesterfield and looked at the tiger. Not a bad bike but boy, doesn't that pillion seat look "challenging'. I sat on one and the missus climbed on board (!) and she didn't like it straight away. She was perched really high and said later that she felt like she was falling forwards all the time.

For the price though, even with all the toys it is a lot of bike for under 10k. Not sure about it to be honest, I think I'll arrange a test ride in the next few weeks before the Duke.

Thanks for the input guys...
Neil.

 

[mumfy]

If you have no intention of off roading why would you buy a GS?

There are loads of far more accomplished road bikes than a GS and plenty better at touring. A GS has poor weather protection and is less well equiped for touring than an RT / LT.

If you aren't off roading then the KTM Adventure is a complete non-starter. The front wheel makes cornering vague and the suspension has way too much travel for entirely road use.

I'd have a word with some independant Ducati specialists about the cost of running and owning the Multistrada before you buy it. Don't take the costs of servicing at the main dealer as a guide, there are loads of 'extras' you'll need like belts and lifting cams

If you must have and enduro style bike but just for road use I'd take a look at the Tiger or a Guzzi

how do you now you ride a hardly

 

[Owen Snell]

If you have no intention of off roading why would you buy a GS? ...

Because it's a big bike for big blokes. If you are tall, the GS fits the bill for on road riding. I reckon a lot of Tossers on here have a GS because of its size, not because they want to go off road. Not all of us have the 'choice' of a wide range of touring bikes because they are simply too small and cramped.

 

[Big Nick]

Because it's a big bike for big blokes. If you are tall, the GS fits the bill for on road riding. I reckon a lot of Tossers on here have a GS because of its size, not because they want to go off road. Not all of us have the 'choice' of a wide range of touring bikes because they are simply too small and cramped.

Completely agree, my last bike was a VFR which seemed very comfy after a sportbike. The comfort of the GS makes the VFR seem like a sportsbike (errr I think that makes sense!!)

 

[snerkler]

I've just traded my Tiger 1050 in for a 2010 GSA so can give you a good comparison of the 2, but unfortunately it does boil down to preference.

The Tiger is faster off the mark, quite noticeably so, and much smoother generally. The throttle VERY OCCASIONALLY can be a little snatchy when you roll off and on.

The GSA has a much bigger presence imo, it feels better built, has ear to ear smile making torque out of the corners, and feels much more planted in the corners. It also has much better weather protection, but the trade off for this is more wind noise.

What made me swap the Tiger for the GSA? Well I'd always wanted the GSA and I'd 'done' the Tiger. The GSA instills more confidence in the twisties, and I fancy doing a bit of light off-roading.

If I had had neither before and had the choice of the 2, I'm not sure which I'd go for. You've got the more exciting Tiger vs the more Sure footed GSA.

I can't really comment on the KTM as never ridden one. I personally haven't contemplated one of these as I like to go touring and I don't think that the KTM is as suitable for that due to the seat and the luggage.

The Multistrada is apparently light years ahead of the other 3 if you listen to MCN. It apparantly has all day comfort yet enough excitement to light anyones fire. I would love to have a go on one of these. The only things that would put me off having one is how well they'd stand up to the British weather, the size of the bike (Dukes aren't the largest bikes), and the luggage looks small.

But like others have suggested, you really need to test ride them and make your own mind up. Bikes really are personal.

 

[snerkler]

Great feedback guys.....
A little update from yesterday, I dragged SHMBO to a couple of bike shops yesterday, well she offered so I grabbed the chance....

I went to my local Ducati dealer, Claycross powersports and spoke to a guy there regarding information on the multistrada. Well the facts are they are due to have FOUR, yes four demonstrators in for the end of March:
One standard
One standard with ABS
One touring model
One sport model
Also they have sold 3 out of 4 of their initial allocation, all touring spec (which indicates to me that people are looking on this bike as a possible against the BM). I enquired about running costs, as like others on here I have heard about Ducati "service" costs...
He stated no more expensive that any large capacity bike and as the service intervals are now 20000 kms or 15000 miles it should see the work shop a lot less than usual.
I have put my name down for a test ride, I'll try the standard with ABS and the touring model when they get them in.

Right, then went to Triumph world at Chesterfield and looked at the tiger. Not a bad bike but boy, doesn't that pillion seat look "challenging'. I sat on one and the missus climbed on board (!) and she didn't like it straight away. She was perched really high and said later that she felt like she was falling forwards all the time.

For the price though, even with all the toys it is a lot of bike for under 10k. Not sure about it to be honest, I think I'll arrange a test ride in the next few weeks before the Duke.

Thanks for the input guys...
Neil.

I didn't realise Powersports are a Ducati dealer, maybe I'll pop down to look at the Multistrada, haven't seen one yet.

The Tiger IS a cracking bike for the money, but yes the pillion seat is high, and fairly small.

 

[snerkler]

Go for the GSA, you wont regret it. As for sports bikes, Ha.. You'll sneak up on them through the bends no problem, and in the real world the Bm is much quicker than them all.

I've never understood this, I've had both and only just got rid of my Gixxer 1000, and now have a GSA, and I can't see how a GS/GSA would keep up with a litre sportsbike, unless the road was very very twisty and visibility around the corners was very bad.

 

[snerkler]

Because an enduro bike isn't too clever on the road, especially over any distance

If anybody bothered to read past the first line of my post you'll see that my point is that the GS is far from the best road orientated touring bike there is. If you don't want the off road capabilities then why put up with the shortcomings

I was just trying to avoid the tedium of yet another 1200 rider complaining about the buffeting when he's bought the wrong bike

As said already, when you're 6'4" Trailie's/Enduros are the only way to go for Tourers, as the seat height on proper Tourer's is still too low.

Also, when buying a bike part of the decision comes down to image and the look of the bike. I'm not a fan of the look of Tourers.

 

[Giles]

I've never understood this, I've had both and only just got rid of my Gixxer 1000, and now have a GSA, and I can't see how a GS/GSA would keep up with a litre sportsbike, unless the road was very very twisty and visibility around the corners was very bad.

But thats exactly it ...... most sports bikes (and i mean proper sports bikes) are designed with a race track pedigree. They're blistering bikes on smooth roads with good views and of course race tracks.
But how many of your local derestricted A roads are like this? I've not long got rid of a zx6 that was principally for track days, (I don't live a million miles from Brands), and the zx was just a corking bike, brilliant front end, a real joy to track day on. But on the public roads? For the majority of the time the view was shit (head to low), suspension to hard (roads to rough), and the torque all in the wrong place for the road. On most of my favourite roads I am honestly, honestly as quick on a Pan 1300 or Job Rt1200.
You need to go remote roads in Scotland or the Isle of Man or the like to get the best out of your Gixxer / Blade / RSV4 .........

 

[Doc Savage]

to put my slant on things

I bought a 1200 GSA for a few reasons

1, Riding position - Comfy
2, My size and height - 6'3" and 20 st ( loked like a grayhound having a poo on a ninja)
3, like going off tarmac when the need may arise
4, great looks
5, not scared of getting it shit up or worrying about scratches
6, comfort on the road - most of my previous bikes were ricers
7, wife will get on the back and is relatively comfy
8, HARD luggage ( Will take a drop and not need fibre glass and superglue solutions)
9, and this is the biggest - it puts a smile on my face when I ride it!!

hope you enjoy what ever you decide it may be !!

 

[neil27]

Update on my previous ramblings.

Went for a test ride on a Tiger 1050 ABS last Thursday. Wow what a f**king ride. The engine is fantastic and just loves to be revved....

Through fast and medium to fast bends the bike is very stable, and seems to hold the entry/exit very well. I'm amazed at the whole bike really, I discounted it even before I test rode it, my mistake.

Not impressed with the riding position, although I tried the normal seat and will probably try again on the high seat, dealer didn't have one to change. A lot has been mentioned about build quality of the Triumphs, well looking at the demonstrator the finish looked very good, particularly liked the black engine and finish on the frame and swinging arm...

Wind buffeting wasn't a problem until you went way over the ton, and seemed OK to about 90. They do a touring screen for it but haven't heard good reports on this one.

All in all very surprised at the package, a great bike for a great price. Roll on end of March for a try on the Duke MS.

Thanks, Neil.

PS the pillion seat is shit, so if its a triumph she can walk..

 

[Monsieur]

Not on your list but maybe worthy of consideration is Mr Honda's finest - the Varadero.
You would be very pleasantly surprised by its supreme rider and pillion comfort, great riding position, good wind protection, magnificent touring capability and, to top it all, relatively cheap and very, very reliable

 

[illustratedman]

As said already, when you're 6'4" Trailie's/Enduros are the only way to go for Tourers, as the seat height on proper Tourer's is still too low.

My mate is 6'7 and has no probs on his fjr? his dad is 6'5 and happily rides all day on his old pan or xjr. Dont think you can generalise like that, it's all down to the individual.

 

[(RIP) Ewan]

GS/Vara/Tiger

Not on your list but maybe worthy of consideration is Mr Honda's finest - the Varadero.
You would be very pleasantly surprised by its supreme rider and pillion comfort, great riding position, good wind protection, magnificent touring capability and, to top it all, relatively cheap and very, very reliable

+1

The Varadero is a great bike and great value, I bought a 55 plate ABS model in perfect nick with full luggage (which is spacious and waterproof, btw), toured Europe as far as Turkey, two up for much of the time, and sold a year later for only £300 less. Covers distance in great comfort for rider and pillion, great riding position and wind protection and never missed a beat. It's a heavy bike to handle when stopped but you get used to it, and it suits a tall rider perfectly (I'm 6'5"). Engine is great for touring; not what you'd call sporty, but it will do distances effortlessly. Suspension is rather 'relaxed' - comfy for touring but does get to feel a bit soft when pressing on. I'd never think about taking the varadero off road because of the weight (and my limited ability!), though some people have - hats off to them!

When SWMBO got her own bike and pillion comfort was less important, I decided to change to something lighter and gruntier. Tried Tiger 1050 and GS and GSA. Opted for Tiger - felt nipper and lighter, more of a difference to the Varadero. Weight of the Tiger in kgs may be similar to the GS but it felt lighter to me when riding. Love the triple engine, torquey and revvy together, makes me smile every time. Plus, much less money than a similar spec 1200GS of similar age and mileage. No probs with build or finish, mine looks almost like new (57 plate) and has had no problems. Very happy, Highly recommended.

SWMBO still rides pillion on the Tiger with no complaints, but not over distance anymore. If I'd wanted a gruntier, nimbler bike than the Vara, but still with the road presence and pillion comfort, it would have been a 1200GS (Possibly Adventure, just because I think it's a great looking bike!)

Now also have F800GS (08 plate) for more mixed-road adventures (and because I wanted a GS, lets be honest!). Best of both worlds. Tiger 1050 and F800GS (with full alloy luggage), each bought just under 2 years old, cost well under price of new GSA with luggage. (and I could have a third bike for the price of a MultiStrada, though it does look like quite a weapon!)

All of them are great bikes, I doubt you will regret whatever decision you make. Good luck!

 

[neil27]

+1

When SWMBO got her own bike and pillion comfort was less important, I decided to change to something lighter and gruntier. Tried Tiger 1050 and GS and GSA. Opted for Tiger - felt nipper and lighter, more of a difference to the Varadero. Weight of the Tiger in kgs may be similar to the GS but it felt lighter to me when riding. Love the triple engine, torquey and revvy together, makes me smile every time. Plus, much less money than a similar spec 1200GS of similar age and mileage. No probs with build or finish, mine looks almost like new (57 plate) and has had no problems. Very happy, Highly recommended.

All of them are great bikes, I doubt you will regret whatever decision you make. Good luck!

Agreed Ewan, after testing the GS, the other day - well it wasn't a patch on the triumph to be honest. It felt 10 years older in design to be honest, as though BMW have engineered the fun out of the bike.

Cruising at around 80mph, there is nothing else and the bike really needs coaxing past the ton. Mind you its not the most aerodynamic bike ever built so that doesn't perhaps help.

The triumph is so obviously a road bike and much better at it than the GS. Why have BM decided to build a 'halfway house' of a bike, its neither a very good road bike or very good off road......?

Anyway decision made, deposit paid for the Triumph, better engine, better road holding, better road bike in my opinion. The BM is a good bike, but it could be better if it decided what it wanted to be??

Thanks, Neil.

 

[(RIP) Ewan]

The triumph is so obviously a road bike and much better at it than the GS. Why have BM decided to build a 'halfway house' of a bike, its neither a very good road bike or very good off road......?

Anyway decision made, deposit paid for the Triumph, better engine, better road holding, better road bike in my opinion. The BM is a good bike, but it could be better if it decided what it wanted to be??

Thanks, Neil.

I guess every bike is a compromise, no bike is all things to all men, so for some the GS is the right compromise, for some the Triumph, variety is the spice of life! Congrats on your purchase, I'm sure you'll have many thousands of happy miles on it with a big grin spread across your face listening to that gorgeous triple.......

 

[Colban]

Have been tempted by the Trumpet m'self.
Dont know if you are aware of the Tiger 1050 website.
http://www.tiger1050.com/
Not that we want to get rid of you of course....

 

[neil27]

Have been tempted by the Trumpet m'self.
Dont know if you are aware of the Tiger 1050 website.
http://www.tiger1050.com/
Not that we want to get rid of you of course....

Thanks mate, I have joined the forum - loads of info etc, a lot like this site, great people willing to help with advice.

Thanks, Neil.

 

[BBB61]

Anyway decision made, deposit paid for the Triumph, better engine, better road holding, better road bike in my opinion.

Let's hope you won't have any dealings with the clowns at the factory warranty department with your new ride.

 

[AdventureMagazine]

Should of looked at the SMT990 - Now thats a cracker of a bike!