Japanese to GS - what did I think?

[G&T]

In my head I have the Multistrada or GS as the next move from the Fazer FZ1. Just test rode the GS triple black.

On leaving the dealership, like 100m thought WTF. It felt looser than Trumps comments. With a few more miles I soon realised I had to drop it a gear or two to get the same power as the Fazer. But then it does start to buck around a bit. Also surprised at the vibrations through the arse

With a few more miles I calibrated myself and then settled into it. The point is, I was surprised at the differences and making the mistake of even trying to compare it to the Fazer. However I did get close. The simple switch to Dynamic brought me to Fazer territory and I liked that.

Next is the test ride of the Multistrada on Saturday. Let's see.

I will post the 2009 Fazer for sale in a day or two. 2009, immaculate and only 5500 miles.

 

[Aidan1150]

Just one thing to note about test riding a GS, any GS. A twenty minute ride is not worth a damn and will leave you thinking they are shite. What you need to do is book at least a half a day with the bike (a full day if you can) and ride everything from motorway to country lanes with grass up the middle which will give you a true idea of what a GS is and what they can do. Any dealer worth their salt knows this and will be happy to arrange the bike for you.

2p

 

[ymfb]

Having had owned both a recent Multi and a brand new GSA, I also test rode the XR & KTM SA.

The multi is not a competitor of the GS/GSA but the XR. I had an 800GS and MTS1200GT and traded both for the GSA.

The main reasons being

Shaft Drive

All year round use

30 Litre tank

This is my main mode of transport and although the Ducati had been reliable I wasn't convinced by its ability to cope with the British weather/roads.

 

[G&T]

Just one thing to note about test riding a GS, any GS. A twenty minute ride is not worth a damn and will leave you thinking they are shite. What you need to do is book at least a half a day with the bike (a full day if you can) and ride everything from motorway to country lanes with grass up the middle which will give you a true idea of what a GS is and what they can do. Any dealer worth their salt knows this and will be happy to arrange the bike for you.

2p

Agreed Aiden. 3 hours of motorway, city and country. Mrs T also got to test ride as pillion for a time. We still need to dial her in as she hasn't found a comfortable hand grip yet, but that is probably not being on a bike for the winter ��.

One other thing I would say is to get off the bike a few times and then go again. It's weird how the 2nd and 3rd rides feel better...or worse.

Question for the forum. The dealership is offering a 4% discount on triple black. Any comments?

 

[Nutty]

If you're going to look at the Multi, make sure you have a ride on the S1000XR, as that is the competition. Not a GS.

And, as said, you need a few hours on the GS to "get it".

 

[G&T]

If you're going to look at the Multi, make sure you have a ride on the S1000XR, as that is the competition. Not a GS.

And, as said, you need a few hours on the GS to "get it".

Now that's an interesting one. The XR got me to BMW in the first place. I then discounted it mainly due to the similarities with Fazer. You see I want Fazer performance but longer trips with more comfort on the bike. Literally after getting off the GS, I sat on the XR. It was like sitting on a brick by comparison. So the plan is to see if the MTS lights my fire. If so I will then try the XR.

 

[DJ GSA]

Agreed Aiden. 3 hours of motorway, city and country. Mrs T also got to test ride as pillion for a time. We still need to dial her in as she hasn't found a comfortable hand grip yet, but that is probably not being on a bike for the winter ��.

One other thing I would say is to get off the bike a few times and then go again. It's weird how the 2nd and 3rd rides feel better...or worse.

Question for the forum. The dealership is offering a 4% discount on triple black. Any comments?

Here here !

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

For two up riding if touring I would go GSA, the luggage is superior imho, with more capacity versus standard GS.

The multistrada is a good bike I owned a 2010 and test rode the new DVT one but hated the squishy 'dished' seat, hurt my knackers after an hour, not good. It's a fair bit quicker than the GS WC tho and ride wise feels pretty special. Dealer backup on a Ducati is pretty shit though, unlike BMW.

I've got an S1000XR as of March but I don't do much two up riding.

4% discount is quite good for BMW but I'm sure you can do a bit better and get a free service chucked in.

 

[J biker]

I did 19k on an Fz1s. Uprated suspension, other wise stock.
Quick and good handling (with better rear shock defo..) Overall a good bike, not outstanding. Also uncomfy on long distances. Thirsty.
Since then had Zx636r track bike
Gsxr1000k8 with flat bar conversion
2013 Multistrada
S1r sport

Now on GS LC.

By far the quickest bike was the S1r ( not talking everyday speeds though, think Euro blasts without luggage!). BUT, if your starting to look at Multi/GS you probably realise there is more to a bike than racetrack performance.
Both the GS and Multi are real world quick. Th e Duke has more top end, the GS though is suprisingly quick. To the extent I am no slower on the road. Probably need to be at European naughty speeds to enjoy the better top end. Personally I find the GS more stable. the Multi had a high speed weave that could not be dialed out despite suspension upgrades and various tyre options. Out on the GS my mate on a heavily tuned Fz1s cant loose me, and on roads I know he struggles to keep in touch (talking back roads here as the Fz1 has more top end..).

As mentioned in replies to your post, an extended test ride is essential to appreciate how good the GS is and how well it can hustle. Forget misconceptions and how it looks.

 

[Nutty]

Now that's an interesting one. The XR got me to BMW in the first place. I then discounted it mainly due to the similarities with Fazer. You see I want Fazer performance but longer trips with more comfort on the bike. Literally after getting off the GS, I sat on the XR. It was like sitting on a brick by comparison. So the plan is to see if the MTS lights my fire. If so I will then try the XR.

Funny you say that. There's a large number of people on the XR forums that have chopped their Multis in for XR's.

 

[littleade]

Agreed Aiden. 3 hours of motorway, city and country. Mrs T also got to test ride as pillion for a time. We still need to dial her in as she hasn't found a comfortable hand grip yet, but that is probably not being on a bike for the winter ��.

One other thing I would say is to get off the bike a few times and then go again. It's weird how the 2nd and 3rd rides feel better...or worse.

Question for the forum. The dealership is offering a 4% discount on triple black. Any comments?

Depending on how you intend to pay for it Blade BMW at Lickey end have 0% finance this weekend only on all new bikes which might help

 

[Tommac]

I've just changed my twin cam GS for an XR. I tested the Multi but didn't like the sloppy lower gears and the front end was a bit bouncy (which could probably be dialled out as the suspension is highly configurable). What won it for the XR is that the seating position is just about identical to the GS and it can poodle around all day at slow speeds without feeling that it is out of it's zone. That and the quick shifter which is just sublime and sadly missing from the Multi. But the best bit for me is it can be absolutely ballistic if the mood takes you. Even running in with a 9000 rev limit it is the most breathtaking and confidence inspiring performance bike I have ridden.

The seat is a bit of a plank but I got the HP seat which is great for me.

 

[grin factor]

The multi is a nice bike with a brilliant engine. I fancied one but after doing a lot of research changed my mind due to many complaints from owners, and poor back up from Ducati.