R1200GS or Multistrada

[Davel]

Bought a Multistrada from Ducati Manchester in March 04. Very impressed with the dealer there.

Great fun, very flickable, good in traffic but bloody heavy clutch. Nimble so good for filtering.

For some reason, I could never get into a really comfortable riding position on the bike and the mirrors are useless for anything other than counting your elbows.

Did 5,000 miles on it and then it developed an electrical problem starting.

It took Ducati a month to get the right parts in from Italy and so I traded it in for an R1200GS, which I prefer.

Yes the Ducati is possibly nippier and more flickable, as it seems a much lighter bike and is great for short runs but, unless you get the gell seat, it is uncomfortable on anything further than a fuel tank, which is about 100 miles'ish.

Much as I loved my Ducati, and everyone should have one at some time, it is really a more sporty type bike or for older people fighting maturity (like me). For everyday use and comfort etc - go for the GS.

Whichever you choose - enjoy!

Oh and paid £7,750 for mine and got £4,200 on trade in 9 months later - Ouch!!

I would recommend Roy (Sales) or Darren (Service) at Ducati Manchester to anyone. Great guys!

 

[Davel]

Just to add that I find the GS much better both for a comfortable riding position and for being aware of just what's all around you, when riding.

Visibility is better all round and the mirrors are brilliant, compared to the Ducati Multistrada.

I do find wind buffeting much more on the BMW, but this may just be down to me not adjusting the screen yet.

Always felt the need to ride faster on the Ducati but that could be cos I've only done 650 miles on the BMW.

 

[Marco13]

Thank you Davel for your feed back.

But what about the engine torque?

Any significant difference between the two bikes?

 

[Davel]

Difficult to answer at this stage as the Ducati was probably running much better, when I sold it, with 5 k on the clock whereas the BMW has only done 650 miles and so is still pretty tight - and I'm still getting used the new bike.

Bhp is probably similar, but felt the Ducati more thrashable and chuckable - although this may just be a confidence thing at this stage.

With this weather and slippery roads, it hasn't really been the time to push the pace of the BMW much.

I have no technical skill at all and can't quote figures, but hope this helps.

 

[HMR]

The Ducati is great. If you are 160 cm or shorter.