Some of you may have noticed my post in the @JH_1986 horror story, where I related how my local dealer declined to part ex my 2011 Multistrada with 22K. Their refusal was due to fear of inherent problems with main bearing failure. My intention had been to upgrade to a twin-spark Version 2, but without a part exchange I'd be unable to. The episode has rather scared me off, I'm afraid, despite the fact that I LOVE my Multistrada, its character, the Jekyll and Hyde nature, the comfort and the classy feel, but if a whole model is going to be blackened like this, I'm rather cagey about risking another four-figure sum on a similar model. So I have to confess that I've visited the BMW dealer! I've tried the GS1200 and the S1000XR, and found that I got on remarkably well with both. The GS wasn't the dull, agricultural, long-distance tractor I feared it was, but it was the XR which surprised me. I'd hated the S1000R naked demonstrator I tried last year, but the XR will probably get my custom. Not as monstrously torquey as my MTS, and a little more vibey, plus I'll have to get used to the more turbiney IL4 feel, but as it'll probably be my last "sporty" bike before I descend into my dotage, I'm sort of looking forward to it. I'm going to strip down my Multistrada and return it to stock in anticipation of a change, and will offer the various extras here and in Ducati Up North to fellow forum members. Scottish Ducati Club are happy for me to continue with them, even if I go over to the Dark Side. I hope I can continue to lurk on this forum, as it's the best I've come across, in terms of character and informed knowledge. Nothing's decided yet tho' - watch this space!
Go KTM! Come join me, join the dark side *evil star wars emperor voice*! My dad did a few test rides before putting his money down. S1000XR, KTM 1290 Super Adv, BMW GS & Multi Enduro. It was the GS that got his money. Everyone knocks them but that many people can'd be wrong. I must say, I still hunger for high corner speed, fast riding so i'm not up for a GS yet. I definitely feel that i've done the right thing getting the KTM but I refused to try the S1000XR because i knew I would like it and money's tight at the mo (house extension).
Yes. Unlike my Multistrada, when you're going fast on the XR you know you are! Less wind protection too, but it felt lighter and easier to turn. I'd never ridden the GS and found it really comfy-no wonder they rave about for long distances, but I missed that "Ooh, there's a gap...I'm in it" of the Ducati. @JH_1986 i looked at the KTM 1290 but found it a bit of a monster to handle, like the Enduro and the BMW GSA. I'd need a second wife to help reverse it across my lawn and into my 'garage' (shed) and after 40 years I think I'd struggle to persuade her...
Have had a couple of rides out this year, and I'm totally hooked/studying secondhand prices in preparation. Apart from some buffeting, (no worse than what I'm used to) a few minor switch gear annoyances and a barely detectable power delivery 'hunt' around 3k in the higher gears, I really couldn't fault it.
Good luck whatever you do and of course you can still contribute here Ps Henceforth you shall be known as Judas and not Dave
