Ot - 2014 gsw

[slowrider]

Congrats on the bike. I whole heartedly agree on your choice.

I had my 1200 Multistrada and 1200 GSW for one season together and I often chose the GSW over the Multi. I kept both for the season for a couple different friends that were visiting, but at the end of the summer I couldn't justify keeping both...well, when I wanted a new track bike

Economics aside, I was shocked at how easy the choice was for me. I just liked the GSW over what had been the best bike I had ever owned. It was for a bunch of small things that I chose the BMW over the Ducati. Better offroad, nearly as good on road, better tank range, better luggage, better center stand, better wind protection, better build quality, for me more comfortable, better fueling under 4K revs IMO.
I liked the Dynamic ESA better than the Multi's ESA - I use the different modes available whereas I pretty much just kept the Multi in Sport mode - well I changed two the riding modes (touring, urban) to match the suspension settings of Sport.

I still miss the Multi's engine, but I just hop on the Streetfighter if that ever gets to be too much

[Bob Hancock]

I don't like the side stand/center stand as much as the ones on the Oil/Cam Head. The new side stand is further forward so that you have to really stretch your leg out to reach and retract. And the center stand seems to be either longer or placed further aft as it takes more of a tug and foot press it get the bike up. Matter of fact if I have soft soled shoes it hurts.
Neither of these is a big deal, but truth in reporting.....wish they hadn't changed the stands.

[Bob Hancock]

Kevin, reference the Multi1200 vs the GSW1200, I think I am a bit quicker in the twisties on the BMW. While I enjoyed the explosive Ducati engine the handling never quite was able to catch up....at least with me on it. The frame/suspension/handling/engine integration just seems to be better on this BMW. The MultiStrada 1200 seemed to be more a cludge of parts with a monster motor rather than what I expect from a bike with race pedigree. At least with my skill set.

[KMoore]

Thanks for the thread Bob. Interesting to see the comparisons with the Multistrada from those who have owned both. BMW have always had a winner with the GS, but have seemed to have made a nice step up with the water-cooled model.