Please help this disillushioned GSA rider find his next ride...

[GSDonovan]

Originally Posted by Sock Monkey

I'll chime in here since I've owned or ridden all of your contestants except the Tiger Explorer (sure wish the local shop(s) would get one in for demos ).


Multistrada - Define your off-road needs a little better, because that is where the Multi may not be what you want. Dirt roads? No worries. Gravel roads (as in deep gravel)? Now it gets a bit scary w/ the 17" front wheel (and there are no alternatives....a 19" won't work even if one was available because of clearance issues with the radiator....yes, I measured it because I was seriously considering it). Also, define your sporting needs better. If you want an upright sports bike that can be ridden hard on REAL roads (you know the ones....pot holes, undulations, cracks....REAL roads, not tracks), scrape pegs, scare the local squiddies, then look no further than the MTS12. Light (420lbs dry), precise handling (with or without the Ohlins), and oh what a motor. In gears 1-3 the front will come up in Sport mode if you whack the throttle open, no pulling on the bars needed. In fact, you need to get your weight forward to PREVENT it if you really need "warp speed NOW Scotty!!!!" acceleration. If nothing else, you owe it to yourself to test ride one, just be warned.....that power/acceleration is totally addicting (DAMHIK).

Tiger 800 - I really wanted to like the little Tiger (note I rode the XC), but the buzz in the bars at highway speeds totally killed it for me. Some people don't even notice it, others say it numbs their hands in minutes (I'm the latter). Could it be solved with bar end weights and/or vibe isolating mounts? Maybe, but I'm not willing to risk $12k to find out because if it didn't, it would be a deal breaker for me. Like you, my bike is my daily driver and I have a 60 mile round trip commute, half of that is on the slab running 70mph +. My hands would be numb in 5 miles. I also wasn't a fan of how the motor spooled up (heavy flywheel, which makes for great low throttle plonking, but not so great for a quick pass until you get to higher revs, sort of like a sport bike). Some people love that and love running it at 6k+ through the twisties and just howling at the moon (and scaring some sport bike guys in the process ), but that's doesn't really fit with how/where I most enjoy riding.



Sorry for the long post. I hope some of it is helpful.

-SM

Thanks for the long post...good info. I test rode the Multistrada the other day and I was blown away with the speed, power and handling...love all the technology, too, but it also scares me....makes me worry it might be fragile, tempramental and overly expensive to maintain (even for a Duc). Any field evidence that this is the case? I think it would serve my off pavement (no off road for me with a bike like this) needs just fine...my only hesitation here is that its just too pretty to get dirty. But perhaps after owning it for a few months, that hesitation would fade away.

Tiger XC....yeah, a noticeable *buzz* in the bars at highway speeds would be a deal killer for me too. I'll be sure to test ride one before making any decisions.

[burmbuster]

and its the most versatile bike I have ever owned. It does so many things really well. As far as the buzz, you only get a small buzz through the bars at 80 mph or higher. You have to remember these are not clip-ons. They are rigid mounted clips on triple trees and to have no vibration until reaching that speed with this set-up says alot of great things about the engineering in this bike. If I wanted to travel in excess of 80 with no feeling through the grips I take my 2007 Sprint ST, which is for sale by the way.

[Sock Monkey]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

love all the technology, too, but it also scares me....makes me worry it might be fragile, tempramental and overly expensive to maintain (even for a Duc). Any field evidence that this is the case?

At last count, there were over 15,000 MTS12's on the road. The most common "gremlin" seems to be with the electronic Ohlins suspension (the dreaded "DES Error", which basically means the servo for the shock has packed it in). The only issue I've personally had (reaching for a large amount of wood.....) is a fuel sensor that went AWOL and refused to read more than half full. Fixed under warranty about 8k miles ago and never another problem. So far, it's been the least troublesome "beast" I've owned. Just in case however I did purchase the Ducati extended warranty which puts it under the factory warranty for 60 months, and everything is handled between the dealer and Ducati.....no middle-man warranty company to mess things up. The only problem is, the company Ducati contracted with to service them (Wachovia) decided to get out of the business, so you can't get those any more. The next best thing is the Western warranty, which covers most of the bike for up to 7 years total (manufacturer warranty is 2 years and the top-of-the-line Western "A" warranty tacks 5 years on top of that). Someone with that warranty will have to chime in wrt what it covers.

As for cost of maintenance, since Ducati came out with this new motor with it's 15,000 mile valve service (7500 mile oil service), it's less expensive than my BMW to maintain by about 30%. That was a pleasant surprise because I didn't expect that from a Ducati. I had the same "it's expensive to maintain" idea in my head until I talked with the service manager at the dealer and he gave me the lowdown. It sure made me feel better about the purchase.

Having said all that.....the bike IS a PITA to work on. Remove the tank? 4 hrs round trip, and I've done it half a dozen times now. Why so many? Ducati made the bike small and light by tucking everything in/under other stuff. As a result, much of the wiring harness has the connectors UNDER the bloody tank. Add heated grips? Remove the tank. Add their fancy hands free fuel cap? Remove the tank. DP mirrors with integrated turn signals? Yep, remove the tank! Arrrrgh. Valves/belts are being reported as a 10hr job (or $1k at the dealer). Oil changes are a breeze, however, so it's got that going for it.

So, like all bikes, there's good and bad. But don't shy away from the Duc for reasons of it being expensive to maintain. It's not (or at least not any more expensive than other bikes in its class).

Best of luck in your search.

-SM

[2tallnwide]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

Thanks, I am going to sell my GSA....I just got back from a 5 day trip to the Shenandoah Valley, so I need to clean it up first before taking some pics. Its got new primary ignition coils, a brand new final drive assembly, AND a new clutch...so maybe it would be lemon-free for you!

Just what I was thinkin', you've got it sorted now...

Unfortunately I'm afraid you'd never get it cheap enough to suit my financial advisor at the moment.

Just bought a new truck, bush hog, and the financial advisor wants a new travel trailer as well. Looks like my '05 Tiger will have to suffice a while longer. Heck I just put a new Corbin seat on it before coming back to work, and haven't had time to really try it out yet.

Good luck on the sale though, I sold my '05 GS right here on advrider...

[eakins]

go for the super tenere

[Dagny_Taggart]

I really miss the 300 plus mile range on my GSA. The GSA never left me anywhere but it sure gave me plenty of worries. Not to mention the fact that it hated to leave the dealership.

I bought the Super Tenere because I needed the comfort of not worrying about the reliability of my bike... and not spending time going to and from the dealer.

I love my Super Tenere, might have gone for the Tiger Explorer if it had been available... and the GSA is just a distant worry. I wouldn't go for the Ducati as a long distance runner... but it is probably fine too.

I think you would be happy with any of the non-BMW offerings...

[twinrider]

Originally Posted by Sock Monkey

At last count, there were over 15,000 MTS12's on the road.
-SM

And the rest made it home...

Sorry, as a harley owner I couldn't resist the rare opportunity to be on the other end of the joke.

[sail2xxs]

I broke the 41K mile mark on my Tenere this past Saturday; it is just over 11 months old. The bike has been absolutely reliable. I had an 800 GS before the Tenere, and though I really liked the bike when it was running, it developed too many issues and spent too much time in the shop (71 days in 42K miles to be precise - the bulk of it after the 1 year mark). I stopped trusting it after it left me at the side of the road for the third time. I've ridden the Tenere on exactly the same trails I rode the 800 GS - when you're moving, weight is not an issue. It only matters when you have to push, pull, or pick it up. The high reliability, long maintenance intervals (26k mile valve check), ease of maintenance, availability of dealers when traveling, all make a huge difference if you want the adventure to be the ride/trip, rather than wondering whether you will be flying/hitchhiking/trailering home.

Chris

[Big Daddy D]

How about a Tiger 1050? For me it was between that and the GSA. I went with the ('09) GSA. Mainly because I always had wanted it and didn't want to be wondering if I shouldn't have bought it if I went with the Tiger.

Now owning the BMW for almost two months and having had a bad battery and fuelstrip, I'm waiting for the final drive to go and am wondering if I shouldn't have taken the Tiger...

Btw. I've ridden all three Tigers and the 1050 fit me best!

Verstuurd van mijn GT-P7510 met Tapatalk

[WitchCityBallabio]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

So I've been riding a GS and then a GSA for the last 6 years. My GSA has been plagued by on and off again quality problems...particularly since my warranty ran out just a few months ago. Since buying my '08 GSA in early '09, I've had the "EWS" key ring antennae wire problem, a bad fuel pump, 2 bad primary ignition coils, brake lines replaced as part of a recall, the entire final drive assembly replaced due to a blown input shaft bearing, and I've had the clutch replaced (worn to the rivets and a very rusty spline). The last three items happened basically all at once just a few weeks ago....I was able to get BMW to cover the final drive assembly. Needless to say, I've lost a lot of confidence in the bike. So I'm researching what to get next.

I ride about 15K miles a year in all kinds of weather...weather protection is important to me as is the ability to power heated gear and a gps. I'd prefer to have ABS and traction control. Like most on here, I ride 90% pavement, but want a bike with a good athletic ability to handle dirt/gravel/poorly maintained roads. I'm on highways/interstates quite often....half my daily work commute is at 60-85mph speeds. I love a bike that is sporty and great in the twisties, but at the same time don't wnat to get blown around on the interstate or feel like I have to stop riding when the temps go below 50 degrees F. I only do week long (or longer) trips maybe once a year, so I'm not sure I need the level of pack-horse capability that my current GSA has.

I've been researching and considering the Triumph Explorer, Duc Multistrada 1200 and the Super Tenere....I'd love to hear other's opinions based on my needs and wants.

What about the Tiger 800? I haven't considered it much yet...do you think its too small for extended interstate runs? What about an FZ1?

I understand I need to get out and try to do some test rides...I plan to do that, but I still would love to hear whatever random thoughts/questions you might have.

Thanks for the help and advice!

You ride a GS(A) and you're not considering the new Stelvio NTX?

[WitchCityBallabio]

Originally Posted by GSDonovan

Thanks, everyone, for the comments so far...keep 'em comin'...



I hadn't thought of the Guzzi....I'm a bit nervous about it being a bit of an exotic (ie, possibly gremlin prone) and not having a large dealer network here in the States. However, an initial glance shows that people like 'em and the reviews look good....so I'll add this one to the list.

Between 2 dealers in my immediate area in RI, I should be able to test ride the Yamaha, Triumph and possibly the Guzzi. I have ridden the Multistrada already....it was amazingly fast, comfortable and sounded like a dream....BUT the plastic-y bits seemed pretty chintcy or cheap for such an expensive bike (felt fragile) and the weather/wind protection was pretty awful (and I rode the touring model) although I could likely fix this with some aftermarket mods. Also, I just couldn't imagine riding such a pretty bike off pavement or riding it on salted roads in the winter as I can with my GSA. I've looked closely at the Triumph, but haven't ridden it yet. It really impressed me in terms of the look and feel of the build quality. I'm hoping to ride them this coming weekend.

Didn't realize you were in RI. Razzee's is an excellent dealer, and Seacoast to the North in Derry, NH is also very good. Seacoast offers test rides with no hassle. Razzee's probably does too.

[Sock Monkey]

Originally Posted by Dagny_Taggart

I really miss the 300 plus mile range on my GSA.
.
.
I wouldn't go for the Ducati as a long distance runner... but it is probably fine too.

Not sure what you mean by the Duc not being a "long distance runner". One guy already rode his around the world.....that's pretty far.

But it brings up a good point. With the MTS12, you CAN get good gas mileage once it's broken in (around 45mpg at 65mph), but honestly I've never gotten that because I'm always running 75mph + (GPS....80+ indicated). The freeway speeds here are pretty high, and as a result I get right at 40mpg on the slab. For me, that means the low fuel light comes on at 160-170 miles, and I risk walking after 200 miles. "Spirited" canyon carving can pull the mpg figure down to the low 30's.....those 150 horses are thirsty!

-SM

[llamapacker]

I agree with Sock Monkey on the MTS12, would also add, that Ducati will work hard to keep it on the road, and backs their warranty. Excellant shop for my area also, but 180 miles from home.

The Super Tenere has slightly better tank range which can be important in some areas you may ride, they both get about the same MPG at similar speeds.

Handling on the MTS12 is supreme, and then that engine, you will spend more time trying to stay at legal speeds. Passing is easier on the MTS12 also, but Super Tenere gets it done, just allow more time.

[GSDonovan]

Manny the sales manager at my local dealership, Rayzees, let me ride their brand new blue Tenere with only 3 miles on it. I added 15 miles to it. :-) Like virtually any new bike, this one felt "very nice"....smooth engine, very comfortable ergonomics, surprisingly good wind protection/low buffeting (has tiny but adjustable windshield), had a butter-smooth gearbox, and it seemed pretty fast to me in "sport" mode (vs. "touring" mode)....BUT it wasn't amazing nor did it put a huge smile on my face like the Multistrada did. With a little less hp than my GSA and with similar torque and weight, I guess I shouldn't expect to be amazed. And that can be ok...I'm obviously looking for things other than just speed/power...although more of that would be fun. Anyway, it seems like a great, no-nonsense, heavy duty workhorse type bike...not afraid to get dirty and grimy. It might be JUST the ticket...

Hmmm....

I'm going to my local Triumph dealer tomorrow for a test ride of the Explorer and the XC.

[GSDonovan]

Originally Posted by WitchCityBallabio

You ride a GS(A) and you're not considering the new Stelvio NTX?

Yeah, my local dealer sells Moto Guzzi, but less and less these days...they only have one in their showroom at the moment and its not a Stelvio. I'll ask them about that next time I'm there...which won't be long, I'm sure.