Looking at new rides...

[OMalley44]

Hi all,
I happened to see this forum and started checking things out. I am considering getting a new ride. I have a cruiser presently which has been ok but after riding a multisport bike (multistrada) I've been thinking of that type of bike. I haven't ridden the GS yet but a friend threw a cycle magazine at me the other day with the GS/Ducati comparison article on it and said these are the 2 to look at. Looking through this site, It seems that the GS could be easier to work on than the Duc. And I don't cherish the thought of large bills from the dealer. My biggest deal is I want a reliable bike that I can ride back and forth to work daily. Most of the guys that ride the Ducs are weekened riders mostly. I'll be commuting to and from work, even if it is a short distance and doing other various runs on it , not to mention longer rides with my wife. That has to be a plus is the comfort of my wife. (no surprise there!) I don't think I'll be doing too much trail riding but packed dirt roads are a definite, although much less than street riding. The Duc was a kick in the pants ride but not looking to set any speed records or scare the heck out of my wife. So, before I get to test ride one, (too cold here) , any words of advice for a potential GS owner?

Todd

[marc]

Welcome to the forum. Good questions. One thing to beware of is the magnification factor of internet forums. All bikes sound worse on-line than they are out on the road. Mostly, all bikes built these days are reliable. Most owners will get bored and sell their bike long before the bike is worn out.

Take lots of tests rides. One bike will speak louder to you than the others. That's the bike to get. If you can, take test rides with your wife. She's may not ride with you if she is uncomfortable. That's the reason a friend owns a wing... it's his two up bike. He has other bikes to ride when playing alone.

[AdamWebber]

I read the same article on the Ducati vs. BMW. True the Duc will outperform the GS across the board. Plus is has lots of features. I love my GS for a few reasons. First and foremost, I can do all of the maintenance myself. Next, it is shaft-driven. The Duc is chain drive. Definitely more ground clearance on the BMW. I've never been on the Multistrada but I hear that comfort is lacking.

Here's something new to look at: I've been reading up on the Yamaha Super Tenere (accents somewhere in there). I hear that it is comfortable and powerful. The price tag is less than either the GS or Duc. They've been a hot seller in Europe for a while now. Traction control, ABS, the whole bit. Not that I am trying to sell you (or me) on the new Yamaha but just trying to put another idea in your head. Personally, I am going to stick with the GS. For my friends who don't want to own the Beemer, I would hope and wish that they would buy a new Tenere.

[OMalley44]

thanks for the responses. The Ducati was a great ride in the twisties etc. Made me feel like I was back on my dirt bike, throwin it around the bends. The one I rode had the touring seats on it and after about a 4 hour run without much in the way of stops, I felt great. Still could feel my butt and my hips weren't stiff like I feel with a long ride on my cruiser. Hopefully the same will be true with the GS when I get to test ride one. It seems the Duc does have a lower clearance and a little less armor protecting certain areas. I like the looks of both bikes and will have to wait for warmer temps. Plus add a little more to the coffers....Maintenance is key as well. When I saw the dvd for sale that someone here made to help with a lot of things you can do on your own and the psuedo ease of it all, I was really intrigued. I don't relish getting the 1500 dollar "maintenance bill". But some of those numbers have been exagerated. I hope. I have a dealer in town that is reputable and close that sells both. Gonna stop buy likely tomorrow to start the drooling.....

[nw_gser]

Originally Posted by OMalley44

Maintenance is key as well.

I have talked with Ducati mechanics that moan about working on those bikes. A Ducati is for a Rider that has no interest in working on them or has so much money it really doesn't matter.
There is so much load on the valves from the desmodromic valve actuation that the valve guide ovalize after time. Thus the huge service bills because the heads usually are coming off for rebuild.