Looking for intelligent input on a new bike.

[rogerc]

I have sold my 05 FJR 1300 and in the process of selling my 09 Vstom 650 in anticipation of buying a 2013 Ducati Multistrada S Touring.
With that kind of $$ going out and the hit of depreciation on buying a brand new bike I want to make sure that I have been "exposed" to all the bikes that fit my riding style. After all I may find something that I like for thousands cheaper!! This may be my last bike I purchase (that is what I am telling my wife anyway.)

I have been riding for 45 years, just turned 60, have about 250,000 riding miles under my belt. I am just an average rider, don't take undue risk.
I have owned about 20 different bikes.

Looking for a bike that kind of does it all. I loved the FJR and its power and bags. I will do about 3 long trips (about 1200 miles) a year. Take the bike up to Tahoe. I like to ride HWY 25 at a brisk pace etc. Also if I come across a good fire road I like to explore it. This will be less than 2% of my riding.

Bikes I am looking at not in any particular order:
Duc Multistrada
BMW 1200 GS
Triumph 800 road
Triumph 1200 Adventure
Yamaha Tenure
I am not so interested saving dollars as I am in getting the RIGHT bike for me.
Working on setting up test rides on all the bikes but I want the intelligent input from barfers.
Thanks Roger

[lvscrvs]

Intelligent input.... you came to the wrong place....

Seriously, I think the test ride will be the most telling. After the test, come back with specific questions....

Only other obvious thought that might be of use, the 800 will feel down on power compared to what you're used to and the others on your list.

Oh, and all the bikes on your list will do what you're looking for nicely depending on who you ask.... and what's a 'barfer'..... j/k, i'm a member also.

Have fun....

[Yossarian™]

Originally Posted by rogerc

Yamaha Tenure

Is that the Academia version?

I would say, though, that if your off-pavement is going to be limited to 2% or less, the Yamaha will probably be sacrificing more road manners than most of the other bikes on your list.

Any thought of a Honda Crosstourer? You might put it on your "to-try" list.

The fellow who said, "go ride them all" is giving good advice.

[argentcorvid]

Didn't see a Ulysses on your list (they won't have the shiny/new factor though). perfect for fire roads, but not so good in the loose stuff. Less power than a Multistrada, but also much cheaper and simpler to maintain.

[GrahamD]

Id say given the criteria put a CB1100 on the list as well.

But yes ride them all.

The Tenere is the dirtiest of the bunch so if you are really a 2 percenter and "sensible" then the Tiger800 is the closest to your needs, but you might find the Tenere will make you a 10 percenter in a short time.

Tiger1200 is a really good sports tourer and more FJR.

Multi would be a waste. You would be wanting to have the words maniac, suicidal and the phrase "no need for a license" but it would be easy enough off road until something fell off and broke..

Don't forget the Strom 650.

[vellies]

I signed for a new MultiStrada (Standard model) yesterday, and looked at the same bikes you are considering. The Multi is the only one that stood out to me, and the test ride was enough to convince me. By all accounts the MultiStradas are reasonably reliable, so I would not let that be a consideration for not getting one.

[llamapacker]

Standard Multi 12 is a good choice, 2013 I presume? I had the 2010 Standard, it was pretty hard to get rid of. I mean, it was pretty hard to part with. I justified selling it by having to use the dealer too much which is a long ways for me, and poor MPG or tank distance. Lotta fun tho, and I resisted putting my escort on it just barely.

[pluric]

Shaft drive is nice.

[swimmer]

Every bike on your on list is awesome. Hope that helps. Test riding will at least rule one out if something particularly annoys you.

[strider.deano]

Rogerc,

Ride them all, I have

Duc Multistrada - The best performance of those listed here but not for touring
BMW 1200 GS - Very nice bike, motor like a big diesel tractor, comfy but expensive to maintain
Triumph 800 road - the triple is sweet, the ride is harsher than others listed
Triumph 1200 Adventure - best motor of the bunch, flat torque curve and oh so smooth
Yamaha Tenure - this bike feels the biggest of those listed, largest dealer network, pretty cheap to operate but less soulful
Looks like you have eliminated any bikes with tube tires. If not, make sure you ride the 800 XC. My ST1300 just sits in the garage since I got mine. The XC works fantastic up to a 500 mile day. Then the ST gets the nod.

[Podman]

Hey Roger

I have a KTM990SMT and a S10. The KTM is more nimble (tight U-turns etc) and easier to handle for me (61y/o,5'8",158lb). The Tenere is very comfortable and well balanced. I have done long milage on both +2500 mile trip. The new GS looks interesting particularly now that it has CC. Honestly you probably can't good wrong with any of them.

[sleepyOwl]

I too was an early adopter of the Multi and have now moved to the Explorer. While I would recommend the Explorer over the Multi for the use that you are looking for, I just feel that you have to have a Multi at some time of your life. Fantastic bike but after two years I had a little nagging voice in my head as the warranty was running out. No problems with the bike that hadn't been fixed and that are usually associated with adopting a new model, but just a nagging voice...

I too found it hard to get rid of. Not many dealers werethat interested.

I would also add the new KTM 1190 to your list.

Strangely if it was (maybe) my last bike that I was looking at it would be the FJR.

Good luck. Sounds like you have some real fun timesahead testing all the bikes.

[AtlantaDR]

I have had a lot of bikes, including more recently an FJR and a C-14. The transition from the Concours 1400 to the Explorer 1200 was a great move. The riding position, the terrific motor, the suspension, brakes, ABS, Traction Control, come together to make this bike a real winner. You can't lose with any of the bikes you have listed, but I would take a good look at the Explorer.

BTW, I have a DL650 too, which I really enjoy...until I get on the Triumph.

[Blue&Yellow]

Originally Posted by lvscrvs

Intelligent input.... you came to the wrong place....

Hey! That was my line!

Anyway - here's my input:

Duc Multistrada - fun on the road but too fragile for me, I prefer studier bikes that can take a beating.
BMW 1200 GS - Good but boring, too boring for me anyway. Boxers do nothing for me. And it's pretty expensive to maintain.
Triumph 800 road - Why road? make it 800 Adv and it could be something.
Triumph 1200 Adventure - Too big and heavy.
Yamaha Tenure - Do you mean the super tenere? A failed bike. An adventure bike weighing 260kg? You've got to be joking!

My suggestion: Take a look at the BMW 800 GS! Good power, comfortable, superb MPG, nimble and good handling for it's size. As an all-rounder I prefer it over any of the bikes you've listed. Here's and excellent video review series (part 1-8!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HsP32uel68

[twinrider]

Originally Posted by Blue&Yellow

An adventure bike weighing 260kg? You've got to be joking!