Concours 14 Vs. Multistrada S Touring Edition - opinions ?
Cozye:
Hi, I posted this over on the Ducati forum looking for feedback but I know there are a lot of guys on here and some C14 owners that might be able to help. I'd appreciate any feedback anyone may have.
I'm a long time sport bike rider and WERA expert road racer who is burned out on sport bikes. I currently have one of my bikes, an 09 CBR 1000RR up for sale as sport riding on the street has just become a bit bland for me after spending years on the race track. I dream of doing more commuting, with lockable luggage so I can lock up my laptop bag when I go to the gym, carry stuff etc.. I can't stand wearing backpacks when I take a bike to work and sport bikes have just become to uncomfortable to ride at a casual pace. I also dream of doing weekend or even week trips, with nothing but a couple panniers worth of clothes and supplies leaving my leathers at home in favor my my Aerostich suit. I think I would really like a sport touring type of machine, something that I can ride on all day in comfort, and still handles well enough for me to enjoy the back roads at a spirited pace (sane, not knee dragging).
So I've narrowed it down to these two bikes. The 1200 S Touring or the Concours 14. Both really have their appeals and it's been difficult for me to lean one way or the other. The Duc, light, nimble, good urban utility type machine, great power, super handling, etc.. Less wind and weather protection though, a bit taller, and expensive. I had considered a 1200 GS for this "utility" type reasoning, but I've scratched it off my list.
The C14 is allegedly a wonderful sport tourer, but I am concerned a little about its weight. All of the reviews say this is not really an issue unless you are on really tight roads at a fast pace. All of the mag reviews I've read between the two bikes seem to favor the Kawi. It has a shaft drive, looks good, nice luggage, fast and should be very comfortable.
But the Duc is so sexy, the suspension and electronics are very appealing to me. It seems to be the perfect fit on paper for me if it's as good as it sounds and offers adequate wind protection.
I used to have a VFR 800, that was a nice bike, but I'm looking for something more comfortable than that was for me. I actually feel more comfortable on a 600RR than I did the VFR. Being 5'9", the reach forward for the bars seemed to leave me feeling stretched out on long rides. I've also owned a Vstrom 650. Hated that bike. It was not comfortable for me either, and did not handle well.
I do plan on riding in cool weather, and rain, so that's a factor.
I have not been able to ride either bike. I'm hoping someone on this site that has experience with both might be able to provide some helpful information.
Thanks,
Eric
Cablebandit:
Sounds like the only way you'll be able to tell is ride them back to back.
Have you taken into account maintenance, reliability, and warranty?
Cozye:
Quote from: Cablebandit on March 19, 2012, 09:45:51 AM
Sounds like the only way you'll be able to tell is ride them back to back.
Have you taken into account maintenance, reliability, and warranty?
I don't have the ability to test ride a C14 around here. No one does demo's on them. I'm a fairly competent mechanic and do all of my own maintenance. I would say the edge here would go to the C14, but the Duc is a solid bike as well and I wouldn't question the reliability of either one.
county:
Well, what do you want, a Mustang 5.o or a Cadillac CTS ?
Kannonball:
I had to make the exact same decision you are looking at and finally chose the C-14. My reasons were dealer support during warranty period (Nearest Ducati dealer is 1.5 hours away) and ease of regular maintenance. I am a very experienced mechanic but the fact is, there are many things that can go wrong with a modern car or bike that the best home mechanic either doesn't have the factory training or special tools to handle. You will not be able to diagnose or repair some problems with traction control, ABS, injection/ignition malfunction, etc. on either bike. Adjusting valves on a 4 valve Ducati is much more difficult than on the C-14 (though the C-14 ain't no picnic). So, for me it came down to which bike would I rather be broke down on in the middle of West Virginia or northern Georgia. The Kawasaki won. That said, don't believe those who say weight isn't an issue, the laws of physics don't change 'cause of some magical design that Kawasaki came up with. With the right tires and suspension setup the C-14 is an OK handling bike, but 680 pounds is 680 pounds and it will NOT change direction as quickly as the 505 pound Ducati. On tight twistys the Ducati will eat the Kawasaki alive!
Bruce
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