Multi vs GS850

[MJB]

Hi Everyone,
New to the forum and presently have a F850GS. The GS is a great bike and I have really enjoyed my time with it, but recently did a multi-day tour with some mates who had big touring bikes. The GS kept up no problem, but I always felt at a bit of a disadvantage in the fast twisties from a handling perspective. The seat on the GS is also not meant for long touring. 😩 My backside was in pain from an hour into each day of riding. So, I have been thinking about alternatives and have always been a Ducati fan. Anyone with a 950/s had a 850GS before that can shed some light?

[thenozzle]

Hi MJB and  to the forum 

[Wassers]

  to the forum MJB.

I don't believe anyone on the forum has had a F800GS (I could be proved wrong).

My suggestion would be to wait until test rides are allowed again (not too long to wait now until 12th April) and test ride a 950 and see if its right for you.

[EftanD]

While this comment is probably worse than useless,  pre last lockdown I tried a Beemer XR and Ms 950s i preferred all aspects of MS. Guessing the 850 GS isn't as trick as either of those. I prefer my 950s to my RT to be honest.

[MJB]

Thanks for the comments guys. I have watched some comparison reviews between the 950s and the 900XR. All preferred the Multi. The GS is more off road orientated than the XR so I guess I can deduce from that, that the multi will be better for my type of riding, ie. 90% tar roads and 10% gravel roads.

[motorman]

The GS 850 has a 21" front wheel.  Your buddies on 1200 GS and other big ADVs have either a 19" or 17" front wheel.  There is a big difference in 21" and 19" in the handling department on road. 

Having said that, I have ridden a friend's 850 and personally, I did not like the big wheel for the road. Off road it is great though.

[shutterrev]

I'm new to this forum, but I saw this thread and might have some input.... I have just sold my F800GSA after putting 40,000 miles on it in 2.5 years, I had another F800GS before that that I put 20,000 miles on, I have also ridden the 850GS quite a bit, and the MS950 as well. So these are my thoughts between these bikes.

The F800GS/A is an excellent motorcycle, period. Ultra reliable, oh yes, Exciting?... Not really. The 850GS/A has 5, Five, more horsepower, and quite a bit more weight than it's predecessor, they handle similarly with the wheel/tire sizes though the 800's weight is more low-slung with the tail-located gas tank. Now enter the 950 Multistrada... The sexy beast, and it's snatchy 113hp L-Twin, to the 800's 85hp parallel twin... The ms might be a little thirsty on oil, and might need a minute or two to wake up, but has quite a bit more character and spiciness at the throttle, it's a pleasure to ride and not hard to look at. At the end of the day they are all high end great bikes, just depends on what you like.

[ajy1w]

In many early comparisons the 950MTS is compared alongside the GS1200/1250 as more closely related in terms performance and ride quality.  The 950's seat does not look like much but it is supper comfortable for me.  I spend all day on this bike with no problems.  Everyone is different with seat comfort.  Then again it may be the worst seat but the dam bike is so much fun you wouldn't notice and you will have difficulty prying yourself off the bike.     
The GS850 is a fun bike but the difference between these two bikes is very noticeable.     

[Jcastellvi]

Hahahaha of course you have allways been "a step behind". BMW850 (or 800 it doesnīt matter, they have the same concept behind) Itīs mented to be an "OffRoad trail bike". Ofcourse you can go fast OnRoad, but you canīt compare it with the 100% orientated Multi950. I will go further, I donīt think there are a better OnRoad Trail bike in the "medium size" market (If you can consider 113cv medium size... Wich most of journalists actually does). Maybe, KTM1290 SuperAdventure S is at the same level of the Multi1260S, forget about the 1250GS... Ducati does the best chasis always in their bikes, OnRoad, ofcourse.