Thanks for pointing it, but I think there is no need for me to be an encyclopedia when there are people like you to correct me.

@lapak_racerx: I am guessing its just a typo man
the Beemer for me any day that is the R1200GS .....if i get the adventure version all the more better

Sir, I am elated to hear these words from you !!!

BMW R1200 GS is my choice

Having extensively ridden the R1200GS & the Multistrada 1200 (only about 10-15 kms), my personal opinion is as follows:

I wont put them in the same category. The GS is an enduro that is capable on street and off-road, whereas the MS is basically a semi-sports tourer that will excel on the tarmac but can handle very minimal off-road. In simple terms the MS has more sportbike character. With 150 horses in the sport mode and about 100 horses on the touring mode, its still an absolute beast and will beat the GS hollow on the tarmac, but in the dirt with its 17inch front alloy wheels nothing much to write home about.

As for technology, the MS equals or probably exceeds the GS with traction control, 3 different drive modes etc. The stock seat of the MS is a lot better than the GS. Lastly, the GS oil/service interval is 10,000kms, whereas the MS oil/service interval is a massive 24,000kms! But with so much of tech gizmos, I would guess the GS reliability may be a shade better than the Ducati.

As for India, having ridden the 1200GS on different roads, rain, heat etc for about 2500kms (log & pics will soon be put here), I can vouch that this probably one of the best superbikes to tour in India from many angles. BUT, I just learnt from BMW Bangalore dealer that their first R1200GS is being delivered to a customer at an on-road price of Rs 22 laks. I love BMW bikes but personally 22 laks is way too much to pay for what I can get out of that bike.

So how much will the Multistrada sell for in India??

@Haroon: Thanks for the inputs, no one better than you! I rode the MTS for a 1000 kms in all kind of roads here in Maharashtra and the GS as well for a good 800 kays in ML. I think you forgot a very important point - the weight. The MTS is very light at 190 kgs (!) while the BMW is substantially heavier (how much?).

I also loved the way the MTS looks and the one I rode costs around 17 on road (the MTS S with electronic suspension control) is approx 21 lacs.

And i just loved the way the Ducati sounded, absolutely insane! The BMW will struggle to make an impact on the unsuspecting dogs on side roads

Haven't ridden either of them..but if I was to go by the looks,its the Multistrada...

BMW has already proved its Enduro and touring abilities, being a favorite among tourers..
MS is the bike for a guy who is giving up an SBK for the aggressive posture and wants to get a tourer and yet be able to relate to the power of a sports bike..

Nope, i am with you, now can i have that CBR ???

Oh yes, I agree in the handling department the MS is way better being about 30kgs lighter, inspite of the lower center of gravity on the GS. And for looks, the Bavarians are in no way close to the Italians.

Fully agree with this.

Brilliant inputs Haroon! Personally, I would prefer the silent performer character of the BMW to the loud, gaudy, powerful Ducati. Get a superbike if you want power!

haha... i never thought i'd hear someone describe a Ducati as being "gaudy".

I would go for R 1200 GS.. I was in love with this bike the moment i saw it in Long Way Down.. BMW's are trustworthy bikes..

Multistrada for me.

The BMW looks disproportionate.

The 1150 GS in the LWR would have never made it on its own without the support truck following them. The Chassis actually snapped and they had to weld it on.

I am no expert, but watching the videos, I think they would have been better off on smaller bikes, like a 650GS.

I will not comment on a MS vs GS comparo since I have ridden neither.

One Beemer for me please......