Originally Posted By: DuckRyder
GS (and Triumph XC) is definitely a different class, more off road focus.
GS yes, but the Triumph XC gets panned across the board in reviews as too top heavy for decent off-roading. The GS remains King of Hill in off-road, no arguments there, and gets high marks by many for touring comfort as well.
Originally Posted By: DuckRyder
I confess to not really getting the whole Sport Adventure class, but the Multi is the bike to beat in that class. I guess it is pretty much an upright sport bike with luggage...
Agreed, but I would offer that the multi is an upright sport touring with emphasis on sport. The 2015 is finally going to get factory cruise control, although aftermarket cruise control has been available for 2010 - 2014 models for a while via Tuneboy and requires only a firmware flash no hardware needed. Comes with nudge buttons if you buy the tuning pkg with it or no nudge buttons if you buy only the cruise control flash code. On mine (no nudge bttns), you simply press the starter button down for a couple seconds while riding and it will grab and hold current speed, tap either brake lever or the clutch to disengage.
Having seen the EIMCA reveal of the 2015 Multi and pre-release spy shots of the BMW S1000 ADV they look very similar. I predict speed-wise they are going to be a very close race if not a dead tie as their weights and power numbers are close. I think it will come down to brand preference or engine layout preference (inline vs twin) for a lot of buyers. And of course proximity to dealerships for service after purchase which is a significant factor as well since neither brand has the extensive dealer networks of some competitors. I have to ride two hours to the dealer where I bought mine and they were closest among three in proximity.