I’m going to stick with my 1200s DVT until they bring out a V4 sports tourer. If they don’t I’ll buy a different make. I don’t want a heavy, ugly, do-it-all off roader, from BMW or Ducati or any other manufacturer for that matter. In fact I’m tempted to test ride one of the Kawasaki’s and a KTM Superduke GT. Over recent years I’ve been finding the new Ducati’s are becoming less appealing, less attractive. The V4 Panigale is nowhere near as nicely designed as my 1199s Panigale Tricolore. I’d be interested to find out who the designers were then and who’s responsible now.
Did you notice that Claudio Domenicale said that because they’d reduced the size of the engine they were able to mount it ‘higher’ in the frame. Giving more ground clearance of course, for off roading. Personally I want a lower centre of gravity, lower seat height and while they’re at it a lower price! No chance of the latter.
In defence of the new V4, one item I do prefer is the exhaust, its the only item on my 1260S I dislike.
I wonder just how many of those with deposits on bikes will actually take them. I remember back to when the 1200 came out in 2009, at eicma. It was a game changer, and was a sugnificant step in performance from the previous multi and the ST that they stopped making. The dvt update was a nice facelift too, and the 1260 a nice update. This V4 though, seems to be none of the above. It's probably not significantly more powerful. It's definitely not better looking It only really wins on the integrated tech, heated seats, dash, etc. And it only really seems to appeal to those who like the enduro style of bike. I'm on the fence. I could live with the looks, like the tech, and I'm not put off by the 19" front either. But I don't need to change, and I suspect a lot of current owners who don't need to change will not bother. Let's really really hope an ST replacement comes
Humans generally hate change. Its going to be outside my budget unless i sold both my bikes ( which i am not prepared to do) and in any case, over the next year at least, how far will we be able to travel on mainland Europe, if at all? If i was where i was 4 years ago when i bought my last Multi DVT i would be interested but in the current World and me being 5 years older once it was on the market, i can't see me being in the queue to buy. That said i bet Ducati already have enough orders to satisfy much of next years production quota.
I guess I'm being harsh, but I was expecting something a bit nicer than what they have launched. Maybe not a fair comparison with the V Strom, but..... Nice tech upgrade on the new model and it may even work!? As for pace vs previous versions, all down to the rider not the bike, but handling will clearly be different with the 19". Come on Ducati, you're better than this.
I’m also on the fence for now, look forward to a few real world reviews, currently have a 2017 1200S Touring with full termi system & upmap. Can’t fault the bike, has been superb over the last 3 years, I don’t do off road (on this bike) so will look to test ride a V4S Sport in the spring as my 4 year warranty comes to an end next year, but the question I have to answer is the change worth my bike plus adding at least another £10K? Plan B is either the V2 1260 Grand Tour or PP. Or stick with what I have for a few more years and hope for a better looking, road bias V4 Pikes Peak model down the road, keeps it fun and interesting doing the research though through a difficult year!
Can't believe nobody has mentioned the screen winglets! I mean that's the MOST important news https://s4.paultan.org/image/2020/11/DUCATI_MULTISTRADA_V4_S-_61__UC207408_High-850x1275.jpg Perhaps they finally made a screen which doesn't buffet the rider? And let's hope the seat doesn't crush your nuts.
Wow this has thread become a bit of a downer! To be honest, I think Ducati isn't pandering to the UK market with the current V4 MTS line up. We have no fire roads, little in the way of dirt or sand tracks, very few light off road routes and we don't 'get' the whole adventure thing the way other markets do in terms of off roading. That said, I've got a 1260S (2019), have traveled on v long tours in all weathers, and every one of my quibbles have been addressed here... Screen a bit shit? Done. Seat too forward-slide-y and un-heated? Done. No integrated GPS? Done. Caught on a steep Italian lane which suddenly turned rocky? 19"er will be bang on. Countless autobahn miles? Radar-boom! The luggage is larger, the bike is lighter, the tech is newer. Having just paid for my 848 Evo's clearances any extra longevity is a plus! The looks are subjective (it's certainly more utilitarian, but it's growing on me), the price is only a few hundred more than I paid two years ago, and it looks like it will be a lot more comfortable. Yes, the engine is NOT a twin or the V4 from the Panigale - but while it might not have 190BHP but it equally doesn't need to rev to 16,000 either. It will be bonkers fast any way you twist it. I think it will be a significant step forward, and Ducati have been brave enough to change some of those things they've been known for to strive for it. I'll definitely have a test ride (when we're allowed to!).
I have gone for one, personally, I like the look of it and I think the V4 engine will be a peach, put an order in for a V4S Sport, del next March/April, I think it will make a great touring bike, already got two Spanish tips planned (Covid permitting) for next year, with all the technology as well the heated seats and that engine, it should be a great all-round bike!!
Ah yes I mis-understood your observation and would expect the rear foot-peg mounts to pick-up the front of the panniers as currently set-up on the 1260 & others.
Ducati may be spooked as they're seeking comments in the following survey which I've just completed. www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90286521/1706 I think it's fair to write that this new iteration of Multistrada has alienated the sport bike riders. Notwithstanding, Ducati's judgement has proven itself correct over the years. Consequently, I have faith that they know this and will fill the need they allegedly left behind.
