Hi guys! New member here and looking for some advice really. Bit of background first. I've never owned a Ducati before. Always had Japanese bikes (and love them!). I currently own a 2021 Yamaha MT-10 SP (with all the bolt-on extras from the MT-10 Tourer edition) which I have geared up as much as possible to be touring-friendly (panniers and top box, comfort seat, heated grips, taller screen etc.), however the trips to France are becoming more frequent, as are the weekly 1.5hr each way trips to Cambridge and back. So while the MT-10 is an absolute riot of a bike and I'm madly, madly in love with her, I find myself craving something a bit more viable for touring on whilst not losing any of that fun factor that the MT-10 gives in terms of performance, handling, sound and engine character. The MT-10 just isn't cutting it in terms of keeping the wind and rain off me. Plus the range is appalling!!! 120 miles from the brim to dry, equates to petrol stops every 100 miles. Nothing against Ducati, just never been a fan and none of their bikes have ever really appealed to me before, until now. I do like my Jap stuff! Coming up with a shortlist of bikes that would deliver supreme comfort and equal the performance and fun factor of the MT-10... the list is pretty short! A couple of pre-requisites has narrowed down my shortlist considerably: Looking only in the adventure and sports tourer categories 17s front and back for sticky rubber (rules out most ADVs, but not all!) Prefer straight bars over clip-ons (rules out most sports tourers, but not all!) Preferably at least match the spec of my MT so doesn't feel like a downgrade in any area (150bhp minimum, quickshifter, cruise control, LEDs allround) Got it down to the following: BMW S1000XR Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Suzuki GSX-S1000GT I'm not convinced the BMW or the Suzuki will give me the thrills I'm after as they're boring inline 4's (as opposed to the characterful grumbly crossplane of the Yamaha that has lots of low down torque, unlike most inline 4's). Also the BMW looks quite uncomfortable with a weird cutout seat shape and very thinly padded seat (which is mad, for what's supposed to be a comfortable sports ADV / sports tourer). Took the KTM for a test ride and was uninspired by the engine, despite all the reviews going mad over the power and torque, while yes it has shedloads of grunt low down, it seems to run out of puff higher up the rev range, forcing you to short shift to keep in the power band and therefore not allowing you to really chase the rev limiter and really scream the engine out. Boring engine note! Probably down to it being a V-twin? Anyway, I'm not quite there yet, but not far from pulling the trigger. It'll be a week or two at most (hopefully). I'm waiting for the eBay auction on my MT-10 to sell before I go out and buy another bike. I'm still open-minded but I have to say, the Pikes Peak is in the frame! Firstly; as someone coming to the Ducati brand for the first time, is there anything I should be made aware of? Other than slightly higher servicing, maintenance and parts costs, of course. Secondly; I understand the Pikes Peak is more or less the same spec as the base model V4 and does not come with all the extra goodies that the V4S comes with as standard. If I buy used, and want to add these at a later date, are they all bolt-on extras that can easily be added on? Or is there some stuff that simply has to be ordered from the factory and not easily retrofitted? Thirdly; I noticed the screen on the Pikes Peak looks a lot smaller than on the V4 and V4S and some reviews complaining about the wind protection on the Pikes Peak, even for shorter riders. I assume the screens are interchangeable across the three models so I could get the taller screen if I wanted? Anyone in here care to comment on whether those claims about poor wind protection on the Pikes Peak are justified or not? Fourthly; one of the first mods I'd be interested in doing is a full system with de-cat (I like loud bikes, it's childish and yobbish, but that's what I like, I'm coming from an MT-10 with a full de-cat system and a short pipe with no baffle!) as well as a dyno tune & remap. I'm aware Ducati do an official full Akrapovic system for it but it's very expensive (I'm used to paying Black Widow prices on my Japanese bikes!!!) and still has a cat in the system anyway (albeit it a lot lighter and less restrictive than the stock cat) so is not truly a de-cat system. Are there other options available? I have looked briefly and not been able to find any! Slip-ons only, no aftermarket full de-cat systems are coming up for this bike when I search! Although I did find a number of aftermarket de-cat pipes for the stock exhaust system. Is the stock can any more restrictive than the can that comes with the full system? Comparing the stock can to the can that comes with the full system, they look identical, apart from the fact that the stock can appears to have only one pipe going into the back of it, and the can that comes with the full system appears to have two pipes going into the back of it. So presumably the stock can and the full system can are not the same or interchangeable. So, cost aside, would I be better off getting the full system with Acrapovic's little inline cat? Or would I be better off just getting an aftermarket de-cat pipe and keep the stock can and header downpipes? Are these bikes easily remapped like Japanese bikes are? Can they be done at most places that do remapping? Or do they have to go to the main dealer or a Ducati specialist for a dyno tune & remap? Any input greatly appreciated!
Metzeler now offer the Sportec M9RR in a 19” front and a 170 section rear. IMO, if it’s the Multistrada V4 you want, my advice would be the V4S not the Pikes Peak. Andy
Ducati V4 in Multi guise is no more expensive for servicing than other makes as there are no desmo valves or belts in the motor. If anything it might be a bit cheaper due to the longer service intervals. Not sure what you have read is missing from the PP compared to the V4 standard. The only thing the PP lacks is the suspension lowering option from what i understand. The Touring stuff is optional on both. Same screens fit both bikes. I have a V4S and prefer the lower screen as the standrad V4S screen is so good it can get a bit warm behind it on a hot day. De-cat systems i'm not sure on. I thought the Akra Ducati systems was a full decat. QD do a full decat but i suspect by the time you have paid for everything and the tuning box, there isn't much difference from the Ducati Akra system in price and at least the Ducati system keeps the 4 year warranty intact. https://www.qdexhaust.it/catalogo-q...-slip-on-gunshot-dark-matter-titanium-carbon/
By all accounts, if you like to chase the revs you might find your fuel stops will be just as frequent as they were on your MT10, so take that into consideration if range is a must have?
I'm not sure the V4 is quite at requiring refills at 100 miles. 120-130 maybe if ridden very hard. Its interesting that there are a few PPs up for sale now. Hyside have a brand new one in stock.
in stock and available?? would be v surprised if its not sold. my dealer said still a long wait list and i could only find 2 second hand for sale on autotrader - one a £25k and the other for £29K!!.....can't believe had mine nearly a year now.
Welcome, as a 2022 Multi V4S owner I completed 4 tours last year and have more planned for this year. I rode an R1200GS for 4 years prior. Whilst the GS is a great bike to tour on, I much prefer the V4S, it's just as comfortable on long rides but gives a much more engaging and exciting ride. In Touring mode and normal riding I'm getting 180+ miles tank range.
I have had a string of Jap bikes and only moved to a Hyperstrada about 2 years ago and then to a Multi V4 just a year ago. While I loved the Jap bikes (Kawa Eliminator 400, Ninja 650, Z800, Ninja1000), the Ducatis have a lot more "character" - good or bad, I leave that to you to decide. To answer your first question, with the Jap bikes I could get up and start the bike and ride, without having to worry about a thing. With the Hyper, I used to throw in a prayer to the almighty before turning the key. For sure, the Multi is way better than the Hyper that way but maybe Im now used to Ducatis? I dont think there is anything that is missing on the PP that is there on the STD Multi. The screens are interchangeable as someone else has already pointed out. QD Design and BHPUK are the only ones that make decat pipes for the Multi V4 as of now, other than Akra of course. The stock is for sure more restrictive than the full system exhaust. Remaps are available specific to the exhaust you are buying, if you are talking about a generic remap across the fuel/throttle range, I am not too sure if there is anything available for the Multi V4. Hope this helps
Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to my questions! Many of which may sound stupid/obvious, so I appreciate you indulging me! I take what you're saying about the Metzelers, I still think 17s would give a sportier and more flickable handling experience (I have no intention of taking the bike anywhere near a gravel road!). So cost aside, would you mind elaborating on why you would recommend the V4S over the PP? Some YouTube reviews I watched gave me the impression that the V4S comes with heated grips, heated seat, engine guard plate and centre stand as standard. However looking at the Ducati website just now, that appears not to be the case and have to be ordered separately even on the V4S. What I really want to know is - if I bought a used PP that happened to be base spec, could all of the options be added at a later date, or are there some things (like electronics packages for example) that simply can't be added afterwards? Thanks for the information on the servicing costs, screens and exhaust. All have been noted! I know there are better bikes out there for range but it's not the absolute be all and end all for me, and anything is going to be better than my MT-10! I do tend to gun it round the twisties but on a longer tour (when range actually matters) should be cruising along more casually, in theory. If MPG is comparable but I'm getting a 22 litre tank instead of a 17 litre tank, I think I'll be happy with that. I have been living with / putting up with the range on the MT so any improvement on that will be a bonus to be honest. The one for £25k is the one I'm interested in, so don't anyone get any bright ideas about gazumping me!!! LOL. I spoke to the guy already and he said he'd hold it for me while I wait for my MT to sell. I offered a deposit, he said not necessary. Seems odd. Maybe he just thought I might be a time waster and didn't want to commit to me in case someone else comes along in the meantime. He did admit it's been up for sale for a few weeks already though. I wonder if used bikes from a private seller at this sort of price point are difficult to sell because most people looking to spend that much on a bike or car usually finance them and don't have the readies available to buy the vehicle outright. If that's the case, it'll work in my favour. It's only £1,595 cheaper than buying a brand new one which makes getting one brand new a bit more appealing, however that one does have over £1,000 worth of the optional extras that I would be looking to add to a new one anyway which probably makes it a bit better value for money than getting a new one. That one listed for £29k does seem very expensive, but it is a trader selling it, and it does have some of the same options fitted that the £25k one does, as well as the full Acrapovic system and the rigid colour coded panniers so would have been over £31k out the door. Still... only a £2k saving doesn't seem very good does it! That's reassuring. Thanks. Anything above 150 miles I think I can live with so 180 sounds good! Do we think this bike has knocked the R 1250 GS off its perch??? It's about time Dicatii went to more cylinders and spring valvetrain. For all their character, their older bikes just never appealed to me, for reliability reasons and also just being too rugged/agricultural. Thanks for the info on the reliability and optional extras. I'm hoping there's not much to worry about with these new Ducatis. Certainly not heard any horror stories in the press anyway, which is more than can be said for the KTM 1290 range. I know the stock system is more restrictive than the Acrapovic full system - what I was wondering is, with a decat pipe installed, would the stock end can be any more restrictive than the end can from the full system? As they appear to be different and not interchangeable. And I assume the downpipes are much of a muchness? Regarding the remap I wouldn't be looking for a plug in and upload. Would want a fully customised map on the dyno like I had done on the MT-10. Is that possible on the Multistrada or is the ECU locked down? I know some cars are difficult/impossible to remap for this reason. Can anyone recommend anywhere in or near Kent that would be able to do this?
I ride a Multistrada 1200 (over 50,000 miles now) and until recently I rode and tracked a Panigale V4S as well. I tour and I scratch on my Multistrada and I now track another (modified) Multistrada 1200. I have ridden the Multistrada V4S and it is IMO, a very capable compromise. There was nothing I could not do on the V4 that I could do on my 1200 within reason, given the OE tyres. Again IMO, the M9RR will give the V4S that bit of bite which is missing with the OE tyres. I’m sure there will be a few who will disagree with me but you would have to be on the absolute limit to notice any difference between a 19” and 17” wheel. The V4S is ideal for scratching, touring and riding two up. It doesn’t have the sparkly Öhlins but you are more likely to pick up a V4S with all the goodies that you want and won’t get with a used PP. Bottom line, it’s your choice. Andy
Most extras can be added afterwards - stands, heated grips, panniers etc. Mine usually goes to 150 miles before the fuel light comes on. 180 miles would be pushing it to empty in my opinion. Ducati seem very good at hiding the front wheel size. The Multi doesn't feel like a 19 inch and the Desert X no way feels like a 21 inch.
I spoke to the guy in Wales advertising the one for £25k, seemed genuine enough but as you said not much of a discount, if there wasn’t a waiting list on new PP’s it would be £3k less than that, as you said shifting a £25k bike for cash from a private seller will be a challenge from my experience. There are new bikes coming up for sale with cancelled orders I’ve been told, you might negotiate a £500 discount and there’s normally a price increase in February. V4S and PP are both brilliant bikes and whichever one you choose you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you both! That's very reassuring. Although I found myself today toying with the idea of just getting the 1290 GT. Fully spec'd out one with all the optional extras still comes out cheaper than a base PP, and also cheaper than that used PP for £25k. The KTM has more power, more torque, better range, and about £10k cheaper. There's an abundance of low mileage used ones only a year or two old and my local dealer even has a brand new one listed on AutoTrader for a shade over £17k when the list price is £18,800 (whether it's actually in stock or not, not sure, could be the last of the 2022 models if they're expecting a new model for 2023 to hit the showrooms early this year so trying to shift it cheap???). One YouTube reviewer complained about the comfort levels and riding position on the KTM being too aggressive/sporty, however. I've no doubt the PP is a far superior machine overall. But the KTM is tempting... I just don't know what to do!!! LOL. Got about a week to make up my mind as my MT-10 should be gone soon.
Not really. I'm prepared to spend the extra on the Ducati if it's going to be worth it and I can see/feel/appreciate where that money has gone. If the bikes were much of a muchness I'd definitely be going with the KTM. I just know if I bought the KTM I'd constantly be wishing I'd bought the Ducati. Not a fan of V-twins anyway. Yes it's powerful but I found it ran out of puff higher up the rev range. At least with a V4 you get the best of both world. Also I'm now concerned that the KTM wouldn't match the comfort levels of the Ducati.
Having owned a few bikes from Ducati and KTM, I can safely tell you that yes, you will be wishing you’d gone with the Ducati if you went with the KTM.
The Ducati will hold its value way better than the KTM so may not work out more expensive over the ownership term. I've not ridden the KTM but the V4 is the most comfortable bike i have ever owned.
Pretty much what I was thinking/hoping. As you say the 1/2yo KTM's have depreciated quite a bit, whereas the Ducati's haven't. Especially the PP. So in theory once the initial investment is made I should be able to upgrade every couple of years for as little as a couple of grand.
Will keep you posted on my purchase, just in case anyone is interested. All signs pointing towards a PP at the moment, though.
