From what I have read on here it would suggest the V4 is an upgrade in most aspects over the 1260 apart from fuel consumption. Only you know if it is worth the additional spend. This is coming from a 1260 PP owner. I'm happy with mine and I have not ridden the V4, so I'm not looking to upgrade as the 1260 does everything I want. But who doesn't want a new bike after a couple of years?
For me the cost of change vs. the benefits of upgrade* made it a no brainer to stick with my 1260s for the time being. I had a test ride, when the V4s first became available, to see what the fuss was about and whilst I liked it the numbers didn't really stack up. If a PP V4 comes up second hand and I'm financialy in a position to move on it things might be different. * The V4 has obvious advantages other than being a newer model. The electronics package is better, engine more refined than the 1260 DVT (albeit somewhat less characterful IMHO), extended service intervals and no desmodronics making DIY even more feasible. In terms of performance there's a marginal gain but pretty negligible in the real world. It comes down to a newer bike and the feeling that brings and for the extra 10-12K or so it was going to cost just not worth it. I also didn't like, in my head anyway, the larger front wheel and the lack of SSA. My 1260s is now on 20,000 miles and has had the desmo service done. I've made numerous minor mods and it's now just how I want it and better than it was from new in many regards as a result. It does all I want so why change to a new bauble that will need more money thrown at it to add those little extras. Also higher insurance costs to factor in. Alas, unlike many on here finances are a significant factor in the buying decision for me. If you fancy a newer bike and it's easily within your means then there's nothing wrong with the V4, get a test ride if you haven't already and take it from there.
IMO, the V4 cannot be ridden as you would a V twin. I rode an early V4S for a day and was pleasantly surprised. Whilst my Multistrada 1200 is fit and well though, it is what I choose to ride. Never rode a Panigale before buying my V4 and have been totally blown away by it. It’s what you are used to but if you can do change, at least give it a test ride. Andy
You would be surprised by how less you feel the 19" wheel, I was sceptical as well but having had the V4 MS for about a year and a half, it handles as well as any of the my earlier bikes for my kind of riding - Fast long rides on public roads.. While more power is never needed, the smile it puts on your face cant be priced.
Like I said "in my head anyway", in the real world I know that it rides well. Maybe tyre manufacturers have caught up too but when the V4 was introduced there was limited choice of front tyre fitments. You do know that it's your choice, right?
Heart says one thing, head the other, going to look tomorrow, will hinge on what they'll give me for mine I guess
You are right in that, now there are "sticky" rubber options for 19" front also... But the stock rubber works pretty well for tarmac..
Bought new gloves, they didn't throw a bike in. Interestingly, the MS V4 had an oil leak onto the front wheel, I'm guessing forks, is this a known issue with them? It had done about 12,000 miles, a fair bit of oil had come out
The V4S is a brilliant bike. Fast, handles like a dream, comfortable, loads of toys on it like heated grips, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, preload button, skyhook suspension, infotainment connectivity etc etc. Absolutely brilliant bike for doing big miles, as I do nowadays. Does it have ‘character’ like my V2 Panigale or Scrambler 1100? No. But it’s still a brilliantly designed and engineered bike nonetheless, and does everything I want and need from it.
Having ridden the Multistrada V4S spiritedly these past 3 days I'd like to say that I've revised my thoughts about it not having character..........once you take it beyond 7k revs the thing is beautiful and has bags of character. It's no wonder these bikes are so popular. Its a brilliant bit of kit
Having had both a Multi 1200S (not 1260) and V4S, IMO there really is no comparison. I find the V4 a better balanced and overall significantly better bike both on road, both solo and two up fully loaded with panniers, or stripped down and on track… as I found out at Donnington a couple of weeks ago. As has been said above the 19” front (especially with Angel GT2’s or Metzelers) is barely noticeable and once over 7000rpm it has stacks of character… the engine is worth the trade alone. I’m toying with the idea of a V4 Pikes Peak but as an all rounder, for me, I can’t see how it can get any better.
