Nice one! I've never tried the twin multi, so this makes an interesting read. Regarding the weight feel, my previous bike was R1150 GS, which is lower, supposed to have lower center of gravity, or so people claim that's the case with boxer engines. The Rally is taller and heavier, yet it felt lighter, or easier to manipulate than GS. Can't quite explain it.
Regarding the GS, never owned one but ridden a bunch, including 2 weeks 50/50 on/off road in south africa. It does carry its weight low, but doesnt mean you don't feel its bulk as you say. At least when you drop it, it rests on its cylinders so is less distance to pick up It is also a trully outstanding bike. A friend rides one and can make it do mostly what we do, although it is clear he is closer to its limit than we are. Also, doing 60/70/80 roll on overtakes takes a bit more time for the GS to pick its skirts up and get going, especially when 2 up. By comparison on the 1260 it just goes ! as does the V4S I am fortunate that I can run a company bike which the enduro is, and its now time to change. If the Rally (or KTM) was not a better proposition I would not be changing as I do love the 1260 Enduro. The 1260 Enduro has only one negative for me anyway (but I live with it as its great in all other regards) which is it does carry its weight (i.e. fuel) high, and moving it around a garage / car park it feels it especially fully loaded with luggage. The fact the Rally addresses this is a bonus. If you get a chance to ride a 1260 multi, or 1260 enduro please do, you will probably be surprised by its ability and power.
I would know about picking up the GS from the ground. Had that b*tch on the left side 3x Always a zero speed. I'm dreading the day this might happen on the Multi. I hate the idea of dropping it.
The pre DVT Multi 1200s are so small and lightweight in comparison to the current iteration. It always amazes me how easy it is to move one around engine off. 188kg for the pre dvt 212kg for the DVT and 220kg for the V4.
I moved up to a Rally this year, my previous 2 bikes were GSAs. The Rally is a different beast in terms of engine and doesnt feel anything like as stable at really low speed, but by christ it is fun when you open the taps. Fuel economy is similar to the GSA and tank range is between 250 and 300 depending on the ride. I took it on the Ducati track day at Donington and was v impressed by its ability. the brakes were a real surprise and the bike had no issues with me dragging my knee round some of the bends (took a bit of getting my head around). I rgularly do 4-5 hour stints with little more than a fuel stop so comfort is fantastic and weather protection is good. The only real gripe is the way in which it attracts and collects shyte from the road around the swingarm/shock mount, it is quite bizarre. I would highly recommend.
Very much my feeling - our problem is that our current garage is the old coach house & tack room, which was just about big enough for the original family's Brougham, but is distinctly crowded with our heat pump, 5 bicycles, the Multi, our ST4s (which is running beautifully and about to be refreshed) and my 749R. Definitely not enough room for another Multistrada, without getting rid of one of the others, or moving the 749R to the music room - some negotiation may be required there But I'll be organising test rides over the next week or two and will be putting the Rally on the list! OTOH, we're doing a new build next year, and I've designed the garage for extra space…
Well if you are about to do a new build, what you need before you start is a 4 car garage to store the 'materials'
Just as a side note from a bystander, if i could afford the cost of a new V4 then the lower mpg wouldn't bother me. Just in the overall scene of things. I was mighty impressed with my test ride back in April. As for having to make extra stops for fuel, I find after 90 mins I want to get of my bike (any bike) for a break, so yet again it wouldn't be a deal breaker.
pcn1 I understand your view. I think the focus of this thread has become mpg, but that wasnt my objective. In my first post I was asking more general questions about the V4 & Rally, and fuel consumption was only one, yet that has become the main discussion point. Clearly fuel economy has not been a deal breaker for me since I've now bought one , but it was a minor concern and not a financial one, more logistics over the trips we do.
Many moons ago I had a 1200 Harley Sportster with a peanut tank. I recall every 80 miles for a fill up was the order of the day Just as well, the vibes had made my hands a bit numb by then
We were coming back from France in June and met 3 guys queuing at the tunnel on harleys. One of them had a small tank, and it had the front raised too. He said if he took it steady he could do 70 miles, but otherwise it was 50 miles. His mates werent too impressed
Just to report on the heating functionality - had a bit colder morning on one ride, so I thought prime time to test. Before the seat was modified, I faintly remember it was not the fastest thing to kick in, but not payed attention to it. Now that the heating element is burried a bit deeper in the saddle, it takes more time. Estimated 15 to 20 minutes. However the heat coming through feels the same intensity as before. So I'm happy to give it my thumbs up.
@MarcParnes Good info, Marc! I just picked up my Rally two weeks ago and it is time for the initial service...I was aware there were some differences in the engine, but had not seen specifics on the O2 sensors...also had not heard of the rear brake improvement. How's that Russell seat treating you? I have one on my K1600 and will be ordering one shortly for my Rally. Bernie
IMO and for what's that worth, the Multistrada 1260 Enduro was the pinnacle of Ducati's ADV bike. Big tank, lot's of range, lot's of ground clearance and lot's of low-to-mid range power. It's only drawback was it's tall size. If you could overcome that, it was a beast of an AVD bike.
Hi Bernie, I've had lots of Russell seats over the years and this one is as good as any of them. No butt pain after a day of 400+ miles which says a lot. I got their "sport" version which is quite a bit smaller and doesn't extend the reach to the ground but for me is just as comfortable as the full monte. Marc
