I’m not expecting anyone to give me an answer to my quandary, as only I really know what I’d use a bike for, this is therapy to help me make a decision. After wanting a Multistrada Enduro for a few years I’m determined this will be the year I get the money together to scratch the itch. I also have some longer rides I want to do which will involve camping from the bike like I used to do 40yrs ago. I need to sell my M1000 which cripples me when I ride it now, and will be putting a couple of other non-bike related assets up for sale too. I’ve decided I simply can’t bear to part with either my 999 or 1000SS/SL Mongrel. I much prefer the look of the Enduro to the other Multistrada models, and have convinced myself to hang on until I can afford a low mileage 1260 instead of a 1200. But they command a premium over other Multis. But bearing in mind a lot of what I like about the Enduro is the proper double sided swingarm, and the nod to the 80/90’s Desert racers, I keep getting thrown by Curved Balls. Firstly came the launch of the DessertX, which look fantastic and can be found used now for the same price as a 1260 Enduro. They look so similar to the Cagiva Dakar bikes I love so much, but maybe don’t have the weather protection etc of a Multi. But, they are also not as physically big as an Enduro, I’ve sat on one and worry that I wouldn’t be as comfortable on a longer ride as an Enduro. But would of course be easier to live with in many other respects. And now, looking at Used Multis on Autotrader and Ebay, the first of the V4s (With proper Swingarms) and spoked wheels can now be found for just a little more than the price of a fully kitted low mileage 1260 Enduro. And lets face it, something like this has most of the look I’m after if I swapped the Paniers for Aluminium ones. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176671883820 Without the spoked wheels they are even cheaper than a 1260 Enduro: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196920629438 I wonder how easy it would be to graft a DessertX nose and headlights on! Oh I don’t know what I’ll end up doing.
That goes without saying if I end up on the DX route. I need to find a way to ride one a couple of hundred miles.
There must surely be demo bikes at dealers? I took out a Hypermotard 698 and put around 270 miles on it dealer knew in advance I wanted an all day ride and not just a hour out. That was DMC Stoke which may be a bit of a stretch from Southampton. I’ll guess that Bournemouth are closest for you?
My nearest dealer is Moto Rapido in Winchester, but I prefer Snells Alton, because despite being a little further it's a nicer ride to them and quicker with far less chance of traffic.
last time we went to the Harz (with our bikes in the van ), a mate rode all the way there and back (and hooned around the mountains with us when there) on his DX - and he was camping enroute there and back. he loves it!
Thanks Andy, but I need to raise the funds first and that will be at least a couple of months. They do appear to be really good value for money, although I do find it strange that despite everybody saying they love theirs there are lots available with very low miles on them.
Love my DDX. Had both a V4 Multi and a 1200 DVT. The only minus to the DDX to my mind is it doesn't have the wind protection of the V4. It is however much more agile than both 1200 and V4. I have had no issues with the seat comfort after getting used to it and it breaking in a bit. V4 guzzles fuel. My Desert X does approx 20 more miles to every gallon. If your plan is big miles then the V4 may be better but it's a big heavy bike. If it fell over, you would need to know the skills to pick it up again. If you are planning a bit of off road trails then the DDX is a no brainer imho and it's also extremely capable on road. I think Chris Northover said the biggest conundrum of buying one is whether to fit full off road tyres or pure road tyres, it's that capable at both.
My experience with the V4 is that its thirst lessens as it gets properly run in. I'm at 15,000 miles now and consumption has got progressively better. The issue of the tank being too small remains...
I felt like a change before the inevitable update for the V4 made s/h prices a bit soft. Glad i owned it but wouldn't buy another. Its a bit too much of everything for road use these days. Weight, power, size, insurance, fuel consumption....
I love mine. Best bike I’ve owned and reliability has been total. I had a 1200S (then a succession of GSs - 1200 and 1250). The V4 is my favourite by far. Contemplating swapping it for a Rally to take Trans-Canada in the summer. I know what you mean about it being a bit too much though. Tried Desert X a while back. Love the looks for a dual sport but couldn’t get properly comfortable.
