ok, good to know. Blow dry is a good tip. I went from using a scott-oiler for years and permanent mess to not oiling a chain at all. In reality the life of the O ring chains was roughly similar, but no lube does mean the rollers themselves wear inside. So now i give it a clean when it looks crappy, and oil it if it looks too dry, but thats not often.
I went from a V4S to a Rally, and pretty happy with the move. The Rally’s dry weight is a few kgs up (231 to 238), but that’s partly due to including the stand, wire wheels and bigger engine guard in those figures. My V4S had the first generation wire wheels which were about 3kg heavier than the Rally’s gen2 wire wheels anyway. The bike definitely sits a little higher but the suspension and steering are still pretty good and I still use Auto for the preload, but for some reason I have to run it one step harder to get it to feel the same. There is a lot of talk about being more space for the pillion, but in reality the bike is exactly the same and Ducati have just moved the metal luggage back slightly, topbox by 6mm and panniers by 30mm, I have kept my original panniers and topbox so no change for me. The new phone pocket is slightly larger, but the biggest benefit is the extra 8ltrs of fuel (about 8kg) and the rear cylinder deactivation under 3,800rpm. Admittedly I am still running in but I am seeing 56mpg (UK) and I never broke onto the 50s on my V4S no matter how I rode.
Yeah, the extra space i think was mis-quoted, because i found out the riders seat moves back when in the lower position, so they allowed the pillion seat to do the same . I have bought a lowered heated rider seat, and i think this makes the seat height the same as the V4S. Interesting regarding the suspension, i may have to do the same. I tried the auto, but for me it is a little too soft when 2 up, so i set it manually to 2 up. It is nice to be able to put it into minimum (or whatever its called). Good to hear your mpg is that good. I don't really mind given the extra tank capacity, but if it is better than my 1260 was thats a bonus
I used to use paraffin but have converted to simple green for cleaning as its way less messy and biodegradable for less care of the mess, as for lube, my go to is gear oil from a small oil can or xcp for a quick job.
Will the goodies I fitted on my V4S fit a 2024 Rally ? conqust carbon rear hugger and front mudguard Garmin Satnav bracket Thanks
I'm about to pull the trigger on the same change. 22 V4S Radar to a V4 Rally (Full). Planning to use it for Trans-Canada in the summer so the extra range, extra protection and spoked wheels very valuable additions. As a bonus the new (to me) Rally also has the cylinder shut-down, heated seats and short-arse dismount widget. If it's even close to the V4S in terms of how much I like riding it, this will be a good decision...
I test rode a Rally at least twice, possibly three times and didn’t feel there was a significant difference from my V4S.
That’s good to hear. I want it to ride exactly the same, just not need a fuel station quite to often and be tough enough for some gravel roads. I took my V4S on the Kielder Forest Drive. The bike was fine but I was always nervous about scratching or denting it. The Rally will look better when it’s got a few scars
I felt the high centre of mass made the bike a bit top heavy and not as flickable as the V4s , I liked it but for the with no need for off road the V4s is a better option for the road. The fuel range does bother me as most times on tour we stop for coffee or fags/vape and fuel as we all have different ranges and to be honest 120 miles in its nice to stop have a chat etc. Try touring with an MT10 , now thats bad riding hard , fuel light on around 70 miles (not my bike by the way ) he was following
Cheers Captain. I guess there's always the option not to fill the tank completely on normal runs. For the trip I plan, I reckon the potential downsides of the Rally are worth it.. I'm taking it out for a spin tomorrow - weather permitting - and shall report back...
Wondering if the rally tank will fit the V4S? Then you can swap tanks and see if someone wants to swap wheels with you?
Nice idea but the economics don't really make sense. I did look at up-farkling my current bike but I've found a deal on a Rally (full version), 12 months younger than my V4S, with 13,000 fewer miles on the clock and for only £3k more. It's an ex-Ducati off-road school instructor bike. It's got a couple of marks on frame and bars but as its first big trip with me will be on the Trans-Labrador Highway, I consider the existing marks an upside because I won't be scared to drop it. The Rally also has rear-cylinder shut down, the auto-lowering pre-load thingy, unused metal panniers and heated seats, none of which I have on my 22 plate V4S. Financially, it's a good deal - as long as I get on ok with the Rally...
You will like it , but feel for the Trip your planning it would be best option and the better bike with the combined off road.
