hi Patrick. my rides were a week apart but I would have liked to have done both on the same day, in my case the result would still be the same. I'd love to know how you get on so please let us know. Enjoy the rides
I read that test last week whilst waiting to pick my multi up. Strange that the DVT only showed 140 odd bhp on their dyno.
The XR appeared to have ~20bhp over the Multi in the article where they published the output as measured. I thought they would be closer so can only conclude BMW publish wheel bhp and Ducati crank bhp in their spec's, assuming the article is correct.
Not that strange, the Ducati technical spec actually states: ▂Power 160hp - 117.7kw @ 9500rpm ▂Torque 136 Nm (100.3 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm Technical data referring to power and torque was measured on an engine test stand at Ducati.
Looking at the picture of the front of both bikes if you want a boring bland look buy yourself the BMW. Wonky eyed as well !
Not sure how the engine test was done exactly, but I presumed at fixed loads. I might be mistaken, but the DVT was about varying the valve timing according to load and demand. The gearing is probably unchanged from the previous bike but definitely seems higher geared than the BMW. I can whip out of corners a gear higher in both Touring and Sport mode. Sometimes 2 gears higher. Snapping open the throttle changes the engine response. So if the testing was done under a fixed load, the engine might just be chillin'. Also will be interesting what the full system's upmap will bring to the table.
My "150" bhp multi saw 132bhp on first dyno run, a fettle here and a tweek there and voila, 148bhp at rear wheel. Guessing that must be 160+ at the crank. Yeeeehaaaa.
Which bike has the best torque? Better torque is less likely to be affected by additional weight and thus makes for a better sport touring bike. I suppose its all relative to weight per ftlb or nm but I think the weights are similar and I'm told torque is king for least effect on "work".
Pp the missus on the back as ballast and take either for a motorway run for at least 30 min. Also depends on gearing. What I do know is that the Multi's fuel consumption don't differ much with loadout.
Both decent reviews although the guy doesn't find much not to like with either bike. I would say he's more "enthused" by the Beemer but in all fairness he was comparing the Multi with the...er Multi he already owned so that wow factor was never going hit quite the same heights that the surprise bits of the Beemer did. As an ex Beemer guy I won't say anyhting anti BMW. It's a great company with faultless customer service and they do build brilliant motorcycles. The reason I ordered my Multi and didn't wait for the XR to hit the sales rooms was because the XR didn't (and still doesn't) look like it was going to offer much in the way of two up riding re performance, luggage, carry capacity etc. The Multi on the other hand had nothing but positive reports about its ability to carry load and keep performing. In addition I liked the sound of the blue tooth abilities for comfort (even though I have now proved to everyone I dont understand it at all!) Oh - and it's a Ducati after all and like most bikers I always wanted to own at least one!
One line in the article that bothers is it say's that the DVT they tested produced the same BHP as the earlier twin spark engine. Is somebody telling fibs ?
Twin spark pushes about 135ish at the wheel. Most(all?) CJS fettled bikes will be putting out more than the DVT.
That doesn't answer the question though Psy, if according to the blurb that the DVT produces 10 more ponies than the 2013, why is it they've had the same figure off the new one as the old one ?
Sounds like marketing blurb to me, each iteration has to be better than the last to tip your conscience into needing one. Tbh 130-140 is ample for 95% of riders, I'd rather have 120 but with silky smooth and super accurate throttle control. As it happens I have the best of both worlds (thank you CJS) and the world goes backwards at an alarming rate!
I'm thinking of test riding the BM soon. But one of the deciding factors will be the coatings and finish on the BM, will the engine casing flake and corrode? will all the bolts, screws, hose clips and radiator still look new after one winters ride? If so I'm seriously considering a trade in.
Tomorrow is D day for me: going to ride the BMW S1000XR back to back with the Multistrada 2015 Then finally i can make a decision between the two
