I wonder if Ducati will ever make a sports tourer again like the ST4? Upright bikes are great but you're always fighting aerodynamics and without genuine off-road ability they're missing a trick. I still like the sports tourer format as long as its comfortable and not the size of a bus, hence I'll be interested to try the 1290 GT. And they can look pretty. Great bikes though they are, none of the current crop of uprights/adventure bikes are exactly lookers. An updated ST4 with the the 1198 engine would be nice and offer an alternative flavour..
The biggest problem with two up is the panniers are on the way of the pillion. It almost push you backwards from your legs. Very poor design. The bike turn and handles great two up ! I used to have Ktm 1190 and I test ridden 1290 it's all the same. The handling and turns are spot on. Now also you can adjust the preload electronically which makes pillion carrying a lot easier. I am only going to try 1290 gt when it's out and if it's good then I might change my multi' S.
So do I. I'd like it even more with a pair of snorting underseat pipes.. Please, please, please let it have programmable electronics and a loon power mode with a 1:1 throttle response. And can I have mine in black.
It doesnt look different enough , it's just like they have done a few tweaks to a super Duke , I would of liked to of seen a whole load of changes so they could say this is the new gt bike , maybe there is more changes but looks wise it's to alike to the SD
On the comfort front, I do most miles two-up and I came to the MS from 110k miles on Yamaha FJRs. My wife thinks the Ducati is more comfortable on the back (I'm also more comfortable on the front) than the FJR and she also preferred it to the other option at the time which was the K1600. The other think which may make your other half approve is that the luggage is commodious and stylish, with the inner bags - again better than the FJR. What puzzles me is your comparison of the back brake, as I'm pretty sure the Ducati doesn't have one.
And a bigger tank using a pannier style tank as on the SMT. And I think the bars are different. And hopefully less intrusive electronics. KTM know they made a bloomer there with the SDR which is why they brought out a dongle to store the riders preferences. Looks like its got the SA's cornering lights as well. Not sure about those. I reckon they could be annoying.
So four throttle modes. The SDR, if memory serves, only has three. So a "slick/race/loon" mode as well?
Tried the DVT S model recently.Quieter than my 2010 model and felt less characteristic,maybe a bit too good-bland? Opinion changed a bit when I hit a bit of a power band at 5k revs and she opened her throat and took off. All in all not too different.Is it worth 16k,will I trade up? doubt it. Also had the XR1000 for a full afternoons test. Felt a lot faster than the DVT and dare I say it,more fun with that mental engine,quick shifter and amazing brakes,also felt more sure-footed.But those vibes man...this one had 3000 miles on it so well run it but still buzzy just where you don't want it to be and for that reason alone I wouldn't buy one.Now the R100RS,yup also took this out and it's the best of the bunch and I urge anyone to consider it as I will be when it's time to swap next season.
The new 1290 Superduke GT is what the Multistrada should be IMHO especially now there is an Enduro Multi. For the spec its very competitive against the 1200S. KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT 2016
Duke, when you say the KTM is what the Multi should be, what do you mean by that. I hope it's not what it should look like, as the Superduke's looks don't float my boat at all.
