Let's be open minded. The new DVT should be marketed as a 150 bhp tourer and recalled for things like the dash and fueling issues. The XR is certainly different, filling the sport segment of adventure like bikes. A large handlebars RR (as the s1000rr was back in 2010) The KTM gt is really a muscle bike with wind protection, not a touring machine nor an all rounder. Fastest from A to B is the XR, comfiest the DVT, and more playful the GT
I demo'd an S1000 XR for an afternoon last week doing about a 100 miles or so on A and B roads, and had a Multi Enduro for a couple of days the week before. The Beemer is definitely "busy" after a V-Twin and also incredibly tractable. It (the BMW) was great for that sort of riding but I would need to ride it for longer on M-Way or dual carriageway to decide if the buzziness (although by no means terrible) would be something that might irritate on a tour. The seat to footpeg distance is a bit tighter than my Multi too but I believe a higher seat is an option. I'm not unused to in-line 4's as I also have a Suzuki GS1000S that I ride regularly and although 36 years old the GS thou is probably a bit smoother, albeit about half as powerful! In some ways I thought the XR was the opposite of the Multi in that a few times I thought I was going faster than I actually was. The quick shifter is quite nice but you have to unlearn 40 years of ingrained behaviour to use it! To be honest though neither the DVT or XR have left me thinking that I absolutely must have one of these, and in many ways I still prefer the engine characteristics of my single spark Multi with it's instant urge.
I felt the same about the XR - it's revvy and "busy" as you say. Excellent for crazy hooning but a bit tiring on a longer ride, especially if you are used to the more "relaxed" nature of v-twins.
I rode the R1200RS a little, was really disappointed, it felt like riding a double decker bus compared to my Multi, just so long and bulky. The KTM GT is the one to beat I bet, it looks so good on paper, and I bet pretty close to on paper when ridden. I think that is a good thing, as it will put Pressure on Ducati on the next upgrade on the DVT, trouble is they may jump a minor upgrade to a major overhaul in 2017.
It's a pity there are no GT demonstrators to be had. So I'm going to ride an SDR and a Super Adventure and split the difference… There's a strong part of me that just wants Ducati to fix the current issues with the DVT. For me, the big one after component and finish quality is the engine character. I rode the xDiavel last week and its engine is a big improvement on that of the Multi DVT (if not quite to original 1200 standard). Putting that engine in the Multi would therefore go a long way to making the DVT a compelling case. The same engine with a full Termi or Akra system could, I think, be awesome.
I use my SDR as an all-round bike. Its incredibly comfortable, better than my SMT and, for me, more comfortable than the 2015 skyhook Multi I test rode simply because the KTM is roomier. I felt restricted in the Multi's seat. I wanted to move back but couldn't. Its a personal choice whether you prefer the upright posture of adventure style bikes or whether you like more weight on your arms. Personally I'm more comfortable leaning forward slightly with a bit of a reach to the bars, but then I do have back trouble. The 1290 Super Adventure has more of a reach to the bars than most uprights, which suits me but it emphasises the bike's bulk. Bear in mind if test riding the Superduke that it is quite high, even more so if you fit the sumptuous comfort seat. The GT has a lower seat height and the seat is narrower where it meets the tank making it easier for shorter riders. The Akrapovich Evo decat system and remap absolutely transforms the engine. It seems to offer gains everywhere and adds the thudding bottom end which Ducati riders are used to. But it does add 2K to the price. I don't know whether there is a system for the GT. Presumably the SDR system will fit but it may interfere with the panniers.
A pal of mine turned up Wednesday night with a brand new Kawa Versys 1000. Apart from the ugly exhaust can and rear mudguard/plate holder, there wasn't a lot not to like, all in for £11,500!!! That included fog lights, heated grips, abs, traction, centre stand, 2 panniers/top box, bark buster type integrated hand guards, engine protectors and he had negotiated a fitted sat nav into the deal. Didn't get to ride it except in the car park, but the engine seemed silky smooth and the overall 'feel' when sat on, was very much akin to my 2010 MTS? I would have to seriously put that into the mix, if considering a new Adv/Sports bike, when the alternatives near enough all cost double?
They're decent at the price for sure BUT a bit heavy and only 110-120hp I think. A bit heavy and underpowered compared with Multi. I like Kwackers though...always have.
Couldn't give a shiney shite what mcn have to say about anything, it should be on the shelve next to the Dandy and the Beano. Ps bloody love my 1200s dvt
The question "is it worth the money?" The versys is definately worth the money. The suzuki vstrom is worth the money The XR is worth the money being well built and faaast The DVT is not worth the money because is cheaply executed. It should be 30% cheaper for me to neglect its issues. Ps The Honda RC213VS at € 184000 Is worth the money!
Bet the Honda servicing doesn't come cheap and I'm not expecting 40+mpg [emoji23] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hit the nail on the head there.....FOR YOU! others are total happy with their bike and do think it worth the money, why do you feel the need to assert your opinion everytime some says anything good about the DVT? We get it, you're not happy with yours, get over it!
When you compare the Japanese stuff with the European bikes they are always better value. The problem for me is it's an inline 4, been there done that for years, I'm just much happier with twin cylinder and would struggle with going back now I've had a few, they just have much more going on for me.
A v4 would be awesome having both character and silky smooth delivery, as well as power all over the rpm band
