Looking at swapping my multi 1260S for the new multi V4S. I have read a report suggesting the rear shock is terribly under sprung and its not really capable to 2 up travel, can anyone comment on this, has anyone had any experience 2 up on the V4S ?? If anyone has done the 1260S to a V4S change I would appreciate your thoughts on the differences you have found in particular the suspension Also concerned about the recalls so far, how is everybody finding the reliability of the new V4 ??
I've got the 1260s and have ridden the V4s which is a great bike and very 'smooth' however when I spent a week following a V4s around Ireland the V4s was drinking half as much petrol again as the 1260s despite the 1260s having a pillion!
I haven’t had a 1260 so cannot compare, this week I’ve ridden 900 miles on the V4S, probably 250 with a pillion and luggage, I’m guessing a combined weight of 150 kgs, maybe a tad more, but I dare not ask. No problems, why don’t you test ride it with a pillion, that’s what we did.
I can't comment on the pillion aspect but no issues with reliability at all after 7K miles, only small recalls (a bolt and an exhaust guard that had been reshaped) and the updated software - all done at the same time.
I have the same issue re a pillion and top box. Dealers don’t normally have a top box lying around to put on. Tested latest from KTM, Triumph, Ducati & Harley. None had a top box they could put on.
Their loss then. They could always think outside the box, but that’s probably asking too much, by the sounds of it.
My wife and I toured the NC500 and Orkney last year on my V4S with tank bag, panniers and 52 litre top box fitted. I had the suspension set to auto and couldn't fault the handling.
The duality as a solo B road blaster (in auto) and full on tourer is the best aspect of the V4S. I go two up touring with full luggage as well and find the suspension to be excellent… in all scenarios - no issues at all, although I prefer to firm up the suspension with pillion. Next trip is to Scotland weekend after next
I have had a 1260 enduro and now the V4 S and have toured Europe on both with my wife and top-box and panniers. The 1260 was excellent with massive storage capacity for our camping trips. Great economy average 50mpg easy Download side is its a lumpy engine at low RPM but that’s it. And the seat was rubbish for long days as it’s more off road biased The V4 has now done 8500 miles and is a very smooth bike and brilliant 2up. The down side is 37mpg and lack of storage.
I have to agree with the lack of storage. I previously owned an MTS 1200 Granturismo which came with large panniers. The V4S panniers are pretty small in comparison. To try to offset this a bit, I've just recently retired my 17 year old Givi Maxia 52 litre top box and aquired the Givi Outback 58 litre one. Now I just need to try and neatly remove all my old mountain pass stickers from the old top box and put them on the new one. Or, I could ride all those mountain passes again.....
