Talking to a mate about going to Bridgewater next year, I checked out Fowlers stock in Bristol. They have this one, which is post-update, as Ducati did an update in 2023. So going to Fowlers just for a gander could be an option. And Fowlers have a good cafe! I really want to see if the 18' front wheel really appals me in real life, If it does, then I am unsure what I will do. The Multistrada is too heavy and the new monster I am having doubts about the looks. There is that carboned-up KTM Duke 890 in Fowlers to reconsider. And if I can get the turn-by-turn navigation retro-fitted along with the gizmo to get the number plate moved. this could be a better buy!
And that Ducati has most of the extras that I specified, plus spoked wheels, so knowing what it all costs, somebody had their pants pulled down when they sold it to Fowlers!
Useful to know. I don't want a quickshifter, but I know of the handlebar option. and I'll check out this one to see if I want it (if this one doesn't have it) I think that although I am worried about the 18 inch front wheel, there is so much else that is right for me, as well as no obvious alternate, I might just have to be ok with a bigger front wheel!
For as long as I can remember, I've only had bikes with 17" front wheels, and, if my memory is correct, may of even had a 16" front wheel on maybe a Honda VFR750, or CX500. I think that the idea is quicker turning. As I doubt that i would even notice nor care, it is just about looks. I wanna see one in real life, as photos can be deceptive.
Larger front wheel helps with 'soft' off road, nothing to do with turn in. On road, I defy anyone to notice any difference. Andy
But it is not really an off-road bike. Agree with the comments about allowing a softer off-road but as this bike is not really an off-roader, there is no need. Agree that most people would not notice the difference between a 17 or 18 inch front wheel and not sure that I would. I'll have to see one in the flesh and maybe ask for a test ride.
it's possible that you were thinking of a bike with a 16" front wheel Perry, as that was a worry. Early 851 comes to mind and i doubt they will ever do this again (smaller front than back) on any bike apart from a low-powered/low speed delivery motorbike or bicycle!
All this from the safety of my desk at home: I have not been to see the Ducati Scrambler in the flesh as yet, so may be talking out of my arse. The 18" front tyre on the Ducati Scrambler is not doing it for me. Then the plan was to buy something secondhand, so not have to wait for my compensation to ever turn up. B-B-B-B-B-B-But . . . . . I keep it Italien and buy an Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory new. I can either buy from Fowlers, or have Frasers of Gloucester nearer to me. We are talking around £10k. The reviews aren't great, but usually factually wrong. One in 'Bike' I think it was, criticised the bike for not having customisable anti-wheelie control. They expect the anti-wheelie control to be customisable just right, so that you are only allowed o pull 'perfect' wheelies. Turning the whole thing off and relying on your own skill is ruled out! Am I out of step with everyone? No plane anti-wheelie control, but only perfect 'anti-wheelie' control is allowed so that you can pull perfect wheelies and if you cock-up - which you will - you just blame the bike as the electronics are crap! Is this really where we are now with bike 'journalism'?
