I’m torn guys, and I’m sure this has been asked before so please if it has and you’re totally exasperated by it then feel free to to lash out haha. Im wanting one bike to do it all but im wanting a 17” sports tourer with a more upright seating position and after so many test rides such as:- 2025BMW S1000XR 2024 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S 2025 Triumph Tiger 800 Sport 2025 Ducati Multistrada V2S (I know it has a 19” front). I’ve come across two Multistradas, a 1260 Pikes Peak and a 1260 GT. My riding consists of the short and long days out to random places and the occasional tour for a few days further afield. I’m not a speed demon but every now and then I do like a nippy run through the twisties. Need to ensure I have something with top boxes and panniers options for the longer tours. Anyway out of the two which would you go for? p.s the Pikes Peak is about £1500 more than the GT…
Do you want Öhlins suspension or are you happy with the Sachs Skyhook ? Other than that, there appears to be no performance difference. Caché or money in your pocket ? IMO, the GT will do everything you want Andy
Over the Multi's I've had, I've never gone for a Pikes Peak, simply because I do a lot of miles over various tarmac surfaces in short stints and I really enjoy the Sachs and it's Skyhook system attached and how it deals with touring and sports combined in a single day. I've had Ohlins before on other bikes and absolutely, they are flash and performance focused. So if that's what you're looking for, it's a clear choice. As mentioned, in terms of bike performance, they are both beasts.
I've not had to touch mine (bias to GT ), so wouldn't know. But I've not had any issues over the years with the Skyhook system, I'm not sure if that makes me lucky or the norm however.
The PP Öhlins are manual, if you carry a pillion, you’ll need to manually adjust pre load and you might need to alter compression and rebound. The Skyhook can be adjusted electronically and as @freshage says, you can leave it to do its own thing. I’ve had Öhlins forks on an ST4S, 748R, 1098R, Panigale V4S and my Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak and IMO, the newer generation Öhlins are too firm and need billiard table smooth tarmac. I’ll be test riding a 2025 Multistrada V4S soon because the Skyhook gets a fantastic writeup. Andy
Have never seen a reason to “upgrade” 2017 1200S but assume that a 1260 is more of the same with a bit less of a twitchy flighty nature. Either will be fantastic!
As a PP owner, obviously I am a little biased... Ignoring the suspension differences between the models (I have never played with mine), it probably boils down to visual preferences. I myself prefer the PP livery, however the GT does have a very smart, understated look. Whichever you choose, tickling the throttle in sport mode, brings back memories of behaving like a loony on my Yamaha TDR250 35 years ago....
We've already duliscussed @Martylaa but thought I'd add to this discussion. I've previously owned a 1260S with Skyhoook and now a 1260 Pikes Peak. Both very capable bikes. The PP comes at a premium price and with a few disadvantages, and numerous good points too. If you have the money and want a more sports focused bik, but but with comfort (subjective), then the choice is clear, get one. The Ohlins suspension and forged wheels make a significant different to the quality feel of the ride. Handling is more precise and suspension finely tuneable. If you're in it for the long term the Ohlins is completely serviceable. Due to their nature finding one with full luggage isn't easy if that's what you want. I got lucky but paid quite a high price for a pristine example with touring pack and topcase. Plus I had extras from the outgoing, crash damaged, 1260S to create what I wanted. One thing I swapped over were the Touratech seats, a great upgrade on the 1260S. However, it must be noted that the PP has far better seats than the std 1260 ones. So I now have a choice of either. The GT is a comprehensive touring package to start with. No need to find all the bits and pieces to build it up adding significant chunks of cash to a used buy. The convenience of push button suspension adjustment shouldn't be overlooked. On the flipside, if the suspension goes wrong then it can get expensive. Some specialists can service the Skyhoook suspension but, the rear at least, is designed as something of a sealed unit. The GT comes with comfort seats, not the Touratech ones though. The livery can also be a deciding factor. I wasn't fully sold on the PP graphics but they've grown on me. Whereas the GT is understated, a wolf in sheep's clothing. The Termi end can on the PP doesn't add anything in terms of performance, a marginal change in tone though the silencing is really done by the CAT box. It looks a bit nicer and, along with the wheels and slightly lighter Ohlins saves some weight. The few carbon fibre bits of bodywork save a relatively insignificant amount of weight, look nice though. As a solo rider with the riding you describe either would suit you. The Pikes Peak is a more satisfying ride for me and is more of a rarity if that matters to you. They do hold that premium price over time. I know from experience that I was always wondering how much better the PP was and had I missed out when I bought the 1260S... My 996 riding best mate tried to convince me to buy a PP right at the begining but I had my sensible head on at that stage. Added to which the price difference when new, plus luggage, was far greater.
