This is old, but new to me. I found it interesting because before I chose the Guzzi, I was dithering between a Multistrada 1200 & 950. In fact, the Multistrada is not out of the equation and I have plenty of time to think - plus, I change my mind every few days! The video agrees with me and so must be right!
The 950 Multistrada or Guzzi V85 TT Travel. Wot would you choose? And don't complicate me up with talk of Triumphs, BMWs, or any Jap crap!
Another review, another opinion, a decent dealer would be more than happy to let you try them both back to back, it's down to personal preference at the end of the day. I did just that, it was the 1260 for me.
For my money it would be the Ducati, it's more sporty. I especially like the new s model in the GP White colour scheme which surprises me as I usually prefer less fussy, non shell suit type, design. I see the Guzzi as being slightly old-school with some farkles added. That might float your boat though. If you want a more relaxed ride, or want to go off road, it might be for you...
Defo don't want to go off-road on such a big bike - it's really shaft drive that attracted me to the Guzzi as well as never had one. I think when time comes, I will have to test ride both. Can't let my heart rule my head and must make logical decision based on a test ride. I thought before that it was more about money but, in fact, there is not a big amount difference between the 950 Multistrada and the Guzzi V85 TT Travel. The ducati is more but it is significantly more sophisticated and more powerful.
I had a 1200 DVT and loved it; traded it in for something a bit different (KTM) but have been looking at the Multi again. I've tried the 1260s and 950s and I just didn't find the 950 different enough to the 1260 (or the 1200) to warrant saving a couple of grand...but mostly I would just miss the torque of the larger capacity models (and my KTM). p.s. I'm at the point where a change would be to either the 1260 or a 1250 GS (which I think is smoother at low revs/speed, and is easier to manhandle on the drive and in the garage), but I'm thinking it might be next riding season not this.
That's a bit wrong way round to me. If you didn't find much difference between the 950 and 1260, then wouldn't it make sense to save about 5k and buy the 950?
Not really a comparable test, I know back then there wasn’t a S model in the 950 like there is now but they could have compared it against a non S 1260? I presume you looking to buy new? I’ll be looking to used when I upgrade and I think I have to wait and see what the price difference is if the two come the time as atm there aren’t any used 950S available and does that mean lack of supply will keep the used price higher compared to the more commonly available 1200-1260S?
I remember my time with shaft drive and I loved it. Almost maintenance free. It weighed an effing ton tho, GTR1000, I've been trying to gett my bikes lighter and lighter as I get older. The heft and low power of the Guzzi should re define relaxed riding for you. It wouldn't be long before you were yearning for something to get your pulse above 55 bmp. I think there's an excellent 1200 for sale on this forum TB
I would be buying new if it was the Guzzi but with Ducati, I'll see what's around when I'm in a position to buy. If a 1260 came up locally in the right condition, then I wouldn't ignore it. But if nothing was about, then it would be a new 950s. So it's all theory atm. I'll try and test ride the Ducatis at Riders and do the Guzzi from Fowlers or MotoCorsa. Both the 950 and 1260 Ducatis have a lot more power than the Guzzi and I wanna do a lot of touring with luggage. So, more power is always welcome -plus god knows what I weigh now but I just did exercises and my left leg feels f***ing heavy to me - I know that it contains metalwork but it may just be the fluid build up which I know is going on! And all based upon getting my licence back from DVLA!
Not really - the 950s and 1260s are very similar (basically the same apart from swinging arm, front wheel, seat and a few bits and bobs) but the big difference is in the engine which, for me, is a quite important element Prices of the 's' models are £13700 vs £17400...a fair gap but I guess it depends on whether you like the 1260 motor enough over the 950, and I do.
Out of curiosity (and I haven’t looked in detail at the internal specs) but is the difference just the displacement and subsequent power increase?
A sign of getting older, I think. 10 years ago it would of been go for the most powerful you can afford and then mod it to add more power! But now you've caught me fannying a round with 80hp odd Guzzzis! A sign of dementia! As whatever it is, it will be a European mule, and it is more awkward to tune up modern bikes, I think that I've been worn down by the "helpful" comments! So, the 1260 is now top of the list. Not new, but good nick used!
And why was I messing around! At my local Ducati dealer and hits the spot! Not a 's', but well, well, within price range!
https://www.ducati.com/gb/en/bikes/multistrada/multistrada-950 950S comes with Skyhook suspension according to this Ducati web site page. Andy
