A nice smooth racetrack with no white lines, potholes, or dodgy tarmac. Exactly like British roads. I'm old-fashioned, and would prefer a bike road test to be on real roads that I would ride and not on a race track. I'm sure that most GP500 bikes have brilliant handling around Silverstone but would feel like sheet around the roads of Gloucestershire.
Of course! I'm being unrealistic! You go to nice warm Spain and find a race track. That's how you work out which bike is best. Just like the UK in January! We have such a useful press!
Not what it’s been designed for though is it. though I am still prepared to bet the V4 would be quicker. It will be more agile I reckon which would suit the IOM.
Bingo! That's exactly our point. Glad you're finally coming around to recognizing what we've been saying all along. "The new Multi V4 is no longer a Sport Touring bike. It's now a dual purpose Adventure bike." Moreover, it's much heavier with a thinner rear tire and a larger rotational mass front wheel. If there was ever a shoot-out race wager between the Multi V4 and the Multi 1260PP, I say "bring it on".
Is that why all the TT bikes will be running 170 rears and 19” fronts next time it’s run The 1260 would muller the v4 round the TT, all the v4 has to offer is a tiny amount of extra bhp at its peak. It certainly won’t be more agile, heavier, less torque and higher fuel load with a smaller contact patch and if anyone thinks that a 19”front and 170 rear can compete then why not go for a 21”front and 150 rear it’s a ridiculous argument. The v4 has moved a step away from sport to tour. It’s not wrong or bad just is what it is. Happy New Year all and keep watching for Ducati’s leak of the v4 2022 Multisport as soon as their order book slows, (closely followed with heavy discounts and plummeting values on first v4 versions)... Now that would sell.... (and I’d bet that this survey’s results would be reversed.
I’d love to see a full comparison test ride video of the new V4 vs the 1260– one that takes into account all the “use cases” for what the Multistrada was designed for: touring, urban riding, sport riding, and off-road. I’d assume the V4 would be stronger than the 1260 in off-road composure, but it’d be very interesting to see how experienced riders would compare the two in long-distance touring and sport riding through mountain twisties. Personally I don’t care how they perform on the track, but it’s still be interesting to see that comparison as it should push the performance envelope of each bike. Hell, even do a 1260 Pikes Peak vs V4 S Sport to truly see the apples-to-apples comparison. Maybe 44Teeth or Visordown could do a full comparo to see how the old vs new model stack up against each other. That’d be a top viewed video I’m sure.
They’re unlikely to do it.. when the V4 shows lacking they’d be risking future all expenses lockdown exemption trips to Italy Needs an independent, and journalists aren’t
No one knows if it lacks anything, in fact every review so far says the complete opposite. Either they are all in the pay of Ducati, which some seem to think is the case, or the bike is that good.
Well we’re going to know fairly soon, real world test rides rather than fixed route showcases should be so.
I am quite content that Simon Hargreaves knows what he is talking about and always gives a fair write up of any bike.
In all fairness tor those seeking an all-rounder, the Multi V4 should prove to be excellent. However, those that have no intentions of riding off the tarmac will consider buying something else.
So be it. Have some Youtubers do it. I wanna see an honest comparo between old & new by knowledgeable riders.
exactly! Simon Hargreaves like the majority of journalists have to keep the manufactures happy. Without test rides they have no job so it’s in their interest to find all the good and politely walk past the poor. I for one will test ride it, turning up on my 2020 PP, so that gives me a great comparison, if I like it I may have one. If I’m super impressed but can’t see it replacing my PP I might have one as well. Which is exactly what I did recently, going for a test drive in an electric car just to see what the fuss was about. I had one delivered New Year’s Eve.
Mr Clarkson didn’t seem to care what he said if he didn’t like a car. I know he didn’t go on press launches but only a few manufacturers got the hump and refused to provide test cars. Manufacturers should welcome feedback both positive and negative. I’m pretty sure they listened to feedback in some surveys I have completed over the years (more comfortable seats, substantial hand guards, better wind protection). They seem to have made a conscious decision on the direction of the Multi on the basis of feedback, research and market forces. It might not be the bike you wanted but it’s a bike they believe they can sell. Until I test ride one I can’t make a sensible comparison with my previous Multistrada’s. Roll on Spring!
I think that a lot of opinions on this new bike have been set in stone, before anyone even has even had a chance to have a test ride on our glorious UK roads, for me I wanted a bike that would do it all and fulfil all my expectations, The main reason for me having a bike is touring, whether it is in the Uk or Europe, every time I have been on a tour I have encountered non-perfect roads, thanks to Garmin, but I have enjoyed every minute of it, so for me, the new Multi looks like it would fulfil all my expectations, so I have ordered one, would it not be better to be more positive about this new bike and let's see what real rider reviews are on it, I love this forum but feel there are a few negative people on it, everything thing moves forward and I believe everyone is entitled to there opinion on it, but let's wait and see!!
From a ride perspective - you are 100% correct.. But that will not change the fact 1. Its Bitsa look - no flow - Like a Picasso Abstract. 2. Engine is different colours on LHS and RHS 3. Its a twin Spar Rear Swing Arm. So for that 3 things alone - for me - right now - its a NO... no matter how good it rides. If you are fine with the looks - then I am sure you will be happy with the bike.
