I would say most of us bought with our hearts not our heads as there are cheaper (some will say better) bikes out there, but there was always that certain 'something' about having a Ducati. A very premium product that was always slightly different from anything else on the road. Now they are just non descript tools that do a job albeit very well in some cases. That emotion is now gone, in my opinion. I remember rushing out to buy my first 1098R after watching Bayliss tearing around race tracks on that beautiful machine with its magical exhaust note! Sadly, I honestly cant see myself ever buying a new Ducati again as they bring nothing to the table that gives me the 'fizz', those days are over.
Nail on the head, ever since I was a kid watching Foggie rip around on the track, I've been a Ducati enthusiast. My first Ducati was a 748E, then a 748S, 1089S, Hypermotard, 1200 Multi S and now a 1260 S GT. Each and every one of them is just silly fun with the latest being an absolute joy to ride. I will test the v4 but I just don't see the appeal in it. It just looks like all character has gone, at this point, if I was in the market for an adventure bike I'd go with GS. Simply because the new multi really wants to get into the same bed as the GS which is where they are going to lose a lot of Ducati fans. What made the 1200 and 1260 multi special to me, is the fact it 'CAN' go offroad, if you're stupid enough. It was and always is a bike that wears baggy clothes but can absolutely hoon it in the twisties.
I can't see any advantage a V4 would bring over a V2 for off-roading. I could be wrong but I believe the serious off-roading crowd has no interest in a 4cyl engine.
If the new Multi had shaft drive and better range then they just might stand a chance at the GS crowd, as it stands not a hope
Totally agree , from my first day's with a 748SP , then a 999R to a 1098S then a 1098R up to a 1200S then finally a 1200S DVT Pikes Peak, all had a 'certain something' about them, until now.
If you build a bike to stoke the emotions of everyone in this group you'll end up with a Homer Simpson car
I think this thread has delivered a clear and decisive result. The question was : If you were in the market, would you buy the new Multistrada V4 today? The answer is : 4 out of 5 wouldn’t. That is an horrendous result for Ducati or any potential new owners of the brand. It doesn’t mean it won’t sell, it means that 80% of their current clients wouldn’t replace their current model with the new one. And any business owner knows that alienating its client base is disastrous. Certainly not within their plans. Glowing results from lots of “gravy train” test riders may help a little, but Ignoring those who actually buy the bikes would be absolute commercial suicide. Their Japanese looking Monster & ridiculous Lamborghini clone won’t help at all. Next board meeting at Ducati will need to result in immediate actions, their shareholders will demand it. Only my opinion but I’ve sat in a lot of board meetings)
So what is most people gripe about it? Is it the looks? The 19” front wheel and the 170 rear or the loss of the Single Sided Swing arm? Personally I don’t think it looks too bad and will reserve full judgement when I see it in front of me. Yes it has a 19” front wheel and a skinnier rear one but again I shall reserve judgement on how that has affected the handling when I actually ride it. Yes the tyre size does mean a more limited tyre choice but it comes with Scorpion trail II tyres on it which is the same as I’m running now with no complaints. Yes I’m sure with more stickier sportier rubber I could shave a few more tenths off round Cadwell but seeing as I haven’t, and probably will have no interest in taking a multi on a track day does that really make much difference to me? mad for the single sided swing arm, yes it’s aesthetically pleasing on the eye but practically and for serviceable longevity a traditional swing arm is probably the better option? After all I haven’t heard anyone say they would blankly refuse to consider a multi 950 just because it didn’t have a single sided swing arm?
A thread like this based on a quasi survey will always attract a higher percentage of negative, which feeds more negative. The survey is irrelevant
You see, thats the thing, I don't want to go see the new Multi. It is a dissapointment to me and has left the sport in sport touring behind. I don't want a BMW or a KTM either. There is nothing the new multi has that will make me sell my 2018. I love my Multi just like it is. I just hoped for 40-50 more hp in the "same" bike. (Anyone know if there are any parts made for the 1260 engine like bigger camshafts etc?) My goto solution to explore will be a streetfighter with raised seat and adjustable rearsets. MAYBE I'll be able to tour with it although I have some doubts about it. Or a KAWA 1400.....or a 'Busa for that matter.
For me it is a little about both wheels and the aesthetics of SSSA. The original Scorpion Trail was ok at best. I swapped to Michelin Road 5 and they suits my driving style better. They give me the experience and thrill I seek when i ride. Living in Norway wet performance is important to me. I ride 8000 km on my Multi every season. Here are the Scorpions after a few laps on the track, not much touching of pegs to achieve this. Here is the Michelin Road 5's after grinding pegs and rear brake lever. I chose not to push my luck.
In terms of performance and how well it rides I'm sure the journalists are correct and Ducati have done a great job. The 19" front wheel is a concern and an indication the concept is moving away from sports tourer towards GS territory. Someone encapsulated my feeling about it a few weeks ago by saying "presenting the new Honda Multistrada". If you took off the Ducati badge it would be difficult to know it's from Bologna. In the metal and plastic it's lost the aesthetic IMHO. Maybe sounds vain but Ducati is, in part, about the 'theatre'. As a former MV Augsta rider surely you understand that? As I've previously said; I'll take one out on a test ride out of interest. I loved the V4 Panigale for its engine but full-on sports bikes are not for me. Who knows maybe I'll be persuaded/converted by the riding experience to live with the looks.
I was waiting 2 years to replace my 1200DVT that was written off... with the V4 and was planning to order one now at release. My Scrambler (had 2 bikes) comes to end of its PCP in 6 months - that will be going back because it was only ever the second bike and its in serious negative equity. So what will I buy now.... Nothing.... I will go without a bike and hope next year brings some changes. Because I think the looks on this Multi are challenging - no flow.. bits a this.. bits a that. Combine with lack of SSSA.
Perhaps there is no gripe at all. It could be more basic than that. There’s simply no attraction. The question was , If you were in the market, would you buy the new Multistrada V4 today? The answer is no. (Unless it’s yes then I guess you voted yes and the survey is irrelevant )
I tried the adv bikes years ago. GS, Yam SuperTen, KTM and Mutley 1200. It was the Mutley that took my money as it was hilarious fun. Sports bike engine with long legs & ability to hoon about or carry a Doris. If I had to do that selection now the v4Mutley wouldn’t be my choice. It’s bloated, lower mpg and stupidly pricey. That isn’t progress; it’s a shameful cop out. They’ll sell, PCP makes that possible.
Until people can ride it, its all surmising and guesswork. The idea, that those who don't like the looks of the bike assume, that Ducati have no clue what they are doing is frankly utter nonsense. It might not be what they want but to say the bike is a disaster is only looking at it from their own viewpoint. They ought to be more concerned that the Brexit tax will make the V4S, the GS, the KTMs a £20k bike in the UK.
I’ll ride one. Yes the engine seems to be a peach. Judging by vids I’ve watched. BUT, it’s flipping heavier, does less to the gallon and has more cpu’s, gyros and switches than Apollo 11.
No offence but why bother if you would never even consider buying one? I'm encouraged by the reviews and whilst it's not quite what I was expecting it doesn't fill me with fear and loathing like many other people here.
