I miss my 1200S DVT Multi, stupidly sold it when I should have kept it. Now I'm hankering after another Multistrada, I've been looking at all the reviews on the new V4S versions but I've had my head turned by a couple of older Multi 1260's including the Pikes Peak versions. Anyone got any advice on what to look for on a good 1260S? Has anyone gone form a 1260 to the V4S and have they noticed the difference, did you make the right decision?
Have you gone to a dealer to try the Multi V4? Think I would try that first. V4 is not quite the same as a twin, but you might like it, still.
I’ve had 4 Multis. I preferred the DVT ones more than the original 1200S (IMHO more refined and rideable) I held off for a couple of years before getting the V4 but I have to say I think it’s the best yet. More stable, fantastic engine, love the adaptive cruise. Downsides - expensive to buy, not as good looking. Try both before you decide.
I had a 1260S -and one of all the previous Multi versions - now on a 2021 V4S. The 1260S was a great bike and I did some 30k miles on it with no problems, loved the V-Twin Torque out of corners, very addictive . The V4S is a very different bike and IMO the best Multi so far, the engine is great, handling very planted, and the technology is is also very good, apart from the Sygic sat nav which is rubbish and not used my myself and most other V4 riders. I didn't think I would use the Adaptive Cruise Control but now find it very useful on longer trips. It is also the only Multi where I have not changed the screen! For me the standard screen is excellent, quiet, no buffeting, a very pleasant surprise. It took me a while to get used the the V4 engine characteristics, the power delivery is very smooth and constant, no big lumps of Torque like the 1260. It likes to rev and you need to use the gears a lot more than on the V-Twin, when you do it is a very fast bike and it handles and brakes like a dream. Only complaint is that the OEM seat is like all Multis and needs to be re-upholstered for the best long distance comfort. Initially I missed the 1260 but after a few weeks I adapted my riding to the V4 and love it. What could be better about the V4? If it lost 50Kg in weight and had better fuel consumption it would be the perfect does everting bike.
For me, getting used to the 238kg kerb weight of my V4 Pikes Peak, has been the biggest issue. The bike is however, a big step forward over my 1st generation 1200. Do I miss that bike (which I rode for 12 years and covered 55,000 miles) ? Yes, absolutely but I’m beginning to gel with the V4 and enjoying a different style of riding. Andy
Just gone from 9 years of riding my 1200 dvt to a 1260s ( last week ) really enjoying the 1260, definitely a better bike than the dvt, the looks of the v4 put me right off to be honest, but then the 1260 isn’t exactly an oil painting
I have a perfectly good 1200 DVT, but just recently I have been drawn to the 1260. Would you say the improvement between the two is great enough to justify the change?
You will find the V4 to be a gas guzzler, it is a very smooth ride but doesn't have the character (which some say is "agricultural") of the 1260s. In short you pay your money and take your choice.
Yes definitely, although I did have the base model 1200 dvt, so no electronic suspension, or colour screen The 1260 is definitely quicker, apparently 18% more torque than the 1200, I’ve been trying different suspension & throttle settings, smooth throttle is definitely for me rather than the available dynamic setting, dynamic makes the throttle too snatchy, and I’ve gone to softer, not softest suspension setting for just pootling around, then to medium for a B Road blast, anything up from medium is way too harsh for our roads, definitely more track focussed, the bike is definitely better on fuel than my 1200 was, although I did have a decat & can on my 1200, I’m looking at getting the Akrapovic end can & possibly the dominator mid pipe after watching a very informative you tube video, the gearbox is way less clunky than my 1200 was, and the quick shifter works very well, although I still use the clutch for downshifting, all in all I’m really pleased with the 1260 thus far
Having owned a 1200S and two 1260's. Yes, there is a difference, especially if you're coming from pre DVT. And I'm talking in all areas, some small improvements, others large. But no backpedals as far as I can tell.
IMO, the Grandtourismo engine has unfairly gained a poor reputation for petrol consumption. Full power, smooth in Urban gives me the performance I’m happy with for daily use which returns upwards of 200 miles on a tank full. I recognise Sport and (heaven forbid) Race will return less but I do anything upwards of 7,000 to 9,000 miles a year, so the times I’ll be using those modes is very small. Just a note, I don’t use motorways and I try to avoid main A roads where ever possible. Andy
I just got 250 miles out of a tank on my 1260 GT. Any less than 200 is what I'd consider a sports bike range. The 250 was a run from Amsterdam to Calais.
@Martylaa Perhaps this comparo will help: Both the 1260S and the V4S have Cruise and Heated Grips Significant differences are : (* Pikes Peak Only) MTS 1260S -More Lower and Mid-Range Power -Lower Fuel Consumption -Lower, Lighter and Nimbler -17" Front Wheel -Lower Price *Lighter Forged Wheels* *Fine tunable Manual Ohlins Suspension* MTS V4S -More Top End Power -Smoother Engine -Adaptive Cruise Control -Blind Spot Detection -Longer Maintenance Interval *17" Front Wheel* *Lighter Forged Wheels* *Electronic Ohlins Suspension*
