Hi all, first post here and I'm hoping you guys can help me choose my next bike. I have a Monster 1200s currently, great bike and am looking for something with a bit more wind protection. I test rode a Multi 950s but couldn't get on with the engine, coming from the 1200 it definitely felt like a downgrade. Also test drove the KTM 1290 which felt poorly built but had a cracking engine. The last bike I test rode was a Multi V4s and I was hooked. It just felt fantastic, minimal buffeting, brilliant engine and the electronics worked in the background. I'm looking to buy used but can only find 2021 models currently. Should I be wary of potential niggles (I've read some issues with Skyhook and the engine) and unwittingly becoming a test mule? The other option I am seriously considering is one of the last of the 1260s Multis, but I haven't ridden one and don't know what to expect. Interested in hearing your opinions on this dilemma! Thanks!
I had a Monster 1200s and changed for the same reasons, more wind protection & comfort. I bought the Multistrada V2s with travel pack. I agree with you about the downgrade in engine performance but the two factors i bought it for (wind protection & comfort) outweighed the lack of outright power. I've had it since March & have done 2,500 miles so far and i find it has enough power now I've become used to it (which I did very quickly) I did look at the V4s but that was another £5K which I didn't want to spend at the time.
I’ve had all 3 and jumping from the Monster I was a bit disappointed in the wind protection, yes less buffeting but on the V4 the noise was horrendous and my shoulders ached after half an hour, someone else noticed this on the fourm. I tried different screens but no significant difference. This will depend on your height, helmet, earplugs etc I guess and sure you’ll get used to it.. We can debate the 1260S vs the V4 all day. Depending on your budget you won’t be disappointed with a nice 1260. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16558779...Wex47KAQUK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=MORE
Any time you are considering moving to a bike or car with a drop in performance you need to employ the Fiat Cinquecento manoeuvre. Give yourself a month in/on a hopelessly weedy machine and then the 950 Multi or whatever will feel like a rocket by comparison.
Appreciate the responses guys, I am on the lookout for a good 1260s, 2021 V4s models are a good 5k more and I feel prices have some way to fall yet. One question I had was around the quick shifter on the 1260. I know I struggle with the shifter on the Monster sometimes, its not the slickest and I have never been able to find Neutral with the engine running in all the time I've had it, something to do with the design and where the selector drum is placed I believe. Is the 1260s the same? Thanks
The QS on the 1260s isn't super slick. On the up change you need to be on the gas for it work effectively. Downshifts are better but throttle needs to be closed. Both directions are sensitive to chain tension, if this is out then it's less smooth. It's a nice to have, a lot of the time I don't bother. If budget is an issue I think you're making the right descison. A nice 1260s vs. a V4 for a significant amount of cash more. Bear in mind that used 1260 will need an expensive Desmo service at 18k though. The V4 doesn't require a valve check until 36k I believe. I own and 1260s and test rode a V4s. If I had the cash I might be tempted as an indulgence but my 1260 is perfectly adequate for my needs and I have it just as I want it with accessories and minor mods to improve it. The cost of change would pay for a few tours and to my mind that's a better use of the money.
My 1200S QS has become increasingly poor the last 500 miles, going from 3rd to 2nd is a non starter and finding neutral is almost impossible. The 1260 is better IMO but guess this can change at any time. QS on these models is a bit of an afterthought compared to being designed for the bike on the new models like the V4S..
You can ask plenty of other people for opinions but what you really need to do is test ride all of them, then you’ll know.
