1200 Test Ride Multi 1260s

I almost found the 1260 a bit too polished. It's an extremely accomplished device for getting you across country really rapidly, but possibly lacks some of the characterful bite of the earlier 11 degree Testastretta engine. I had a 2013 1200S and now have a DVT, and I think I prefer the older engine. That said, I'd have a grey/gold wheels 1260 in a flash!

 

That doesn't sound right, big difference when you switch mine, much more urgent throttle in Sport and less traction control intervention

Maybe the dealer or someone had changed the parameters when set to Sport..??

 

Thanks for the comparison...was thinking about a 1260 ...secondhand as I am a bit strapped for cash, but keeping my 2010 model.....I have to admit it scares the crap out of me in sport mode and being aggressive on the throttle, it's f--ing fast and I'm used to track bikes!!! The last being a 959 panigale which seemed tame....It is addictive though

 

Interesting comparison.
In 2016 after 4 1/2 years on a 1st generation 1200S I fancied a change and had a DVT on loan for a few days. I thought that while it was definitely smoother and more civilized it had lost the instant grunt and with it the character. In fact I just left the DVT in Sport mode permanently whereas one of the joys of the 1200S was the change in character from touring to sport.
I ended up with an S1000XR because I thought it made a better job of the upright sports bike job thing. It's been great but I do like a V-twin and found myself wondering a few times if the 1260 might have restored some of the character? Sounds like it hasn't

 

If anything - in my opinion - the 1260 has lost some character, and is a bit too refined. I'm sure the engineers in Borgo Panigale would be very annoyed to read that, as the engine really is a masterpiece of brutal but refined power.

 

I am sure that this "character loss" and "refinement" can be changed by the Ducati engineers with a flick of a switch (or firmware) but it has become what it is after customer feedback and with a mind at sales. It is definitely a quicker, stabler, more well mannered bike but as you point out it may be too refined for all those that have a non DVT model (me included). It's gonna be a tough choice .... (yes, I am pondering a change)

 

I tend to regard it as progress - if I stepped off my DVT onto my old 2013 1200S I'd probably find it a bit heavy and unrefined. Perhaps as we all get older (which the riding demographic is) we may all enjoy having a smoother and more refined bike. I'd have a 1260 PP in a flash... I loved my 2013 bike, but I don't miss it, because the DVT is just so much better at everything it does. Progress?

 

My two real concerns about the switch to 1260 are the stories I've read about oil consumption (1260's oil consumption seems very sporadic and random but since mine does not consume oil at all, I would be very sad if I had to top it up with substantial amounts of oil. As I regard progress that newer engines don't consume oil) and the fact that the 1200 is such a good bike that I can't find many reasons to warrant 21K euros off my wallet. One good reason is that mine does not have Skyhook which I find very convenient to say the least. A second reason is the increased mileage you get from a 1260. A third reason is the planted front. Do you think I have enough?

P.S. One thing I would not find if I had to get back to the 1200 from the 1260 is the 1200 being heavy. At 192kg empty it is LIGHT.

 

Having come from another marque, the 1260MTS being my first Ducati (though I've had test rides on Panigales and the earlier DVT and have also ridden my mates 996 on occasion), I think my bike scratches the itch for a bike with more character. But at the same time offers a suitable level of refinement both in power delivery and as a complete package. Maybe I'm Ducati's target demographic?

My 1260 consumes oil but this is from an oil leak that started about 2500 miles ago, bike is now at 6600 miles. Just a mist but it does get through a bit. Will be sorted at annual service which is due next month. Up to that point it didn't use any at all.

 

My DVT is going in for its MOT and service next week and have booked a test ride on the 1260 Multi and also the Diavel. I’m possibly more excited about the Diavel than the Multi. But probably because it’s different and not ridden one before.

 

Diavel is a wonderful thing - the new one looks amazing, and I would seriously consider one over a Monster. None of the versatility of a Multi, although I still managed a tour round the Alps on one!

 

Not enough oooo's in cool to describe the Diavel. However, it's no Monster.
In fact, very few bikes on the planet are as visceral hooligan-ish as a Monster.
Give it a twist and sh*t happens. I suspect it's this characteristic that Pre-DVT Multistrada owners liked.
As for the new 1260 Multistrada, versatility is as good as a bike can get. Ride the thing for miles. Great sportbike also.

 

I've only ridden a 1200 briefly but I can see what people mean when they talk about the type of power delivery.

My experience is from 1200DVT to 1260DVT. The latter is just 'a bit' better all round. No more than what Ducati would describe it as - an upgrade of an existing model.

There's nothing I miss about my original 1200DVT and I'm really enjoying all the little improvements on the new bike. The power is very linear, which is what I'd imagine the designers were trying to achieve. One tooth down on the front makes a lot more sense IMHO.

 

Two months and 3000 miles into ownership of 1260. Used no oil, so that’s a good start. It’s all I hoped it would be in every aspect except one. Very jerky on and off a closed throttle, particularly in the lower gears. Using the quickshifter it is ok but rocking on/ off throttle around town it’s horrible. Dealer says there is nothing wrong. Driving me nuts!

 

Hi Michael, I changed the gearing to +2R and it made a world of difference especially at lower speed. Changing the mode to urban will smooth it out around traffic as well.

 

I think you can get throttle spacers for the 1260?

 

Yes, you can get a spacer and it does help but do consider a gearing change.
BTW, I'm on my third set of spacers, plus a heat shield kit for a Panigale plus a screensaver for the Multi. I was one of Kevin and Michelle"s first client.