Tbh, if KTM have sorted the Mk1 1290 GT issues (suspension, narrow power band, shit seat..) then they are going to benefit from the new V4 more than Ducati! All of the ingredients were there with a bit work.
Is the horrible vibration on the foot pegs, EXACTLY at the cruising rev range, gone as well? It also had the worst riding position of all the similar bikes I've tried.
Still fizzing about how wrong this v4 is for my expectations. I’ve decided to keep my 1200s for a year at least, add some bits and bobs to keep it fresh and fast. If Ducati haven’t sorted their merda by then I’ll be looking at KTM for my needs, the superduke gt is far closer to the sort thing that blows my frock up. I like a bit of naughty behaviour now and then on tarmac. I have a much lighter dirtbike for muddy sillyness, I don’t need a combo that doesn’t work well for either. I’m shocked that they have dropped such a massive bollock.
Sounds like the previous model then. I had an XR when they first came out. Awesome bike, but it just wanted to be ridden flat out everywhere. And the noise with the full system was just amazing at full chat, which didn’t help!
Perhaps the marketing and sales strategy was to merge the Enduro (which didn’t sell well) with the Multi (which did) and create a single model line. sensible from an economic view but feels like too many compromises have been made on both sides?
I never experienced vibrations of note on mine. In fact smoother than the ‘13 model year multi. Problems were suspension that either bounced around like an old Citroen or a firm set up that had the bike pointing at the roadside on any mid corner bump. Gearbox combined with quickshifter resulted in many missed gears, most of which were at higher speeds and least opportune moments. Switchgear was rubbish on 17 model. Comfort seat was designed by a medieval torture specialist. Power band was surprisingly narrow for a big lump.
Ducati would be crazy to not bring a sportier V4 to the market, as KTM will be taking a lot of current Ducati owners money if they don't.
Although I was talking mostly about the seating position being too forward and with the legs quite bent. This terrible vibration on the foot pegs was note by many other people during the test. Maybe something not tightened enough/to the spec? If they don't sort this out, I will definitely be trying a '21 GT as the power plant was a brute and the electronics seemed to work nicely in tandem with the frame. Another option is to give far less money and equip my '11 Multi with Ohlins Mechatronics and be done with it. It really is a lovely bike. Let alone 25kg lighter than the V4...
We've been poking fun at Ducati's expense for trashing one of their best selling model. And rightly so. Truly unbelievable. However, I'm hoping that over the next few weeks, they announce a 200 HP V4 SuperSport model to fill the gap they left behind. Otherwise, this will go down as an epic marketing fail right up there with the "New Coke" decision.
Sounds like KTM have resolved the issues. Bar riser kit made a good difference to comfort. Comfort (heated which was nice apart from the controls) seat was just a bad shape and hard. Very fooking hard and uncomfortable after a day or two Euro touring. If the road was smooth and predictable handling was very good, good enough for me to fry the back tyre within 20 minutes of hitting the first good road in Germany..but I suspect part of the tearing was down to suspension that you could not set up “just right”. Could have been tempted by the new one but once bitten twice shy. I think a steering damper would make a huge improvement for when progress is being made. Probably my biggest dislike of the GT and to an extent GS, lack of fine adjustment with electronically controlled suspension. My S1r allowed for some manual adjustment for sag, which did help. Got to think manually adjusted quality suspension would always give superior handling once set up. Though I do switch between road and dynamic on the GS when road surfaces dictate. But a remote adjuster that is easy to reach under the seat is no hardship when on the move! Given choice between the new Multi as offered so far and the GT, my money would go on the GT. Plenty of change to help resolve any small issues to.
Adventure Bike Rider seem to like the concept... https://www.adventurebikerider.com/..._contact_key=e3b385e77d2649d9e4b6edf102c7ecf9
Ran outta fuel on mine (regularly empty it) at 380miles. Popped in a 2.5litre & rode 2-miles too fill up; 33.85L. It's a keeper although I might look to get some of those cast-aluminium wheels from the new model.
I am sure they are and reflecting on the survey results.... thinking... can we persuade Ducati to keep selling the 1260 S and PP... until they get a 22 model V4 Multi with SSSA and 17" rubber and better panelling and all one colour engine.... to stop people fleeing the brand.....
Even if they wanted to I'm not sure Ducati are able to sell the 1260 as new bikes anymore due to Euro 5 regulations. I could of course be completely wrong
