. Plan was to wait until next August and significant (to me )55th birthday. But after observing covid and this years madness, thinking why wait to change my GS2017, currently at 35,000km. So it still has some value here. My shortlist was: R1250gs S1000xr The multi was not even on the list. But after a test ride on the XR, realisedI just prefer twins and lots of torque. XR a great bike but just dont like the inline four characteristics. Then looking at prices realised that I can buy a multi1260 for less than a GS (with the spec I want..) Also see Ducati now have 4 year warranty. Which is a game changer. I also now live next to the best roads in Europe now, so no need for huge miles just to get somewhere good, so can go more sport orientated than pure mile eater. The GS(s) are brilliant allrounders and I will not be upset buying another, as they handle fantastic with great torque, just sometimes its not the most exciting bike on the planet. It can be nice to have a change too.. So, the s model 1260 with electronic suspension is on the radar. I dont think V4 will be as economic, have the same character or be as well sorted for any reliability issues (1st of a new model...) and also at Ducati servicing prices an extra two cylinders could be expensive! Not to mention the likely horrendous price to get a V4 with the right spec. I have seen that on the S model suspension can be adjusted via handlebar buttons and a menu on the dash. But, how far can the suspension be fine tuned...is it possible to increase rebound or preload, front, back, independent of each other. How much can be adjusted? I could just ask the Ducati dealer, but my French is not good enough yet for more complicated discussions! Is the S model the one to for? Owners thoughts please.
Ducati call their 1260 system DSS (Ducati Skyhook System). I believe it's different on the more expensive Pikes Peak version. If you can get a test ride on both you may find ones suits you better than the other depening on how you like to ride. On mine I find the standard presets in touring mode are a bit soft and the bike can wallow on the bends when getting a real move on. Putting it in to sport mode tightens things up quite a bit. Front fork preload can be adjusted manually. Rear shock preload presets are selected via the handlebar buttons. Options are: rider only, rider with luggage, rider and pillion, rider and pillion with luggage. Front and rear rebound and compression damping are controlled electronically, via the handlebar buttons, in five stages from softest to hardest. As far as I know, and from checking the manual, you can't adjust front and rear independently. Along with various other settings (traction control etc), customised suspension adjustments can be allocated to one of the preset riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro.
Pikes Peak is manual adjust only but the components are quality Ohlins units. If you'll be chopping and changing the load and you also want the convenience of being able to switch between Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro then the S model is your better option. You can tweak eack mode individually as you please within the constraints of the system that @Octoberon has mentioned above. If you want the best suspension, ride sporty and solo, and you don't mind fettling whenever you take a pillion or load up with luggage, then the Pikes Peak will scratch that itch albeit for significantly more money.
Front and rear compression/rebound can be custom adjusted, front or rear , for each of the four riding modes. You must drill deep into the menu settings. For either front or rear you can choose from 5 settings hard to soft. You can not adjust comp and rebound separately, they are tied together in the adjustment. As above, rear preload is adjusted in the menu or with a quick access button on the left handlebar. Front preload is manually adjusted
I don't think you (the OP) is considering a Pikes Peak but perhaps you would like some input from someone who questioned buying the "S" with Skyhook vs the Pikes Peak with manual Ohlins. Bottom line: I chose the "Premium Priced" Pikes Peak, not necessarily because of the Ohlins but because of my experience with lighter forged Marchesini wheels. They literally change the bike handling. As for the manual Ohlins, it's a set-it and forget it scenario other than cranking up the rear pre-set for two-up riding. A plus for Ohlins is serviceability. Everyone anywhere can service Ohlins. They are the go-to suspension product.
Thanks for the feedback guys. Is it possible to eliminate some of the dive, without making the ride uncomfortably firm? I had some issues with excessive dive on a base model 2013, fixed by installing Andreani fork cartridges. Trade of was a harsher ride on occasions if the road surface was poor. Its one huge positive about the GS, lack of dive when on the brakes. Would like a PP for the Ohlins but I think it will be more money than I am prepared to spend.
If you have a baseline of experience then the best bet would be to get a test ride if that's an option. The electronics are supposed to dial out the excessive dive on the 1260S but whether it's enough is a personal choice. Personally, I don't have a problem with it.
The Skyhook is a semi-active system so dive should be minimised anyway (you want SOME to weight-up the front tyre for heavy braking). Butr yeah, get a test-ride and try all the modes. The 1260 engine is a rip-snorter compared to the GS!
You can download the owner manual from the Ducati site, so you can explore all the menu parameters within that. The 1200 is pretty epic and I think the new UI is more intuitive and accessible IMO so have a look and see if it suits you. Skyhook isn’t a panacea for everything, but it’s not far off. I think ESA is knocked into a cocked hat by it. IMO.
I know it's expensive but rarely people, myself included, regret over-buying. There's an expression over here in America that states "It makes you feel like a Million Bucks". I tried to translate it for you UK guys but "It makes you feel like a Million Pounds" just doesn't sound as good.
Personally I think a good 1260 S with some of the additional features you need (heated grips etc) is better value than the PP. It’s a lovely bike but I think it’s overpriced for what you get
There's a lot of bike and a lot of technology in a Multistrada but I think there's also a premium for the brand. They are definitely not cheap, though not too far away from the direct competition. Next year, for those in the UK, they could get noticably more expensive.
Hoping to get a test ride at Limoges soon, just waiting for a dryish day. Looking around there seems to be more 1260 GTs for sale here (2020 demo bikes...) Think I would prefer the standard S model with heated grips. Red! Cheaper and some things on the GT dont interest me, such as spotlights, keyless cap and tyre pressure sensors. Does anyone know if the tyre pressure sensors are the same unit as fitted to BMW motorcycles..or are they similar to the Garmin dustcap type?
Found an old thread and also some info on infonet, the units look fairly chunky. So imo probably enough weight to need counterbalancing on a rim. Can never get my head around new motorcycles with no tyre weights, then come time for a new tyre...fek me there are more weights than on a divers belt!
Hi Jim, hope your well and enjoying life in France. Been a lot of years since we spoke and I understand why. Glad your thinking of a Ducati again and apart from my fork seals needed doing at crucial stage's on the DVT its been spot on. I dont notice the front end dive on mine, well unless I have to brake extremely hard lol but does have the electronic suspension tho (touringS). Very briefly rode Bri's new 1260PP maybe suspension wasn't set up for me but preferred the handling of mine Have you test rode the new BMW1250 yet ?? you know how much i hate BMs but i test rode the new 1250 and have to say WOW ... compared to the old one that is .... still dont think it has the long lasting grin factor but definitely much improved Just had to cancel a 2 week tour with Annette around Germany Austria Italy and Switzerland but on a plus side we did have 5 WET days away in bonny Scotland Take care Jim
About value: IMHO. I think value is personal. It all depends on individual wants and constraints. For me, the Pikes Peak edition was great value as a superbike alternative. I wanted the: #1) Lighter / Rigid Forged Machesini Wheels #2) Ohlins Suspension 3) Carbon Termignoni Silencer 4)Carbon Performance Windscreen ( in addition to the STD windscreen) 5) Additional STD Carbon Fibre Bling (fenders, mudguards, air intake covers etc) 6) The Racing Livery Just the Marchesini wheels and a few carbon bits added up to the difference in price.
Been a while Dave. Shame your trip was cancelled, it has been a crap year for peoples travel plans and work. If I dont get off the Multi (test ride,..) without being completely convinced then a 1250 GS will be the way forward and there is a good dealer close by. But I dont think there will be negatives from the Multi ride only the worry of Ducati niggles. Fuel gauge, fork seals seem to be very common 1260 issues. On my third BM and all have been completely problem free. Maybe the Ducati excitement is partly down to wondering if it will start...or something will (probably) fail.
Two hour test ride on 1260 gt today, slightly spoiled by needing petrol when beIng out in the sticks when the light was on. Stonking engine as expected. Smaller and lighter than GS. No surprise. Loved the display, shifter etc. Seat. Makes slide towards to the tank. Slow speed smooth corners nice. Faster corners, nowhere near as stable and planted as the GS. In fact almost felt unstable. surprised the multi did not feel better in the corners tbh, only 1000kilometers on the clock so tyres were in good shape. Tried various settings for load, touring and sport settings. Probably different tyres, time in the saddle, fiddle more with settings and would come good but not prepared to chance it. 1250 GS moved to top of list.
I know what you mean, and would agree... the weird thing is that the Multi's skittishness is one of the things that I have come to like about it. I love BMW GS, they're just brilliant. Very different to the Multi, even if they're intended to do the same work of holidays and tours. The Multi is a great bike but does benefit from some dashboard tinkering, get the rear preload right and firm things up and it suddenly inspires a lot of confidence. Ideally have one of each.
