That new Triumph looks more appealing to me than the new Multistrada. If that’s the kind of thing you’re after of course. Let’s see what today’s announcement brings. My guess it’ll be warmed over versions of the Panigale and Supersport as opposed to anything radical. Oh for a V4 1200 slightly larger Superdoopersport with all the toys.
The new Yamaha Tracer GT9 looks more appealing still. https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/products/motorcycles/sport-touring/tracer-9-gt/
No. Just no. I rode the Tracer and while its a nice bike, that's all it is. Nice. You would need serious psychological help if you went from a Multistrada to a Tracer!
I think it’s a bit dangerous to quickly dismiss bikes from the big Japanese factories. I say this because the reason I fell in love with Ducati was not because they were the most reliable or sensible bikes, but they had a soul So difficult to find from Japan. With this in mind I forgave Ducati all its foibles and horrid urban riding etc as the benefits and pleasure found when unleashing the beast was so rewarding. However the newer generation Ducati’s I find are very much loosing that personality, therefore getting closer to the refined feel of Japanese bikes, so when now looking at new bikes it’s no so easy to dismiss the competition. I say this from the experience of owning 900ss ST4s and MTS1200 2013. Personally I find it a shame that Ducati seeks to get closer to the competition in terms of suppressing the noise and vibration and characteristics of previous models. From what I see in the luxury goods market (I’m in it) today’s winners are the ones who absolutely set out their stall and say this is what we do , we are different to the others and here is why, that’s what I bought into in becoming a Ducati owner. Now not 100% sure as I don’t see a bike I would rush out and buy in the offering.
Tracer is quite light at 220kg Wet. I think one of the biggest issues with the new v4 is that its going to be a little on the “stocky” side. The 1260 was 209kg Dry / 232kg Wet. V4 is advertised as 217kg Dry which will put it in the region of 240 kg wet. Heading the wrong way
What baffles me is, who was clamouring for radar on bikes? Scenario: Your sat at a set of lights. Day/night a vehicle comes hoofing up to your delicate derrière at speed. Your dash tells you it’s happening so what do you do? Jump off? In the split nano second you have left before your an RTC sandwich filling!!!
Probably a fair chunk, the challenge with Euro 5 will be at MOT time, like many I have a full decat system on mine and other than a questionable noise level there shouldn’t be much problem at MOT time. Under Euro 5 (unless dropped during Brexit) MOT will include automatic full reportable emissions results including for the first time non-methane hydrocarbons. Only way to pass that MOT will be swap the exhausts back over.
But equally dull! Don't get me wrong, they make good bikes, but there's no soul or character. I very nearly ordered a Tenere 700 without a test ride, but am so glad took one out, as it was just bland. Nice, but bland. I test rode the KTM 790R, and bought one. It was a no brainer.
The new Supersport looks nice, but nowhere near as comfortable as a Multistrada. I want the new TK01-RR though.
The Tracer 900 goes really well. Mate hustles his at a hell of a pace and its a standard 2018 spec. The latest one is lots of bike and a high spec for the money. Cruise, heated grips standard. Tft. Just add a Full Akro and good tyres.
For those hoping for a 'full-fat, 150hp etc..' revised Supersport product prepare to be underwhelmed.
Still a nice bike though, good all-rounder if you're not planning on carrying a pillion, I would certainly have a test ride on one!!
It is a 'nice' bike Bob, but in a competitive marketplace I'd expect more than 'nice' for £15-17k .... Very surprised that they didn't stick the V2 engine in this time around.
I haven’t ridden a Supersport, but I know a lad that had an extended test ride and described it as the dullest bike he’d ever ridden. That’s bad for any bike, but a Ducati?!
Shame they haven't put a V2 engine in it. Or built a Touring bike (Non MTS) with 1 yet. What will the next 2 instalments bring I wonder?
