My previous bike was a V-strom, it was very capable and utterly reliable over many miles. Before I bought it I did a lot of research to find the best bike in that category. When I put a deposit on the Multistrada 1260s it hadn't even been announced (just rumour) In other words I bought it with my heart not my head. I wanted to own a beast. I hope I am wrong but the V4 multi (which I was so looking forward to) seems quite bland. Soulless.
Same. I have had 2 of them and did about 150,000km between them. The 2014 I bought new had fantastic brakes, same as the gsxr, and none of this ducati cheaping out on the discs nonsense. Often thought it a shame that Suzuki didn't continue and upgrade the TL motor into a newer beast, which is essentially what Ducati have been doing forever...it is a cracking motor and has the same big grunt feel to it that my 996 has.
Within the majority of this discussion a theme of disappointment and perhaps surprise seems to be common. I should imagine that at Ducati, if they haven’t already, they will be considering the hole that they appear to have created for their current owners. Let’s face it, not listening to customers is probably not the best marketing strategy. Ducati are probably lucky that they aren’t in a position to attend large events such as the Birmingham Motorcycle show where no doubt further dismay would be followed by longer visits to the orange side and other stands to more seriously view their offerings. So Ducati, I have no doubt that at some time you will surprise us all by releasing a new road focused v4 multi that “would” be followed with great excitement and deposits. Just do one thing for goodness sake. Spring it correctly for your targeted audiences. ( Full preload for a rider on their own is a joke). Unlike your test rider who no doubt is an extremely talented and accomplished rider, he probably weighs about 7stone wet through, your average audience doesn’t. Many of your competitors do a far better job than you do, open your eyes and ears and do better. Occasionally we carry a pillion and even luggage, yet you think it’s acceptable to supply a bike that as is struggles. When you ask for feedback after test rides etc ask about weight, we’re not shy Fully adjustable suspension means just that..... not turn to full and hope. Can’t wait to see the Pikes Peak replacement - deposit ready.
It depends what some want from a bike. he might have found it dull but plenty don't. Its quite amusing reading a few people saying Ducati have got it very wrong with their latest bikes because 'The bike does not suit ME'! Whilst we see bikes as a passion and past time, to them its a business there to make money. I very much doubt they have got their marketing strategy completely wrong, worldwide sales of the last few years seem to say they have it right.
I very much agree with the above post, yes despite my posts of my Ducati connection with the newer bikes the sales figures don’t lie. So yes there is a fair few here not liking the new launches, but guess what, we are not the target audience. Cheapskate people like me won’t keep Ducati in business down the line . I think they are targeting the crowd who would consider KTM BMW and buy all the gear that goes with it, then change bike every couple of years. I really don’t think they cater for the “enthusiast “ anymore?
There's plenty of us on here, and other forums that like to change bikes regularly. I'd say we're a pretty big market for Ducati.
I don't think its just a coincidence that the bikes that most Ducati enthusiasts consider the most 'Ducati' and made the Company name, were made in the days when the Company made no money and was always on the brink. I do find myself looking more and more at other makes as i get older.
They are just milking it too much now by dragging product lines out over too years...a disgrace!!! All we wanted was a V4 PanaStrada with 208hp...apparently it was too much to ask for. I guess no-one would buy the Pani or Street fighter if they did this!! What confuses me is their Dakar project Moto-X will overlap with the new dirtstrada unless that got shit canned. Last rant...they need to stop making child sized bikes...we are not all 5'-8".
Looks unfinished to me, too many bits and pieces, doesn’t flow and certainly doesn’t float my boat. Let’s hope it rides like a dream.
Well I thought about jumping ship to KTM due to the multistrada V4 not being what I hoped it would be. Just had a test ride on a superduke GT (KTM just dropped the price by £2600). If someone could just shove the KTM motor into a multistrada chassis please.... My multistrada suits me far better than the KTM so I’ve saved myself a few quid for now. Come on Ducati, stop pissing about and get us a fast sports tourer sorted. only it’s mother could love it:
That KTM is pig ugly and the front light is obscene, but as you say the motor is something else, and the price drop will attract some.
It wouldn't be my cup of tea, but I guess its whatever floats peoples boats, I am open-minded about the new Multi and look forward to the reviews on it!!
It's not the first time for me. I had an 04 ST4S, and usually change my bikes (or add another one) every 3 to 4 years. There was simply nothing out there as sporty to replace it in 08. Or 09. The multistrada back then was not the best looker, and despite being a blast to ride solo, didn't have enough go for two up spirited sports touring. The new multi announced for 2010 was like a dream. Not a true sports tourer, but certainly a major step up in power, and more than did the job when fully loaded. 10 years on and we still don't have a true sports tourer. The v4 multi may well be good but it's broadened the gap to a sports tourer. Therefore I'm back in the same boat I was in, in 08. Nothing out there better than what I already have for my wants & needs. Maybe this time we might get a sports tourer, but I'm not holding my breath...
