In fact if anyone’s has got Tim Maccabee’s email can they PM it to me, I’m going to forward that last post to him, just in case he’s not keeping up with his target market.
I have had emails from Ducati for a few years now since i first bought a new bike from them. Triumph also do much of the their marketing anaylsis via email surveys. Its nothing new.
I’ve had plenty of emails from them and others, but never as detailed, as long and nothing quite so “let us explain ourselves”. I wasn’t going to comment on it when it arrived, as I assumed it would be on YouTube within minutes. But my first thought was that it felt a little desperate and they felt the need. Didn’t notice the bit where they said “after years of listening to our loyal supportive customers” or “following a detailed market review of which improvements that we could bring would be welcomed etc”. We all know the bike will sell, but just how well is the question.........
Well at least they addressed the fragile front indicators and hand guards, the uncomfortable seat and the screen buffeting that we have all been moaning about for years! I have to say I also thought the email was designed to explain our thinking (even though most of the translation sub titles made no sense)
@Sam1199 That was a damn good read. A few highlights to paraphrase: All they had to do was add a shaft drive to the 1260 Enduro platform. The new V4 Multistrada engine is underpowered to provide the Ohooos and Ahaaas they were seeking. A more powerful V4 may have been better utilized in a new SuperSport. Consequently, Ducati is swaying from it's sporty roots and image.
I would not describe 170hp as “underpowered” and I expect most people who will eventually ride the V4 to use maybe 65hp to 70hp, much like the majority of 1200 and 1260 riders currently do, according to the riding data downloaded from the bikes at service. Andy[/USER]
@El Toro, Terry, I have no idea why my post is red and underlined nor why I can’t edit it now it’s posted. Help ? Andy
What happens if we all love it after a test ride. Have to say I’m just back from a ride and I just love my engine more than any other I know, it’s just one or two cycle parts that could be better.
After riding Pan European ST1100 and ST1300 and K1600GT during the last 30 years I was looking for a new travel machine. The BMW GS is a beautiful bike, but I don’t like the boxer concept. Waddling like a pregnant cow at low revolutions. So I was looking around. Honda does not have anything news, same for Yamaha and Suzuki. Kawasaki Versys >> nice machine but not enough power. Triumph? Hmm. BMW RT1250 >> not enough power and boxer engine. The new Multistrada V4 is for me the perfect successor. Offering comfortable trips trough the Alp passes, and enough storage for luggage plus plenty power. The power / weight ratio is optimal. I appreciate being treated by Ducati as a respected customer, by getting e-mails, confirming I made the right choice by explaining there development considerations again. Never got e-mails before from BMW or Honda. I made my decision also based on the torque / rev diagram which is ideal for long day routes, including long boring motorways as well as real mountain twisties. The advantage of a chain drive is the low mass inertia compared to shaft drive. That’s quite a thing! I have a background in engine engineering, that explains perhaps my thinking. With this V4 machine I can for sure beat my friendly German friends on their GS next summer .
The torque feed on 1200/1260 Ducati V Twin is addictive and very practical for the road, gives superb overtaking possibilities, great for two up and in reality is the best for the majority of us, if you’re looking for top end power get a gixer
