Hi after the trip . The weather was good. 6 days in the saddle. comparing two Multistrada…. The MTS 1260s has longer gears, 3rd gear 180 km / h vs v4 130 km / h. mts 1260s much more lively, more sporty compared to the V4. The V4 is more for tourism.
Looks like a great trip On Monday I'm of on a mini tour (Normandy and Brittany) with a few mates, one is on a Pikes Peak V4, will be an interesting comparison. Good to hear your observation re sports vs touring feel. Did you swap bikes whilst on the trip for true comparison? Or is this just a point of view from each individual rider? Prefectly happy sticking with my 1260 to be honest. Does all I need and over the last couple of years, I've got it just how I want it. One of my recent modifications was changing the gearing with a 14T font sprocket in place of the 15T OEM version. Now less lazy, shorter geared, feels better for the riding I do but possibly a bit short for long autoroute days, which I try to avoid if possible anyway. And how was the fuel consumption comparison? It's been mentioned on here more than once that V4s tend to be thirsty engines to start with. Though not my experience with a VFR, which was reasonably frugal and I rode that pretty hard.
I took turns with my friend every few 100 km. The fuel consumption is the same when comparing the tank to the tank. v4 has three liters more. The V4 goes more gently from the bottom without jerking, it always goes in a higher gear. ie V2 on 2, V4 maybe on three, tugs but less noticeable. It has a shorter chest. It is also slower in the same gear. Mine used 0.8 L of oil (driving in the mountains, consumption only here, after the gas is released, the oil is dumped into the EGR). V4 didn't use up a gram. Very similar in driving, V2 larger assemblies, easier for me to drive on v corners. At least in 1st gear. Better V4 for tourism, more gentle. Such a Honda in Ducati clothes. I drove a Honda Crosstourer for two years. I have a comparison. 1260 like a vicious horse on the V4. It depends who needs what
It always makes me laugh when people say northern France is “crap”. Some cracking roads, I’m very jealous. Enjoy.
