Did you consider a Multistrada?

[tasmanuk]

Hello. I’m looking at changing my Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX as the wind noise, even with the touring screen, is terrible. I have owned a GS1250 and 1200 before but as I will never go off-road I am looking at the RT instead. I am also considering the Multistrada V4S. I have ridden both and each of them is brilliant though they are of course completely different. The only thing I don’t like about the Ducati is that it’s chain drive and I’m not sure I can be bothered with the maintenance that goes with it.

I can’t make up my mind so I’m just wondering if anybody else looked at the Ducati when looking at changing bikes. Of course delivery times may make my decision easier as I’m off to Germany in June and the RT is in stock at my dealer whereas Ducati is saying mid May “possibly”.

Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Doc]

Never looked to purchase a Ducati. The jury is still out on if my partner likes the RT is as good as my GS1250A or The K1600B. Personally I won't use the RT for solo travelling.
Will you be carrying a passenger ?

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

I think the fact that you mention the chain drive faff is a strong indication that having a chain would not suit you.
It took me a while to settle with the chain on my KTM after several BMW's but I was expecting that....
I fitted a Scottoiler X-system, works well. The Scott Oil is easy to wash off the back wheel.

 

[tasmanuk]

No passengers planned for now. Not sure why I am speccing the top box then but it looks good and carries a lot. Might eventuality get my wife on it but I tour purely solo atm.

Never looked to purchase a Ducati. The jury is still out on if my partner likes the RT is as good as my GS1250A or The K1600B. Personally I won't use the RT for solo travelling.
Will you be carrying a passenger ?

 

[tasmanuk]

You are probably right about that. However the positive to the Ducati is the lower weight. While the weight of the RT is not a problem when moving I am a bit concerned about its weight when pushing it around manually. I’m not as strong as I used to be!!

I think the fact that you mention the chain drive faff is a strong indication that having a chain would not suit you.
It took me a while to settle with the chain on my KTM after several BMW's but I was expecting that....
I fitted a Scottoiler X-system, works well. The Scott Oil is easy to wash off the back wheel.

 

[ymfb]

I’ve had GSs, RTs and Multistradas.

Of the four GSs my favourite was the 2019 1250 and we only swapped it because the wife was struggling getting on/off, so we bought a 1250RT, neither of us really gelled with it, although its a great tourer, but generally that’s no more than four weeks of the year. So now we have a V4S travel & radar, brilliant fun to ride, but no luggage as yet.

I’m 6ft and 100 kgs, the upright adventure style is what I like most and I’ve done many miles on them. The RT wins on a few details but they can be replicated on any bike nowadays. I used to like the service at CW in Dorchester, but don’t feel the love at Dick Lovett, NOG or Bahnstormers.

Early days but every ride on the V4S is exciting, the down sides are chain and fuel range, everything else is better. I can’t see me going back to an RT, but a GSA would be considered when the time comes.

 

[tasmanuk]

I liked CW too as that was my main dealer. A shame they closed. So far Bahnstormers has been great. Have only had dealings over the phone but gave me what I wanted on my Kawasaki and have done a good discount on the RT. Whereas my Ducati dealer, who is very nice, just feels like he is going through the motions. Probably because it is a sellers market atm. It was an exciting bike. It is about £4k more which I think I can live with. I also get what you are saying about touring. While I am semi-retired now I still am managing only 2 trips to Europe this year (on the bike anyway). A hard decision but given the cost, not one I want to get wrong.

 

[ymfb]

I liked CW too as that was my main dealer. A shame they closed. So far Bahnstormers has been great. Have only had dealings over the phone but gave me what I wanted on my Kawasaki and have done a good discount on the RT. Whereas my Ducati dealer, who is very nice, just feels like he is going through the motions. Probably because it is a sellers market atm. It was an exciting bike. It is about £4k more which I think I can live with. I also get what you are saying about touring. While I am semi-retired now I still am managing only 2 trips to Europe this year (on the bike anyway). A hard decision but given the cost, not one I want to get wrong.

I think getting the right dealer is extremely important, I’m happy with Snells who give the same service as CW did, I ride by MotoRapido to get there. Many years ago I bought bits and pieces from Riders in Bristol and Bridgwater but don’t remember feeling enthused.

If you like the RT I’m not sure there is a really good alternative and they are extremely popular amongst blood bikers and friends alike, it just doesn’t suit me and I’ve had two so given it a fair chance.

 

[tasmanuk]

Thanks for the recommendation about Snells. Maybe I should give them a call. They are not far from Bahnstormers where I was going this week anyway

 

[ymfb]

Thanks for the recommendation about Snells. Maybe I should give them a call. They are not far from Bahnstormers where I was going this week anyway

I suggest you phone ahead if you want a test ride, they are not a big place and all the better for it imo.

 

[tasmanuk]

Have already ridden the bike twice (RT only once) so won't need a test ride. Issue will be stock availability.

 

[beemerboy9]

Hello. I’m looking at changing my Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX as the wind noise, even with the touring screen, is terrible. I have owned a GS1250 and 1200 before but as I will never go off-road I am looking at the RT instead. I am also considering the Multistrada V4S. I have ridden both and each of them is brilliant though they are of course completely different. The only thing I don’t like about the Ducati is that it’s chain drive and I’m not sure I can be bothered with the maintenance that goes with it.

I can’t make up my mind so I’m just wondering if anybody else looked at the Ducati when looking at changing bikes. Of course delivery times may make my decision easier as I’m off to Germany in June and the RT is in stock at my dealer whereas Ducati is saying mid May “possibly”.

Appreciate your thoughts.

If you don't like chain maintenance there are two things you can do.

1) As mentioned previously, fit a Scottolier X-system. I've done that on my Triumph and barely adjust the chain between annual services.
2) Fit a Regina M-Endurance chain. It is claimed to needs no adjustment between services but is considered a poential throw-away item at service time.

The only reason why the Multistrada V4S is not top of the adventure bike food chain is its considerable thirst for gasoline (ignoring the chain vs. shaft debate). I understand that it's a very exciting machine to ride in a similar vein to the big KTMs.

 

[adm1]

Don't be scared of chain drive. Maintenance is very easy.

 

[markymark]

Last year I was riding a 68 plate 1200 RS Sport SE & loved the look of the new Multistrada V4, I rode down to Glasgow from Aberdeen to test ride the V4s & the KTM 1290 super adventure. The V4s just didn't feel right for me & the build quality was shockingly poor, the KTM hadn't been run in so was an unfair comparison.
I'm no BMW fan boy but the RS felt better overall quality, a few weeks later I bought a 21 RT 1250 with adaptive cruise & top box etc. Love it

 

[Deleted account 230524001]

I've owned plenty C & S equipped bikes - adjustment of modern chains is minimal, lubrication takes less than 2 minutes and chain fling can be easily reduced with the latest chain lubricants

 

[tasmanuk]

Thanks for all the responses. Seems like I don't need to worry too much about chain maintenance. Lubrication is not an issue, it was more the adjustment I was concerned about. Still haven't decided on what to purchase yet but trying to decide this week. Bring an RT home tomorrow to see if I can fit the thing in my garage as there is another bike in there already and the RT is a lot wider than my Kawasaki (at least when the mirrors on the SX are folded in).

The other thing I have learned recently is that BMW dealers seem to place forward orders with the factory on what they think will sell meaning they seem to have more stock available than Ducati dealers who don't do any forward ordering. At least not the ones I have spoken too.

 

[Doctor T]

Comparing a multi to an RT?. More like a multi to a GS. Both have less protection to the elements, smaller bodywork, and small screens. The Multi is more of a adventure sport rather than a sports tourer. To compare the RT it is better to compare it to a used Pan European or an XJ1300.
It all comes down how you want to use the bike. Blasting down the country lanes or long-distance touring. On long trips, a large screen takes the pressure off your body, plus with the faring on the RT, you stay a lot dryer in the rain too. But the choices is down to you. Ask the same question on a Ducati forum you will get different answers more bias to the Multi

 

[beemerboy9]

how about the new Triumph 1200?

 

[geotim]

I've owned plenty C & S equipped bikes - adjustment of modern chains is minimal, lubrication takes less than 2 minutes and chain fling can be easily reduced with the latest chain lubricants

MultiStrava chain is a PITA to adjust. On and off the side / centre stand and make sure your suspension settings are at their desired place first…

 

[tasmanuk]

After a long test ride on Tuesday along with the all important "does it fit in the garage" test, I decided to buy a 2022 RT in Triple Black. Picking it up tomorrow Thanks for everyones advice and input.