After 4 x new BMW’s (3 x XR’s and a GS1250) I have now jumped to a V4s radar. Anyone else made the move and if so what’s your thoughts?
Jumped from BMW
- Thread starter Mullabrack
- Start date
I changed in 2021, my only issue has been the range so have just bought an ex demo Rally. The engine braking and acceleration are incredible. Comfy, no need to upgrade the seat.
I can’t see me going back to a GSA.
I can’t see me going back to a GSA.
Similar for me. V4s Radar arrives 1st week of March
Rally here since December 23. Love it, comfy practical and rapid. A bit like a GS really but it sounds better
Belco100
Registered user
Been a BMW man for about 15 years - K12s, 13s, 16s, XRs and a GSA, but I had a mate selling his V4S at a good price so thought I would try one. Loved it, so traded it i against a Rally.
I changed from a 1250GS in early 22. IMHO the MTS is much, much better built than any of the more recent BMWs that I've had. Comparing the ride is more complex. I prefer the V4 engine to the 1250 boxer but that doesn't mean it's better - just different - and I think the suspension set-up and electronics are better too. Range on the standard bike is the weak point, combo of thirst and small tank.
I've just traded my V4S for a V4 Rally ready for a big ride across Canada. Solves the range issue but the handling is definitely not as sharp - taller and more top heavy plus longer-travel suspension. If you'd never ridden the standard V4S, you'd think the Rally was remarkably agile but compared to the standard bike, it's a tad more ponderous.
Would I go back to a GS? Never say never but it's not on my agenda for the foreseeable.
Enjoy the new bike...
I've just traded my V4S for a V4 Rally ready for a big ride across Canada. Solves the range issue but the handling is definitely not as sharp - taller and more top heavy plus longer-travel suspension. If you'd never ridden the standard V4S, you'd think the Rally was remarkably agile but compared to the standard bike, it's a tad more ponderous.
Would I go back to a GS? Never say never but it's not on my agenda for the foreseeable.
Enjoy the new bike...
I now it’s on a par with policeman looking like they’re on work’s experience, but I was really surprised at how expensive the V4’s are. They do look good though. I remember having a test ride on one of the early models, around 2012. The build quality was nowhere near that of BMW, but I think that appears to have changed now.
Thanks chaps for the reply’s. The range was and is a bit of a concern but not a deal breaker. Never rode one so looking forward to first run out.
What’s the servicing regime on the V4, and how exxy is it please?
There is a Ducati showroom (instead of Harley Davidson) now in Watford.
If it was 2012 it wasn’t a V4, it would have been a 1200 V2. I had one of those at the time too. It was a good bike but the V4 is an order of magnitude more sophisticated on every level.
9,000 miles or annual
Valves at 36,000
Belco100
Registered user
The good thing about these motors are they are not Demo, so no constant belt changes etc. with the first valve check is at 36,000 miles. Other services are quite reasonable as well, with oil change service if you don't do 9,000 miles for the full service and 4 year warranty so all good.
One thing I have just found out is that the warranty is four years, but the break down cover that comes with it is only for 2 years
I've just traded my Red V4S in for another V4S Radar this time in White, my 3rd Multi in a row after years on various GS's, I don't see me going back to the fatherland any time soon.
I looked at the 25 model V4S Multi which has received fairly minor and detail updates over the previous model but what clinched the deal for me was buying a pre registered 74 plate model with touring pack and zero miles for approx £6.5k less than the 25 model !
As a bonus I can transfer extras from the "old" bike to the "new" such as tank bag, Akrapovic, and various Evo Tech parts such as engine protectors, Rad guards, luggage rack, Nav mount and after market screen etc.
As has been mentioned range can be a concern on long trips but between 180-225 miles between fills is what I've experienced over the past 3 years, servicing is reasonable, I've had good dealer backup from Cardiff Ducati ( M&P ) I am getting better mileage from a pair of tyres than I did with my last couple of 1200 LC GS's, so a pretty good experience all round.
I looked at the 25 model V4S Multi which has received fairly minor and detail updates over the previous model but what clinched the deal for me was buying a pre registered 74 plate model with touring pack and zero miles for approx £6.5k less than the 25 model !
As a bonus I can transfer extras from the "old" bike to the "new" such as tank bag, Akrapovic, and various Evo Tech parts such as engine protectors, Rad guards, luggage rack, Nav mount and after market screen etc.
As has been mentioned range can be a concern on long trips but between 180-225 miles between fills is what I've experienced over the past 3 years, servicing is reasonable, I've had good dealer backup from Cardiff Ducati ( M&P ) I am getting better mileage from a pair of tyres than I did with my last couple of 1200 LC GS's, so a pretty good experience all round.
Can I ask what mileage the fuel light tends to come on? I have heard at 150 but then if there is another 30 miles minimum then thats not too much to worry about. Looks great in white BTW
In spirited riding I've known the light to come on at anywhere between 140+180 miles and as you say there's approx 40 miles range remaining at this point, easing off the gas and short shifting and riding to generally conserve fuel until you find a filling station will often see this range remaining increase, 200 miles per fill is not too difficult to achieve but there's no getting away from it it's a thirsty bike I reckon around 10 mpg less than my last 1200LC GS
I concur. I think three things conspire to get the V4S a poor reputation for range. Two are true (thirst and tank size). One is self-inflicted (pessimistic gauge). I never tested the 200 mile theory in the real world but on the other hand, I was always comfortably relieved when I filled up and found I still had more fuel than the electrics would have had me believe.
First time I filled the Rally, the range on the dash went up to 325 miles
They say that Ducatis should really be red. However, I think that looks really good - and I've always had a hankering for a yellow Multistrada
Belco100
Registered user
The same... First time I filled the Rally, the range on the dash went up to 325 miles
When I bought my Rally, I filled straight away when new, and then once more around 300 miles and made it to it's 600mile service with a few miles left. Now it's run in OK I comfortably get 250+ miles range but haven't got back to the giddy heights of 300+ miles between stops since.
One thing I did notice on my V4S that had the full system on when I bought it, it would only really show 42mpg (UK) most of the time, but there was a recall/software update last year that made the bike feel much smoother and I could regularly get 48mpg (UK) after that
Interested in your experience with the Evotech engine protectors - are they the bobbin/mushroom type? Did you ever test them?
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