What would you do?

EVskiy

Hand-crafting clients' ideas in real time
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I have an itch that does need scratching.

I’ve my January 2019 KTM Super Adventure S, which I intend on keeping for another year maybe two, Having spent fair wedge on it last year, getting its big (valve) service done, news drivetrain, rear tyre (a new one on the front will need to be fitted before trip to France next month) I do not see the point in selling up just yet.

I have a hankering for Ducati. I absolutely adore the looks of a Desert X and would have it in a heartbeat. However, I am not sure about two up comfort.
I also like the looks of a V4 Multistrada. I appreciate it is a bit on a thirsty side, but then I won’t be riding 20k miles a year to worry about the fuel economy much. I’ll be lucky to do 5k at best, mainly local day trips and a jaunt abroad once (possibly twice) a year.
Both bikes have been out long enough to have a fair bit of choice on a used market.

Can some of you owners out there, please shed some real life light on these two models.

Ta.
 
As you know, I've a DDX, and I can't say whether or not it's better or worse than a Multistrada. I'm fairly simple, as we discussed last week, I prefer trail bikes, my advice would be to go with the one you like the look of the best.

How much 2 up riding to you do, as a percentage of all riding. and is it worth choosing a bike for that percentage. Yes/No? It's all choices.

If I was buying now, then I'd be looking between the DDX and the new R12G/S as, obviously, I have a soft spot for the BMW. If new to the choice, I'd have probably gone for the BMW having had a R1200GS in the past, but now having had the DDX for 2 years, I think, that despite having a chain (still getting used to bikes with chains again) I think I'd go DDX over the BMW, but the decision would be close. (and hasn't everyone hankered after a Ducati at some point in their biking life?)

As for the Multistrada, to me that's like the 1300GS. It's too 'road going' for my aesthetics. Not that I've taken the DDX off road more than a handful of times, but it's a looks thing for me. The 12G/S and the DDX look right for what I like.

I don't think I've helped, but I have given my keyboard a short workout.
 
I have an itch that does need scratching.

I’ve my January 2019 KTM Super Adventure S, which I intend on keeping for another year maybe two, Having spent fair wedge on it last year, getting its big (valve) service done, news drivetrain, rear tyre (a new one on the front will need to be fitted before trip to France next month) I do not see the point in selling up just yet.

I have a hankering for Ducati. I absolutely adore the looks of a Desert X and would have it in a heartbeat. However, I am not sure about two up comfort.
I also like the looks of a V4 Multistrada. I appreciate it is a bit on a thirsty side, but then I won’t be riding 20k miles a year to worry about the fuel economy much. I’ll be lucky to do 5k at best, mainly local day trips and a jaunt abroad once (possibly twice) a year.
Both bikes have been out long enough to have a fair bit of choice on a used market.

Can some of you owners out there, please shed some real life light on these two models.

Ta.
I’ve got that itch too, but I think cream is the cheaper option. Ducati Worcester has just opened again and I dare not go down that way. My GS 1250 is a great bike...I don’t want to jinx it.

I tried the DDX, rode back to back with the 1250. I know you are tall and what nailed it for me was the wind noise on the DDX - too much, especially if on a tour.
 
I wouldn't listen to some cùnt on the Internet.
Having said that,it's your money,your life and you're a long time dead.
If the V4 Multi floats your boat go for it and enjoy!
 
I'm on my second Multi V4S and before these I had a Multi 950S (same as outgoing V2S) prior to these I had GSA & GS for nearly 20 years, happy with my current choice-more than happy in fact the V4 is very rewarding to ride if a little thirsty ( mid to low 40's mpg on tour) I like the look of the Desert X and the Rallye even more so and I am familiar with the 950 engine it has, but it's taller than ideal for me and despite it's great off road looks I feel it's less of an all rounder that the Multi, if you're looking at used go for the best you can find at a price that suits, service history is vital (as ever) as for spec I would look for an "S" with a minimum of Travel pack (heated grips, heated seats, panniers and centre stand). See if you can take a demo out for a couple of hours and see what you think.
 
I’ve got that itch too, but I think cream is the cheaper option. Ducati Worcester has just opened again and I dare not go down that way. My GS 1250 is a great bike...I don’t want to jinx it.

I tried the DDX, rode back to back with the 1250. I know you are tall and what nailed it for me was the wind noise on the DDX - too much, especially if on a tour.
I think (and @astrro will be able to confirm) that Ducati or at least the people who make original windscreen for DDX do a tall “Touring” version. I am yet to ride a DDX, but ideally want it for a bit longer than just 1 hour.
 
I wouldn't listen to some cùnt on the Internet.
Having said that,it's your money,your life and you're a long time dead.
If the V4 Multi floats your boat go for it and enjoy!
You must ignore every post on this forum then
 
As you know, I've a DDX, and I can't say whether or not it's better or worse than a Multistrada. I'm fairly simple, as we discussed last week, I prefer trail bikes, my advice would be to go with the one you like the look of the best.

How much 2 up riding to you do, as a percentage of all riding. and is it worth choosing a bike for that percentage. Yes/No? It's all choices.

If I was buying now, then I'd be looking between the DDX and the new R12G/S as, obviously, I have a soft spot for the BMW. If new to the choice, I'd have probably gone for the BMW having had a R1200GS in the past, but now having had the DDX for 2 years, I think, that despite having a chain (still getting used to bikes with chains again) I think I'd go DDX over the BMW, but the decision would be close. (and hasn't everyone hankered after a Ducati at some point in their biking life?)

As for the Multistrada, to me that's like the 1300GS. It's too 'road going' for my aesthetics. Not that I've taken the DDX off road more than a handful of times, but it's a looks thing for me. The 12G/S and the DDX look right for what I like.

I don't think I've helped, but I have given my keyboard a short workout.
Thank you David for your input. Much apreciated. Good for thought, considering that wife hasn’t seen a pillow seat since May last year 😱
 
Maybe go along to one of the Ducati roadshow events, select your date and venue and book the bike or bikes you want to try, maybe book them multiple times for a longer test ride.

Ducati roadshow
Thank you, will have a gander. 👍🏼

Just did.

There is one round the corner from me. 😃

IMG_5787.jpeg
 
I think (and @astrro will be able to confirm) that Ducati or at least the people who make original windscreen for DDX do a tall “Touring” version. I am yet to ride a DDX, but ideally want it for a bit longer than just 1 hour.
They do a tall version of the screen.....but will it change the look of the bike for you, which is why you are looking at it in the first place. I would see if the dealer could show you that screen option too. As you can tell...I’m finicky :D
 
Viewed from afar (I would like to be able to say I had a Ducati MS or PP in my older years) it struck me that your situation is not too dissimilar to mine. I am considering taking a 2 year PCP deal with the clear intention of giving it back at the end without any worries. Just need to pucker up and accept the costs versus experience equation.
 
EV - as you know recently swapped my 1290R for DDX Rally as I justed fancied one.

No regrets so far - ergos work for me and whilst not got the low down grunt of the KTM it is still a very quick motor with lots of mid range grunt.

Standard screen not great but lots of options. Biggest improvement for me was changing helmets - Airoh Commander works very well.

Possibly not the best for 2 up but that's not an issue for me.

Enjoy your test rides 😉

IMG_20250404_103547543.jpg
 
T
EV - as you know recently swapped my 1290R for DDX Rally as I justed fancied one.

No regrets so far - ergos work for me and whilst not got the low down grunt of the KTM it is still a very quick motor with lots of mid range grunt.

Standard screen not great but lots of options. Biggest improvement for me was changing helmets - Airoh Commander works very well.

Possibly not the best for 2 up but that's not an issue for me.

Enjoy your test rides 😉

View attachment 404087
Thank you Paul. That DDX looks gorgeous!
 
I’m on my second V4, and I only updated to the Rally for the tank range. My BiL changed his 1260 Multistrada for a Desert X, but he rarely takes a pillion.

I think if I was riding solo I’d consider both the Dessert and V2.

You need a proper test ride on all four in my opinion.
 


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