Anyone ridden one of these yet? Anyone got any thoughts on the subject?
I'm gonna change my 2015 GSA early next year and fancy something different. Can't get a test ride over here until February apparently, so looking for any info available out there.......
Finally road tested one last week. i.e. MTS 1260 Enduro. It's still a tall bike even after Ducati lowered this new model, and with the standard seat most riders without a long inside leg will be "dangling". The fit and finish looks very 'quality' and the aesthetics on the bike are very good, very typical of Italian styling at its best for what is after all a road/enduro style machine.
The bike delivers a lot of raw power and its 158 bhp is there to be felt, experienced and used. It's much punchier than the GS1200LC (can't speak about the 1250 LC as not ridden one). The bike is not for the laid back type of rider. It feels like it wants to go all the time and the speed/power is addictive all the way up and down the range. The engine is fantastic. You won't be bored !
Handling, turning, cornering etc are very good for what is after all a big long-legged enduro style bike with its big front wheel. The fuel tank range sits up there with the GS1200/1250 Adventure but the aesthetics of the fuel tank design are spot-on. It doesn't have the "pudding" look that the BMW Adventure has struggled with for so long. The Ducati designers have streamlined the tank to flow with the lines of the bike and it works.
Against the bike is its very high price (around £18K plus), the high cost of accessories, the sheer height (which will still exclude it to many potential owners) and the knowledge that this is a bike for a very "niche" kind of owner. The positives list is much more extensive though and to say it is "characterful" would be an understatement. Its ride is not as sophisticated as a BMW and there are some things that will annoy prospective owners. A road test is critical for anyone thinking of getting one.
I like it and if you're up for the overall riding and owning experience (and the cost), it's a great bike. Nice choice, Belgian Beemer.