[samyakmodi]

A Two-Wheeled Symphony of Comfort, Power, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Ride
After a two-year hiatus from the therapeutic joy of riding, the absence of a motorcycle became insufferable. Riding, for me, is more than transportation; it's a therapy that brings pleasure like nothing else. The wind in my face, the hum of the engine, and the rhythmic dance of two wheels on the asphalt are the chords of a symphony that soothes the soul.

From Agony to Ecstasy - Choosing Comfort over Aggression
My previous companion, the Ducati 848 Evo, with its aggressive stance, became a bittersweet memory. The need for something more accommodating, a bike to munch miles in comfort yet possess the versatility to venture anywhere, led me on a quest. The Multistrada V4S emerged as the answer—a Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles promising a harmonious blend of comfort and power.


The Quest for Excitement - A Comparison with the BMW GSA 1250
A detour to the BMW GSA 1250 was a logical step. While it excelled in every aspect, the excitement quotient left me yearning for more. The peculiar challenge of the boxer engine layout hitting my shin every time I attempted to disembark added a dimension of discomfort. The eagerly awaited GS1300, still elusive in India, didn't quite capture my aesthetic senses.


The Multistrada V4S Symphony



Equipping for the Journey - The Perfect Gear

The quest of the perfect riding gear started almost as soon as I decided on the bike. Ended up buying Arai Quantic helmet which is known for wind noise reduction, Dainese Ladakh 3L D riding jacket for a year long usability as it comes with 2 liners (one for wet and one for cold conditions). Picked up another pair of Dainese gloves as my earlier ones were almost shredded with the new bike's grips. Finally also picked up Alpinestars riding boots - and believe it or not - all the riding gear makes a huge difference in riding confidence. I have also equipped my helmet with a Cardo Packtalk Edge for seamless communication and listening to some nice music while rolling.

Service Milestone and Mishap:
The Multistrada V4S recently crossed the 1000-kilometer mark, prompting its first service around Republic Day. Alongside routine maintenance, upgrades were made, including heated grips, a center stand, and plastic panniers.

In January, a minor mishap occurred as well—a slow-motion drop at a signal due to a car nudging me from behind. While the damage was minimal, the windscreen broke. Although it took sometime to procure the new windscreen - but ended up upgrading to Ducati Touring windscreen which definitely improves wind protection.

A special shout out to the great folks of Legacy Motors, Pune (Ducati Dealership, Pune) for taking all the efforts to sending me the bike all the way to Indore via their own transport, and being available at beck and call to help me out everytime I had a query. Their team is not just professional but extremely compassionate as well. Kudos to them.


Approved by my 2 year old son as well.


The new windshield is about good 2 inches taller which helps in reducing the wind noise substantially in the helmet.


Also makes the bike look taller - not that it ever looked puny by any standards.


Riding Experience so far
Since I was riding after almost a gap of 2 years and I've ridden only Superbikers till now - took me a few days to acclimatise myself with the bike with the new riding posture along with the sheer size. The first ride I did with my group of biking brothers was a 200 kms ride with a lot of highway and twisties. Believe me when I say this - the bike transforms completely in these conditions. You do not expect something with so much bulk to be so nimble on the twisties while being absolutely composed on the highways. When you setup the suspension to the softest settings - the bike literally glides over minor undulations on the road (even better dare I say to my 630D with air suspensions). The hardest settings makes you aware of the smallest pimple on the road but is simply logic defying on higher speeds. And mind you - reaching higher speeds on this bike is inevitable. You have to be really conscious about your riding speeds as you won't even realise when you cross 165kmph.
The various modes on the bike make it a different machine in each one of them. Here are some factory settings to give you a better idea :
1. Urban Mode - The bike is comparatively quiet tame in this. The engine produces about 115BHP power and the bikes doesn't give you any surprises as such. The suspensions are in the softest of their settings. I believe this can be used in wet conditions as well
2. Touring Mode - The engine is extremely smooth in its power delivery and I believe belts out 150BHP (not entirely sure). Suspension by default is set to medium.
3. Enduro Mode - ABS is off. Wheelie control is off. Traction control is off. Suspension is in medium. Engine produce 115bhp (haven't tried this mode yet)
4. Sport Mode - a total hooligan the bike becomes. 170 BHP. extremely twitchy. Wheelie control comes down to 1. Suspensions become super stiff. But boy ohh boy - does it make you going from ear to ear.
The best part about all these modes is - you can configure them as and how you deem fit. I am using the bike in touring mode with the suspensions at the softest setting for my daily commute to office.

Few things I love about the bike:

1. It's Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde type personality - can be anything you want it to be - albeit in 4 different avatars and not just 2

2. Extremely comfortable to ride - the seat though a bit firm is wide and I believe wouldn't make the hind side sore on longer trips. The riding stance is extremely neutral and feels natural

3. The suspensions can be lowered by just long pressing the suspension button on the fly below 60kmph - making it more comfortable while standing at signals.

4. Blind spot monitoring radar - absolutely the best feature in the bike - a real life saver while riding. I strongly believe this should be made compulsory in all 2 wheelers.

5. Quickshifter - This is the only way one should change gears.

Few things I hate about the bike:

1. it HEATS up a lot!! Even with highway runs with speeds in excess of 90kmph - you can definitely feel the heat on the seat as well as your legs. Maybe Ducati should consider shutting off the 2 rear cylinders on cruising speeds (can be programmed I believe).

2. The abysmal fuel efficiency - or inefficiency should I say. With babying the bike while on the highway - they max I have squeezed out is about 15.6 kmpl. The closest fuel station with min 95 octane fuel makes my office commute longer by about 8kms. And I am refuelling the bike almost every 3rd or 4th day inspite of it having a massive 22 litre fuel tank.

3. Not an unknown devil to me - but Ducati parts are expensive!!! The windscreen replacement alone made me poorer by Rs. 27k!!! And let me remind you - it's made of plastic - not gold!

4. Though the bike is keyless - to open the fuel tank you need the key. Completely stupid if you ask me. Though a keyless tank filler is available as an accessory for about 35K - just the dhakkan and not the entire tank.

5. The LED headlights though good - aren't sufficient for highway rides in the night. And the only way to upgrade the lights is to add puny foglights from Ducati without voiding the warranty - and I have read that they aren't much helpful.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Superbikes section. Thanks for sharing!

Going to our homepage tomorrow

[NitNac]

Congrats!! enjoyed your poetic review. Wish you happy miles on the beautiful beast, hope it also accompanies your husky .

Ride safely.
NitNac

[ishan0278]

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

A Two-Wheeled Symphony of Comfort, Power, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Ride
After a two-year hiatus from the therapeutic joy of riding, the absence of a motorcycle became insufferable. Riding, for me, is more than transportation; it's a therapy that brings pleasure like nothing else. The wind in my face, the hum of the engine, and the rhythmic dance of two wheels on the asphalt are the chords of a symphony that soothes the soul.

Congratulations Samyak Sir.
We know how long this has been pending.
Wish you many happy miles on it.

[samyakmodi]

Originally Posted by NitNac

Congrats!! enjoyed your poetic review. Wish you happy miles on the beautiful beast, hope it also accompanies your husky .

Ride safely.
NitNac

Thank you so much. The husky is a brat - it's difficult to take him in a car and near impossible to take him on the bike.

Originally Posted by GTO

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Superbikes section. Thanks for sharing!

Going to our homepage tomorrow

Thank you so much !

Originally Posted by ishan0278

Congratulations Samyak Sir.
We know how long this has been pending.
Wish you many happy miles on it.

Thank you Ishan. Hoping to ride with you whenever you do come back.

On a different note - I have made a few more observations with riding this bike everyday to work.

1. Its happy place is above 4k RPM. Anything below that this also shudders like any other L twin.
2. This has started giving me a lot of confidence while riding now (though have just used it for about 1500 kms so far) and I have started enjoying it's wild side a lot more. Not necessarily a good point as you end up being a bit naughty on the roads.
3. The phone only lets you dial the last 7 numbers if not being used with the Ducati connect app. And to use to the Ducati connect app - you have to keep your phone on all the time.
4. Still need to up my skills in terms of low speed handling. The wide handle bars are not very helpful in traffic situations. Maybe Ducati has some skill development programs like BMW has for GSA.
5. Have been facing some jerks and loss of power for a second or so while upshifting. Maybe the new ECU update for quick shifter addresses that issue.

[E30_325iSport]

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

1. Its happy place is above 4k RPM. Anything below that this also shudders like any other L twin.

It isn't as bad as the old 1260s I think.

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

3. The phone only lets you dial the last 7 numbers if not being used with the Ducati connect app. And to use to the Ducati connect app - you have to keep your phone on all the time.

Definitely an issue and it looks like Ducati was pushed into adopting Sygic based on the general Bosch content on the bike. Requirement to keep the phone on at all times is monumentally stupid. Ducati now offer a free upgrade that incorporates a fan in the phone holder cubby on the tank to keep phones cool. Seems like not only a massive afterthought, but also not fixing the core issue!

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

4. Still need to up my skills in terms of low speed handling. The wide handle bars are not very helpful in traffic situations. Maybe Ducati has some skill development programs like BMW has for GSA.

Yea the bars are definitely much wider than what many find comfortable.

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

5. Have been facing some jerks and loss of power for a second or so while upshifting. Maybe the new ECU update for quick shifter addresses that issue.

QS need very good torque mapping to work well, which on some engines at low speeds/part throttle isn't that well developed. Perhaps because the engineers focused a lot on mapping for higher throttle openings. Typically Ducatis tend to suffer from this, but the slickness of the shifts at higher openings more than makes up for it, it is lightning fast. Ducati QS also definitely prefer a VERY positive actuation. A half-hearted push tends to give you jerks, I've had instances of kangarooing when I got this bit wrong, along with applying throttle at the same time. So the ignition cut happens momentarily, but then is restored because I wasn't positive enough on the shifter, but the jerk causes my foot to move a bit and the cycle repeats. It is quite unnerving so watch out.

[samyakmodi]

Originally Posted by E30_325iSport

Definitely an issue and it looks like Ducati was pushed into adopting Sygic based on the general Bosch content on the bike. Requirement to keep the phone on at all times is monumentally stupid. Ducati now offer a free upgrade that incorporates a fan in the phone holder cubby on the tank to keep phones cool. Seems like not only a massive afterthought, but also not fixing the core issue!

QS need very good torque mapping to work well, which on some engines at low speeds/part throttle isn't that well developed. Perhaps because the engineers focused a lot on mapping for higher throttle openings. Typically Ducatis tend to suffer from this, but the slickness of the shifts at higher openings more than makes up for it, it is lightning fast. Ducati QS also definitely prefer a VERY positive actuation. A half-hearted push tends to give you jerks, I've had instances of kangarooing when I got this bit wrong, along with applying throttle at the same time. So the ignition cut happens momentarily, but then is restored because I wasn't positive enough on the shifter, but the jerk causes my foot to move a bit and the cycle repeats. It is quite unnerving so watch out.

Didn't know about the upgrade option. Wonder whether they have given that as an option in India. I totally am clueless why can't they simply upgrade the system to mirror google maps/android auto/apple carplay. Maybe android auto/apple CarPlay need touch screen - but can't that be circumvented as I do use the iDrive rotary knob as well on my 6GT while using them.

The quickshifter issue seems to have been sorted with the new update. Got it done a couple of days back and haven't faced that issue again.

[E30_325iSport]

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

Didn't know about the upgrade option. Wonder whether they have given that as an option in India. I totally am clueless why can't they simply upgrade the system to mirror google maps/android auto/apple carplay. Maybe android auto/apple CarPlay need touch screen - but can't that be circumvented as I do use the iDrive rotary knob as well on my 6GT while using them.

It is because Sygic does not offer phone mirroring. You are tied to the Sygic suite of apps. It really is a hopeless system and a massive waste of beautiful screen real estate. I've wired up a Garmin instead, which is about a billion times better. Others have (instead of a standalone GPS like Garmin) wired up a Chinese Android/Carplay screen instead, so you can use your phone apps.

[samyakmodi]

Wow

Didn't realise where the year flew by with a lot of work trips and even more work kept me so busy that not only I didn't ride the bike much - but never realised how much I had been missing it.

During the winters - I rode it to the factory practically every day - only to realise that this time too shall be short lived. The winters too a sudden turn and the scorching summers started even before I could realise. The last time I rode the bike - I was severely dehydrated- all thanks to the insane traffic in the evening and my riding gear.

Looks like the dream to ride it daily to work - would be just that for the coming few months owing to the insane summer heat followed by the rains.

This got me thinking - is there any big bike riding group which organises rides around the mountains? Please don't take it otherwise - I am itching to go to Leh/Ladakh on the bike and not just to post and claim "Got Lehed" but I believe this is what the bike is meant to do.
I am not fooling myself by dreaming of riding the bike all the way to the mountains from Indore - but I was hoping that maybe I can send the bike in a trailer sorts all the way to the north - and then take it off the trailer and ride it along the mountains and return the same way.

So the question remains - any good organisers who take big bike riding groups around the mountains while providing a support vehicle and taking care of all the basics one might need?

[abhi_tjet]

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

So the question remains - any good organisers who take big bike riding groups around the mountains while providing a support vehicle and taking care of all the basics one might need?

I am not sure about independent organizers. However, Legacy guys too get this organized Samyak. You can check with them once.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

So the question remains - any good organisers who take big bike riding groups around the mountains while providing a support vehicle and taking care of all the basics one might need?

I can recommend two in a heartbeat.

The first is XplorEarth led by Vijay Parmar and his crew and the second is Goodwind Moto Tours (GMT) - you’ll find both on instagram and can connect with them. XE run partnerships with brands (Triumph, BMW etc) but also do their own brand agnostic trips. GMT is totally brand agnostic.

I’ve done multiple tours with XE and they are absolutely outstanding. Their support crew is top notch, they have excellent back up including a back up van with proper mechanic support. A lot of folks will have these but I can vouch for the quality of their support as well.

Check them out and speak with them. There are a lot of others I’m sure but these are by far my first two choices in these parts. Incidentally, Mr. Parmar and his team were the architects and organisers of Raid de Himalaya so they definitely know their way about the mountains very well. You can even consider doing Zanzkar etc with them as an alternative although they do Ladakh too.

You’ll find some threads from me with the Tiger that has referred to trips undertaken with XE.

[Invstamith]

Can absolutely vouch for what Axe77 has written about XplorEarth. They know the mountains in and out. And their support team is super capable. They plan food and accommodation in good places, ensuring your stay is comfortable. The Icing on the cake will be to learn a trick or two from the Man Himself, Mr. Vijay Parmar. During our ride, we had a Multistrada in the group, and it had some issues which were quickly rectified by the team.

[samyakmodi]

Originally Posted by abhi_tjet

I am not sure about independent organizers. However, Legacy guys too get this organized Samyak. You can check with them once.

I will call them today itself. In fact had asked them to push Ducati for some tour like this - didn't hear back from them yet.

Originally Posted by Axe77

I can recommend two in a heartbeat.

The first is XplorEarth led by Vijay Parmar and his crew and the second is Goodwind Moto Tours (GMT) - you’ll find both on instagram and can connect with them. XE run partnerships with brands (Triumph, BMW etc) but also do their own brand agnostic trips. GMT is totally brand agnostic.

I’ve done multiple tours with XE and they are absolutely outstanding. Their support crew is top notch, they have excellent back up including a back up van with proper mechanic support. A lot of folks will have these but I can vouch for the quality of their support as well.

Check them out and speak with them. There are a lot of others I’m sure but these are by far my first two choices in these parts. Incidentally, Mr. Parmar and his team were the architects and organisers of Raid de Himalaya so they definitely know their way about the mountains very well. You can even consider doing Zanzkar etc with them as an alternative although they do Ladakh too.

You’ll find some threads from me with the Tiger that has referred to trips undertaken with XE.

This sounds interesting. Will get in touch with them soon.

Originally Posted by Invstamith

Can absolutely vouch for what Axe77 has written about XplorEarth. They know the mountains in and out. And their support team is super capable. They plan food and accommodation in good places, ensuring your stay is comfortable. The Icing on the cake will be to learn a trick or two from the Man Himself, Mr. Vijay Parmar. During our ride, we had a Multistrada in the group, and it had some issues which were quickly rectified by the team.

This is confidence inspiring indeed. Will definitely give them a call soon.

[samyakmodi]

Originally Posted by abhi_tjet

I am .

Originally Posted by Axe77

I can recommend

Originally Posted by Invstamith

Can absolutely

Well guess what happened?

Looks like someone has been listening to my plight somewhere high up.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by samyakmodi

Well guess what happened?

Looks like someone has been listening to my plight somewhere high up.

Maybe also ask them who's their tour partner. Companies like XplorEarth, CMT etc are often the touring company partners who lead the ride.

I think XE has done something similar for HD, I know they regularly do it for Triumph for sure. Possible even Ducati is using them. Similarly CMT had done a similar tour organising for BMW.