Test rode the BMW GS1250 & Multistrada V4 together: My observations

I want sport and power, but long term comfort and ease of use across various scenarios.

BHPian Genie recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Had back-to-back rides on the 1250 GS and Multi V4.

Here are my observations (not comprehensive) and some of these could be down to my capabilities or lack thereof.

1250 GS:

• Easy, livable bike on daily basis due to availability of low-end torque but at any speed you feel you are going faster than you are due to engine feel etc. which is not great.
• At high speeds, the bike seems as though it’s working a lot and am not sure if this may get tiring on a long ride
• There is wind buffeting on top but more on sides as well ..i.e shoulders , arms etc
• The Suspension was good but you do not have customization options within a riding mode. For ex. In Dynamic pro mode if I wanted a softer set up I could not find an option.
• The overall braking was better with better rear braking. (Could be due to connected braking)

Multi V4:

• Bike prefers to be in one gear lower (compared to GS) always whether in the city or highway. Would it be possible to have relaxed riding for long hours is an unanswered question.
• In general bike/engine felt at place at no lower than 4000 rpm. Cruising leisurely at 80 kmph, the bike is in 5th gear at 4000 RPM. At about 100 kmph, you can "manage" in 6th gear at 4000 rpm but it prefers to be in lower gear.
• Daily use within city is no fun and you will run out of road before you can use the power as rightly mentioned by E30_325iSport in his post #31.
• Tried modulating the throttle as suggested, to minimise engine breaking, but combined with the diving forward and jerkiness as you release the throttle, took away the fun at city speeds. The throttling was better in Urban Mode for city use though.
• Tried to adjust the screw setting on left fork to reduce the diving but any amount of adjusting by SA made little difference.
• On Highways, speeds are easily reached, no vibrations, and you are encouraged to go faster.
• Buffeting was similar to GS.
• Front brake and feel is fine, but rear brake is useless I felt

I want sport and power but long term comfort and ease of use across various scenarios, and between the two:

• Ducati expects to be driven in lower gears which I am not sure in long term will get tiring for me. Exciting for sure.
• BMW on other hand is a very easy livable bike on daily basis which I can use regularly but at top speeds the easy feel is not there. Not high on excitement.

Decision pending.

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