VFR vs. Ducati mutistrade S

Just wondering if any VFR members have taken a look, tried one on for size, maybe even have one. less the ugly snout IMO, pretty much a do everything machine. that's got some serous kaunas

 

I am a current Multistrada 1200 S Touring owner. Here are some thoughts about the VFR relative to the Multi that I'm selling after putting 15,000 miles on it over the last 18 months. (Note: I copied over most of this post from my entry on another board)

First, I find the ride height and riding position of the VFR far more comfortable and confidence inspiring than the Ducati. This seems to be a 180 degree turn from the trend of the day, which is towards tall-rounders, but I can only say what's true for me. Sitting up high on the Duc is nice for long highway blasts, but I don't like it for low-speed maneuvers or for riding in the twisties. The long distance from the seat to the pegs means I don't have enough leg room to move a butt cheek off the seat to hang off in a corner (I'm 5'8", 29" inseam and I have the low seat option). Given that I took the bike to its limits in tight turns, grinding pegs and losing traction, not being able to use my weight to better maintain traction was a real minus.

The VFR fuels much, much more smoothly than the Ducati at RPMs below 4500. The Multi takes some clutch-throttle coordination to keep from stalling at takeoff--not a desirable occurrence when you are at a stoplight with multi-ton vehicles all around you raring to go. As long as I've had the bike, it would still happen to me on occasion. Not so with the VFR, it's much more forgiving.

The delta in power is noticeable, but not an issue for me. I find acceleration from the VFR satisfying, and I prefer the sound and sensation as the RPMs build. The Multi has more passing power than the VFR certainly, but I've gone on rides with a friend who owns a Wee-Strom and he never has issues passing cars. It's just an embarrassment of riches when it comes to power on the Multi.

I find the VFR a breeze to put on and get off the kickstand, not something I could say about the Duc. It is a tall beast, and by comparison quite tippy. I dropped it a couple of times at zero MPH, something I find it very difficult to imagine happening with the VFR. It was easy peasy backing it out of the garage by the handlebars, whereas the Ducati always felt more precarious.

Oh, but that topcase on the Multi... yeah, gotta get one for the VFR. Unfortunately they just don't wear them as well as the Multi does. Also, the big bars on the Multi make it really easy to mount gear, but I can still fit everything I need on the VFR. It's just a tighter fit.

The dynamic suspension on the Multi was really, really nice, not going to lie there. I hope that more and more bikes get that technology in the future, I found it very practical and I used it often. The Multi's ride is a lot more plush on the freeway and on harsh pavement. And the Multi dash... best I've seen. Everything you need, right there, visible in all lighting conditions. Nice to have the display functions accessible from the switchgear rather than having to reach to the dash. And the miles to empty and fuel economy info from the trip computer was also very useful.

Installing aftermarket accessories really showed up the limits of the VFR in cable routing and underseat space. Wow, the VFR is really tight down there. The Duc's underseat storage is like a suitcase by comparison, and you only have to remove the back seat to access it.

Wind noise is a constant complaint on the Multi, and there is thread after thread of riders cycling through windscreens trying to find one that isn't really loud at speed. Some guys threw in the towel and just cut it down to a sport size. One thing that I appreciated about the VFR on my first test ride was how smooth the airflow is off the stock screen by comparison.

Above all, as I've mentioned elsewhere, you have to take insurance and service costs in the equation. I'm saving thousands a year--literally thousands--on service and insurance costs by switching to the VFR. So keep that in mind. I can afford the Multi, but I didn't earn money by throwing it away. I like value, and whatever other superlatives you can say about Ducatis, "value" is probably not among them.

Build quality on the Ducati is every bit as good as on the Honda, at least insofar as the first 15,000 miles have proven. The fit and finish on my Multi is exceptional, and it has been 100% reliable since the day of purchase.

Motorcycles are such a personal choice for people, no debating that fact. Longer-legged guys are naturals for tall-rounders, probably. Some would probably scratch their head that I am selling such an acclaimed, high end bike as the Multi for a used VFR800, but it makes perfect sense to me. It's the bike I should have bought in the first place.

 

Damn I was considering a multi as a replacement.

 

It's undeniably a great motorcycle in fact and in reputation, but it's not for everybody. But then no one motorcycle is for everybody.

 

Thanks a bunch for posting this. I was thinking about adding an 1100DS to my stable to retire the VFR or possibly a 1200 but after reading the multistrada forums I wasn't so sure. Then I saw your post and that sealed the deal. Guess I was looking for something different just because it was different. Appreciate the comparison.

 

I am thinking of buying a 2013 S Touring version to replace my 6th gen VFR. The sales manager said I can take one for a test drive come spring time. The high seat does give me some concern as I can only touch the ground with the balls of my feet. I didn't think about whether I can hang off or not.

 

When camping at an area in West Virginia recently there was a Multi in the parking lot, the owner ended up in the camping space next to me and we discussed his bike. He was a vascular surgeon from NYC, rode down for the great roads in the area. I'm sure this guy was making a very handsome salary, but even he was complaining of the $800.00 valve adjustment ( first? ). I've always admired Ducs, they're works of art, but they are maintenance hogs. I'm a happy 1200 owner.

 

My bike could have done without the valve adjustment--upon inspection none was needed--but not doing the service would have voided the warranty. Not something that concerns me on a VFR.

Seeing how I could be so much happier with a bike that cost me a third of the Ducati has really laid some perspective on me. Not sure I can justify the cost of a new bike given that nothing on the market offers the complete package that you get in the VFR if what you're after is a middleweight sports tourer, accent on sports, with a sub-32" seat height and a characterful engine. The Diavel Strada I suppose, but that thing just doesn't work visually in my mind.

 

Motozeke, the BMW F800 is an alternative to the VFR800. It's not better that's for sure. Just an alternative that is similar in mission profile. I test rode an F800ST and liked it. But I liked my VFR800 much, much better. The one thing the BMW had over the VFR was the ease in which one can put electric accessories from BMW's parts store. Having said that and having seen your VFR, you CAN put electronic gadgets on a VFR. But yeah it does require a bit more work and creative packaging on the installer's part. I also liked the F800ST's lighter weight when flicking it into corners. However, the VFR felt more sportier because its suspension tuning and chassis as just better. VFR also had better brakes. They don't make middleweight sportbikes/sport-tourers like the VFR's anymore. Nowadays you need to be a 1200 just to be noticed in the market. Hence the VFR1200.

 

Love this stuff, thanks for the feed back, just what I was looking for. Me I'm 6'1" with monkey arms, so no trouble there in ride height other than I too like to work a machine to its fullest when appropriate. But that pikes pike hyperstrada has me going Hmmm but I agree no manufacture makes a VFR machine. I had a 4th gen really was almost the best of the best, but now that aged compare to the new machines But for the money it's still hard to beat, add that I still have all my suspension upgrades for the 4th gen makes it all the more enticing to get that version again. just have this there's gota be a machine that does this in a new style Nope.. VFR for the win....

 

Alright....nuff said. Go get the bitch and ride....

 

If you don't do something soon, you are going to have to go bake to school to learn to ride all over again

 

^ LOL it's not the manipulation it's the filitches I get once something in my peripheral vision says something ain't right. The bike riding thing I've got down pat, besides, been jumping on a RD yamaha wing dinnging it.