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2015/2019/2020 Hmmm

3334 Views 30 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  vonzips
First time post after reading messages and getting an understanding of what I lust after. Thank you for any advice or suggestions you can offer.

I’ve been looking at 3 Multi’s and have a conundrum:

2015 1200S that has all the farkles I desire - Enduro and Urban kit installed, and very low miles
2019 1260S aged inventory carrying a heavy discount
2020 1260S new inventory, 0% - could walk in sign and ride

Reading the specifications of the 2015, beyond 60 cc’s the features read to be similar, no hill holder or quick shift jumped out in the information I had available. The 2019 1260S would be a grand cheaper at 5% and a down payment. The 2020 is the color I prefer, but after adding the Urban package, extended warranty, etc. I’d be near 30K and my logical side extorted a firm WTF.

An acquaintance of mine has an earlier Multi in his many, varied and somewhat rotating fleet. Back in February he suggested I shouldn't purchase new as there’s a big depreciation hit and some bikes are garage queens. We/re both passionate yet logically constrained.

I’ve got two other bikes, one a Bull Ulysses which fits into the same loose category as a Multi; the other is Road King Sofa - neither are going anywhere. I’ll be buried with them and whatever I decide to do next. I do enough miles on each so that maintenance needs to be done yearly or twice. As a job change to temp/seasonal is coming next year at my request I plan to have more time to ride.

Being this choice will be for a long haul, is the 1260 a step up in technology, reliability, etc. over a 1200? Should I wait for the vapor bike focused on pavement riding, an Enduro is not of any interest.

The V4 is out, too few of the things I find the Ducati magic in. Any insight or consideration that is offered will be consumed and appreciated.
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How much is price a factor here?
I just bought a 2020 and am selling my 2016 Multi. I looked at 2019 leftovers too. The 2020 was discounted about 15%, the 2019's 8 hours away were closer to 18%. The discount on the 2019 didn't make up for the 0% financing on the 2020. A warranty played a significant factor in my decision. The 5 year extended warranty on my 2016 just expired, realizing I've made a commitment to the bike and brand I wanted to grab one of the last of the twins and tack on the longest warranty I could get. I had the benefit of moving my extras over from the 1200 to the 1260.

25 years of riding and this 2020 is the first new bike I've ever bought.

The 1260 has a better interface for the rider adjustments and I'm not sure where it all comes from but the seat of the pants grunt feels like a significant jump from the 1200. They smoothed out the power curve they claim. Minor fairing changes look better on the 1260, it's all incremental updates. The 1260 does have an almost 2" longer wheelbase.

The 2015 may be low mileage but may be due for belt changes, $300-$400, it's 18K or 5 years per the manual. I took advantage of the warranty on my 2016 (came with bike when I bought used) and it paid for itself about 3x. Having the 2015 already set up though and given the price vs. new, it's not a bad choice either.

Good luck with the decision.
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How much is price a factor here?
2020 - Just under 30K
2019 - Approx 25K
2015 - 15K, and under 10K miles
I just bought a 2020 and am selling my 2016 Multi. I looked at 2019 leftovers too. The 2020 was discounted about 15%, the 2019's 8 hours away were closer to 18%. The discount on the 2019 didn't make up for the 0% financing on the 2020. A warranty played a significant factor in my decision. The 5 year extended warranty on my 2016 just expired, realizing I've made a commitment to the bike and brand I wanted to grab one of the last of the twins and tack on the longest warranty I could get. I had the benefit of moving my extras over from the 1200 to the 1260.

25 years of riding and this 2020 is the first new bike I've ever bought.

The 1260 has a better interface for the rider adjustments and I'm not sure where it all comes from but the seat of the pants grunt feels like a significant jump from the 1200. They smoothed out the power curve they claim. Minor fairing changes look better on the 1260, it's all incremental updates. The 1260 does have an almost 2" longer wheelbase.

The 2015 may be low mileage but may be due for belt changes, $300-$400, it's 18K or 5 years per the manual. I took advantage of the warranty on my 2016 (came with bike when I bought used) and it paid for itself about 3x. Having the 2015 already set up though and given the price vs. new, it's not a bad choice either.

Good luck with the decision.
Thanks for the feedback, I’ve read about the “grunt” of the 1260. Also see some recommend throttle spacers for the 2016 and up, the lack of which for the 2015 based on my research suggests something changed.
I don't understand. You're a Buell rider, you clearly don't care what other people think.

Get whatever makes you happy, and try to remember you can't put gasoline in the frame of a Multistrada, you'll just make a mess if you try.
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I just recently replaced a 2105 MS 1200 (non S model) with a 2018 Multistrada 1260 S which I came across with 2800 miles. The differences are interesting and some are expected. The dash on the 2018 is much easier to use being more intuitive if that's the correct word. As one example, rather than simply showing graduated numerical settings (1.2.3....etc) to illustrate setting differences the 2018 shows "pictures" which illustrate what the changes actually do. Much easier to comprehend. Also the '18 has Ducati's version of up or down shift assist....the '15 did not. The assist functions well and I feel it compares favorably to that of the BMW GS series I've owned. The heated grips of the '18 work MUCH better than those of the '15 which frankly were rather anemic.

Since my '15 was not an S model the brake rotors were smaller and the performance was "adequate" so imagine my pleasant surprise with the braking of the '18 S. The '18 is truly a one or two finger front brake machine. The rear brake on both, however, is weak ( The Ducati Owner's lament I'm afraid). The power difference was an expected bonus being a bit smoother on application on the 1260 vs the 1200 and it feels stronger in that 4k to 6.5k midrange I tend to use on the backroads. And, by the way, the fuel mileage of the two is almost identical at 42 to 47 mpg dictated by the angle of my right wrist.

Finally, the longer wheelbase of the '18 is a change that I'm still getting accustomed to. While slightly more stable it is also slightly less inclined to turn in on twisty backroads. Now I'm not talking Mac truck different just ever so slightly slower on turn in. As I said I'm still learning it. For reference my test road is 28 miles long and has 110 curves none of which can be taken much over 65 to 70 mph. A good test of handling and tires. Sorry for the ramble but I hope this helps as you weigh options. Good hunting!!
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1260 FOR SURE.

Heres a deal.
2015 - 15K, and under 10K miles
As vfrcapn noted, be sure to check maintenance history on this one. 18k miles/5 years means belts, valves, fluids, filters, fork oil, etc. And probably tires, if original. Neighborhood of $2k or more if needed.
I just recently replaced a 2105 MS 1200 (non S model) with a 2018 Multistrada 1260 S which I came across with 2800 miles. The differences are interesting and some are expected. The dash on the 2018 is much easier to use being more intuitive if that's the correct word. As one example, rather than simply showing graduated numerical settings (1.2.3....etc) to illustrate setting differences the 2018 shows "pictures" which illustrate what the changes actually do. Much easier to comprehend. Also the '18 has Ducati's version of up or down shift assist....the '15 did not. The assist functions well and I feel it compares favorably to that of the BMW GS series I've owned. The heated grips of the '18 work MUCH better than those of the '15 which frankly were rather anemic.

Since my '15 was not an S model the brake rotors were smaller and the performance was "adequate" so imagine my pleasant surprise with the braking of the '18 S. The '18 is truly a one or two finger front brake machine. The rear brake on both, however, is weak ( The Ducati Owner's lament I'm afraid). The power difference was an expected bonus being a bit smoother on application on the 1260 vs the 1200 and it feels stronger in that 4k to 6.5k midrange I tend to use on the backroads. And, by the way, the fuel mileage of the two is almost identical at 42 to 47 mpg dictated by the angle of my right wrist.

Finally, the longer wheelbase of the '18 is a change that I'm still getting accustomed to. While slightly more stable it is also slightly less inclined to turn in on twisty backroads. Now I'm not talking Mac truck different just ever so slightly slower on turn in. As I said I'm still learning it. For reference my test road is 28 miles long and has 110 curves none of which can be taken much over 65 to 70 mph. A good test of handling and tires. Sorry for the ramble but I hope this helps as you weigh options. Good hunting!!
Thanks for the feedback, that’s exactly what I’m trying to learn and understand. Appreciate you taking the time to reply.
I don't understand. You're a Buell rider, you clearly don't care what other people think.

Get whatever makes you happy, and try to remember you can't put gasoline in the frame of a Multistrada, you'll just make a mess if you try.
I picked my Uly up for a song the week before HD killed the brand. It’s been the first and only bike I didn’t need to change things to make it fit me better. I’ve not had an issue with the thing and there’s still good support.

I’ve had to answer lots of questions as to what is that and what were they thinking. Quirky in an interesting way, and while logical, there’s some solutions that I ponder while working on it, like draining oil from the swing arm which makes the fuel tank as a vessel a logical extension.

Thanks for the fuel tip. I thought the trellis frame tubing was the reserve capacity, lots to figure out.
As vfrcapn noted, be sure to check maintenance history on this one. 18k miles/5 years means belts, valves, fluids, filters, fork oil, etc. And probably tires, if original. Neighborhood of $2k or more if needed.
Appreciate this information, the tires are newish as is the battery. Asking for receipts.
I say ride all 3---whichever make you smile the most --make the purchase
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I appreciate ur post. when I buy, I want the latest greatest. However, I also believe there is more value to be had buying last gen. I also believe that I most likely would not notice the differences!
Huge difference between 1200 and 1260. I wouldn't consider the 15 1200
the only reason to buy a 1200 is because they're cheap. 10k or so for a nice '15
I just picked up a ‘16 1200s with 3,300 miles for $12k and I couldn’t be happier (private party). Panniers, tank bag, full Akro exhaust all included.
I just ordered a new battery, a 14 tooth front sprocket, and a baffle for the exhaust (it is insanely loud without the baffle).
I picked it up in San Francisco and rode down to L.A. through Big Sur, then inland from Paso Robles to Ojai. What a bike! I am in love.
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Just like Nate wrote, theres a lot of Multis for sale right now. Do some searching, youll see. I have a 16' PP, and couldn't be' happier, bought it in early 18' with low miles approx 3,000, a couple of scratches from a garage fall (I had some of the plastic paitned though really wasn't needed) and saving over $8,000 (after some negotiating) compare to new. Been riding the wheels of it since...
Powerful and a joy in the twisties; I personally never experienced any instability in high speed turns or any situations, in fact the Multi is also a very capable trackday motorcycle. Long hauls become a fun easy thing, unless you're on a flat, straight road for miles (your HD specialty).
Save a bunch and buy a low mile example..

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
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yes from a technical perspective. However, if you ride both on your fav road, would you be any faster?
I think the result would be the same. there May be a slight improvement on the track.

Huge difference between 1200 and 1260. I wouldn't consider the 15 1200
Huge difference between 1200 and 1260. I wouldn't consider the 15 1200
Huge difference might be a bit of a stretch?

Every review I read of the 1260 before I bought my 1200 said the changes were incremental. Better TFT, different (and from what I read here, not necessarily better) steering geometry... factory blipper/QS, and I guess 60cc?
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