Hi to all V4 convicts (converts) - I bought my V4S just after it was released onto the dealers floors and have been busy running it in ready for a 1500km raid into NSW to ride what's left of all the best motorcycle roads in Aus.
So far so good (ignoring the engine recall for my particular VIN...... that's just luck of the draw and has been dealt with superbly by Ducati Aus). I have fitted some home made radiator screens and an oil cooler screen, a Givi quick release tank ring, and a 34 Ltr top case (because there is absolutely zero under seat storage). There is a nice little puncture repair kit (like the sort I have been using) and interestingly, the tool kit consists of 1 Allen key and 1 chain slack gauge.
Ducati obviously thinks most owners are nerds that should not be allowed near any tools...... but I have plenty of tools in my man cave........ my last bike was a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - it had a proper tool kit
...... but no center stand!
So my 2nd V4S MS is loosening up nicely now with 780kms (the first version was recalled after 3 days & 955kms so I'm doing double duty running in again
).......... There's a lot to like about the V4SMS........ The cruise control holds it's speed uphill and down...., and I find myself wondering what I would have done without the Radar and Blind Spot Alert tech. The suspension is excellent, the seat is comfy all day, the screen has no turbulence, the dash is superb, and the airconditioning duct's work so well I wonder where all the engine heat has gone? 
Gripes...... no TPMS on an alloy wheel road tourer ($286 for a front, and same again for the rear, rim sensor's... if/when stock arrives at Ducati Aus...) also, I like to run my low beam LED's in daylight (though Ducati state the DRL's are brighter. Aussie car drivers are blind and stupid.......), but the dash doesn't show a headlight on symbol for low beam.... it shows it for the DRL instead....... must be an Italian thing...... but that's ok ... I'm getting used to it.
So not many gripes, and fuel economy isn't bad even though for late stage running in the throttle has to be used with some vigor......
..... and there's plenty of that on tap!
Yesterday saw two Dave's, on two RED bikes, go for a ride out to Canungra (Gold Coast Hinterland) for
& SconesJam&Cream, then down Hinze's Raceway (an 80kph trial by sloth) to Tyalgum Pub for lunch, then out to Uki and over the range to Kyogle and through the Lyon's road (late afternoon autumn sun was a problem) to Beaudesert and home again to Brisbane through the traffic chaos in Springwood.......... 400kms of fun, until the Springwood bit at 5pm
.
The V4S is a luxo touring bike that can do sport, whereas the KTM 1290 SDGT I traded was a fantastic sport bike that could do touring ........ so the center stand makes the Ducati the winner for me
....... and the RED paint
, and the 4 cylinders
, and the amazing quality of finish and assembly
.
The mirrors are excellent too,... did I mention the brakes?....... yes, autumn sun on dirty dusty 1 tonne tray back ute's tail lights = surprise emergency braking and swerve to avoid pain and suffering......
Well done Ducati!...... you won me over at long last
. The Audi Strada V4S is a fabulous bike!
PS Cracked the 1000kms on Saturday so it's booked in for the 1K service on Thursday
Also, was fiddling around with the handlebars today (Sunday) trying to mount my 12ltr Givi quick release tank bag and discovered the bars can drop down past the 'road' mark and will slip under the tank bag easily.... also the brake reservoir can be unhooked from it's locating pin and supported by a zip tie so it is clear of the tank bag on full right lock.
So far so good (ignoring the engine recall for my particular VIN...... that's just luck of the draw and has been dealt with superbly by Ducati Aus). I have fitted some home made radiator screens and an oil cooler screen, a Givi quick release tank ring, and a 34 Ltr top case (because there is absolutely zero under seat storage). There is a nice little puncture repair kit (like the sort I have been using) and interestingly, the tool kit consists of 1 Allen key and 1 chain slack gauge.
Ducati obviously thinks most owners are nerds that should not be allowed near any tools...... but I have plenty of tools in my man cave........ my last bike was a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - it had a proper tool kit
So my 2nd V4S MS is loosening up nicely now with 780kms (the first version was recalled after 3 days & 955kms so I'm doing double duty running in again
Gripes...... no TPMS on an alloy wheel road tourer ($286 for a front, and same again for the rear, rim sensor's... if/when stock arrives at Ducati Aus...) also, I like to run my low beam LED's in daylight (though Ducati state the DRL's are brighter. Aussie car drivers are blind and stupid.......), but the dash doesn't show a headlight on symbol for low beam.... it shows it for the DRL instead....... must be an Italian thing...... but that's ok ... I'm getting used to it.
So not many gripes, and fuel economy isn't bad even though for late stage running in the throttle has to be used with some vigor......
Yesterday saw two Dave's, on two RED bikes, go for a ride out to Canungra (Gold Coast Hinterland) for
The V4S is a luxo touring bike that can do sport, whereas the KTM 1290 SDGT I traded was a fantastic sport bike that could do touring ........ so the center stand makes the Ducati the winner for me
The mirrors are excellent too,... did I mention the brakes?....... yes, autumn sun on dirty dusty 1 tonne tray back ute's tail lights = surprise emergency braking and swerve to avoid pain and suffering......
Well done Ducati!...... you won me over at long last
PS Cracked the 1000kms on Saturday so it's booked in for the 1K service on Thursday
Also, was fiddling around with the handlebars today (Sunday) trying to mount my 12ltr Givi quick release tank bag and discovered the bars can drop down past the 'road' mark and will slip under the tank bag easily.... also the brake reservoir can be unhooked from it's locating pin and supported by a zip tie so it is clear of the tank bag on full right lock.
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