Ducati
Bikes used and abused by the gang, some for weeks some for years, with our views on the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Got a bike and you want to help us help others send in your photo and some words on whats what and we’ll look to add it.
Monster 696 (2012)
Ridden by Bulby
The Monster 696 is Ducati’s entry level bike and its best selling range having been around for a good few years the Monster has been seen in various guises from basic to tricked out versions. It’s a pretty little bike with its single headlight with the running light across the middle and its single high level exhaust seen, here in the standard red colour. It’s single cylinder approx 80hp motor has a lot of character and the bike itself is light and flickable ideal for the smaller or less experienced rider. The equipment level on this 2012 bike was pretty basic with none of the tech you find on bikes nowadays but if its a functional, basic quality bike you are after the small Monster is definitely worth a look
Pro’s – It’s a Ducati so Stylish
Cons – BAsic
Ranking – 8/10
For more information click Here
Multistrada V4S
Ridden by Bulby
Looks & Design
The V4S seen here in the Performance livery (£1000 extra) paint scheme is a striking bike to look at, with the gloss red cast wheels (£180 extra) and its red frame (standard) its a machine that is going to grab attention where ever it goes and that’s really the way it should be with the latest offering of the Multistrada family as it is truly an epic machine. And with the striking looks of this particular machine which changes on which colour you may go for comes the brilliance and flair of the Italian manufacture that has brought us some of the most beautiful bikes ever made
Comfort & Ergonomics
Performance & Ride Quality
Final Thoughts
So good I brought it!!
Pro’s –
Cons –
Rating – 9.8/10
Multistrada V4 Rally (2026)
Ridden by Bulby
Looks & Design
What a bike, back in 2021 Ducati went away from the big V-twin to give us a nod to Moto GP and put a V4 engine in the Multistrada and for 2026 they have made tweaks to it to make it an even more outstanding all rounder. Now the Multi is not a bike that everyone goes week at the knees seeing say like the Panigale but we really like the looks of it and compared to BMW’s GS 1300’s it’s looks are a league apart and more in line with the Bavarians’ S1000XR series of bikes. The bike is really well thought out (in the most) with easy to use switchgear (illuminated, BMW take note) and a multi function thumb stick on the left for moving round all the functions. The RALLY ridden here comes with the greater suspension travel (200mm compared to the standard bikes 180mm) bash plate, spoked wheels and a robust luggage frame setup which means this version is firmly up against the BMW GS and the KTM big adventure bikes. There are design areas where the Italians have tried to use their flare over the German functional and for us it doesn’t quite work as well , namely the rear number plate light looks like they added it on at the end and the pocket for the phone which on the Rally is on the left of the dash (The standard bike has this on the tank) which we found wasn’t really big enough for some phones and where its vertical you’ll struggle to get stuff out of it.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The first thing to note on the RALLY is while the seat looks like it has a lot of padding it is in fact very firm, Bulby rode this bike for about 45mins and it was noticeable in that time, that said it is a decent shape and allows you to move about when the numb bum kicks in. It is a big bike and Ducati has tried to cater for all size riders with their drop device which below a certain speed drops the rear preload and lowers the bike, this was up until the latest update a manual operation by a button on the left hand switchgear but the latest updates sees this now being enabled automatically in response to BMW’s ride lowering device. Also Ducati offer even the RALLY in a low version to cater for the shorter rider and this can then be aligned to various different seat heights. The RALLY also comes equipped with a big 30litre take ( up from 22litres of the standard V4S) again in direct competition with the GSA 1300
Performance & Ride Quality
This is where this bike excels with it’s 1153 V4 engine pushing out 170bhp it really is the real deal and combines the torque feel of a V-twin with the rev-ability of an in line 4 it really is the best of both worlds and when you get this engine over 6k rpm the induction roar really kicks in. The bike comes with multiple riding modes which adjust everything from anti wheelie to traction control however as this bike had very few miles on it Bulby was limited to how he could ride it and the dealer had set the bike into sport mode which he left it in, turn in is very good, it’s a bike that feels like it goes where you want it and with the semi automatic suspension taking care of the bumps etc it really is a great place to be. Ducati has introduced a number of things on the new model and one of them being updated electronics package which see’s the multi linked brakes not only working front to back but also back to front (it makes sense when you see a feel demo of it) and even the suspension is linked so if the front forks hit a pot hole a sensor sends a message to the rear shock to tell it to expect what’s coming, all very very clever stuff.
Final Thoughts
The Mulitstrada (Italian for Multi Road) is a truly brilliant bike with a class leading V4 engine that delivers the performance of a superbike with the comfort of a tourer. The RALLY version throws the gauntlet down at the feet of the BMW GSA1300 and in doing so in our opinion gives it a real bloody nose. The style and performance is a different league to the big BM, make no mistake either bike would be brilliant to have in your garage for long distance, go anywhere travels and the only question that really exists is it to big for you, for Bulby it was but the engine and everything else left such a mark he’s gone and brought a standard V4S ( details to follow). If you ask him, he’ll say take the big Multi over the BM just on performance and looks alone but go ride both as it really depends what experience you want to have on your adventure and either way you won’t be disappointed.
Pro’s – Engine is a peach, Style, 30 litre tank, Go anywhere version
Cons – Rear number plate light, Phone holder, Size, Cost fully equipped £ +28K
Rating – 9.5/10
For more information click Here
To have a closer look click Here
Multistrada 1260s (2015 – On)
Ridden by Asti
The 3rd generation of the Multistrada was more evolution rather than revolution. The new bike grew in engine size by 60cc, had a facelift of it’s beak which added more colour as well as a revised screen and gauges. This bike really can do most things, all day two up touring or take the panniers off , set the mode to race and scratch with your sports-bike riding mates, this is a truly capable bike however in our opinion the looks have been messed up a little with the black beak surround giving it a strange face which was less to our liking. The rating we give this bike maybe unfair as for the price and quality you’d expect from Ducati is should be higher but the bike used in this test really had a number of issues. Firstly was the chain, even though it had been adjusted before the trip it was a constant pain in the ass and requires a special tool to make the adjustment thanks to the beautiful single sided swingarm. Secondly and more importantly the front brakes failed. the problem was identified as a warped disc which kept pushing the pads out but this really shouldn’t be happening on a bike this age and is very disconcerting when riding alpine roads with a thousand feet drop the other side of the barrier.
Pro’s – Great v-twin engine, comfortable two up sports tourer, Sportsbike agility
Cons – This particular bike was unreliable, cost, equipment. Requires belts changing every 3yrs or 15k miles but a hefty cost of between £800 – £1000
Rating – 7/10
Fore more information click Here
MTS 1200 (2010 – 2014)
Ridden by Bulby
In 2012 Bulby splashed out and brought a Ducati MTS 1200 Multistrada which he owned for over 3 years. The bike uses the 1198 twin found in the Panigali superbike retuned to deliver 150bhp. The V- twin tessaretta engine delivers great power and torque with multiple engine modes, adjustable screen and came with the Ducati luggage which are hard cases which locks into place. This bike really was the king of the sports/tourer/Adventure bike class until BMW joined the party and that was because it truly is a great bike, loads of power and bundles of torque this really is a bike that can do anything
Pro’s – Comfortable, Powerful. Luggage system both on and off the bike is neat and well designed. Ducati dealerships and warranties
Cons – Servicing costs ( Belt change every 3 yrs regardless of mileage and £800 -£1000 cost.) Protection from the screen. Standard luggage is small (exhaust side has section removed)
Rating – 8.5/10
For more information click Here