Upcoming Ducati bikes in India (4)

autocar.india

•9w

Both the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4 might be peers on paper, but the real-world story couldn't be more different. BMW's R 1300 GSA will give you better comfort, a more surefooted feel at faster speeds on longer tours and with its huge 30 litre tank, you'll have to stop less frequently for fuel. The downside with the big GSA is going to be its sheer size and heft, although judging from your test ride experience, you weren't really fazed by it. On the other hand, the Ducati Multistrada V4 will feel much closer to your Street Triple R in terms of its sheer performance and taut handling. The Multistrada V4 feels much closer to a supernaked in terms of its speed and performance, but that has its own drawbacks, primarily drastically lower fuel economy and a propensity to wear out the rear tyre quicker than usual, if you ride hamfistedly quite often. When it comes to maintenance costs, both these premium European ADVs are pretty much as expensive to maintain as any motorcycle can get, and you should be prepared for it. Coming to reliability, the Ducati Multistrada V4 has been out for longer and has really proven its mettle, even in punishing Indian conditions. The BMW R 1300 GS platform is still in its infancy, and super long-term reliability still remains unknown. However, since you plan to retain your Street Triple R for the foreseeable future, we'd recommend you choose the BMW because it provides a different experience, and its boxer engine is lovely to use and enjoy in Indian conditions. As good as the Multistrada V4 is, it will likely feel a little too similar to your sporty naked, and in the long term, you'd rather have two very different bikes than two rather similar ones. Happy hunting!