Ducati V2S or Moto Guzzi V100 S Madello

[Martylaa]

Looking at a bike based more on sports touring, 99% of my riding is days out and on the roads, but I have been known to tour Scotland and go further afield in the UK. On that basis I am looking at the Moto Guzzi V100 S Mandello and the Ducati Multistrada V2S.

Took a Moto Guzzi V100 S Mandello out the other day and did like a hell of a lot about it, only thing is I'm slightly concerned about it being a new model and if there is any bugs in that first generation. Seen a few posts online regarding it idling around 1400 revs, 1 or 2 concerns about the paintwork on the cylinder heads and the 'character' of a Guzzi, that clump as you move into 1st gear I reckon could have people diving for cover...
It was a really nice bike to ride, looks absolutely amazing, shaft drive so no more chain maintenance which is a positive and its very comfortable although the quickshifter is basically unusable until at least 3rd gear.

Then I look at the Ducati Multistrada V2S models (dark grey ones only) and again like the V100 its a stunner of a bike, has lots of great reviews, more than enough power for me and still gives me the option of going further afield. Has a bigger tank than the Guzzi, bit more tried and tested and generally excellent reviews.

Any thoughts...

Edited by Martylaa on Saturday 11th January 22:20

[GSA_fattie]

different bikes from different segments?

z1000sx, 1000gt, Honda thingy are comparable with the MG

tiger 900, v strom etc with the Ducati

the answer is:

the one you like and can afford to run, and if something goes wrong, its easy and convenient to fix,
the one you can turn around and look at when you park it up and think "that's nice im glad i had that"






and that is not a F**king H2 SX SE - before a certain poster mentions it

[mikey_b]

They're both very nice bikes, well regarded by both reviewers and owners. But I agree with the previous comment about being different bikes from different segments. The Ducati is an adventure bike, with a more upright riding position and a 19" front wheel. You'd really need to take one out to see which you prefer.

I've been following V100 reviews and forums (etc) as I'm kinda tempted too, I don't think there are really any serious bugs in it. Very early bikes had a tendency to suddenly lose coolant, but that was caused by too-weak hose clamps, and therefore an easy fix. The cylinder head thing seems to have been a particular batch, rather than a general problem. My only concern is spare parts lead times and dealerships, but that's a personal thing as I need it to commute and being off the road for a fortnight would be difficult. If my usage was more fun-based, I'd be less bothered..

MG depreciation can be quite harsh, but on the plus side you can pick one up at a good price - there's new ones going for well under list currently on AutoTrader, even more so for the non-S models.

[lukeyman]

Moto Guzzi appeals to me more than Ducati. Non S so then you don't have to worry about the quick shifter. And you get the nicer colour wheels. Also cheaper.

I'd have it in white because it reminds me of the Raleigh Vektor I had as a kid!

[Martylaa]

lukeyman said:

Moto Guzzi appeals to me more than Ducati. Non S so then you don't have to worry about the quick shifter. And you get the nicer colour wheels. Also cheaper.

I'd have it in white because it reminds me of the Raleigh Vektor I had as a kid!

And here's me thinking the Multi V2S was primarily a sports tourer and not a adv bike, lesson learnt. 99.9% of my riding will be on roads hence thinking about the non need for a tall heavy adventure bike.

I test drove the S model and really enjoyed it, been offered a new V100S for a massive discount thats why I'm tempted, it would come with a full MG warranty and I have 2 places that sell and service MG within 25 miles of me. The only thing is I'm sure I've read MG have tweaked the gearbox on the new 2025 model so wondering exactly if its been improved that side of things, I can live with the 1st gear clunk and the quickshifter after the first 2 gears worked for me and no issues coming back down the box.

I love the looks, its one of those bikes I couldn't stop looking at and it would be perfect for my riding , the odd days out during the week, weekend run out and I could even see myself doing a tour on it with the panniers for a few days and its way cheaper than the V2S I've been offered.

p.s you absolutely nailed I with the Raleigh Vector comment, I've been racking my brains to work out why it looked familiar, well done haha...

Edited by Martylaa on Sunday 12th January 11:49

[Neal H]

The Moto Guzzi is a beauty, the Multistrada isn't. I'd base my decision on that alone.

[KTMsm]

Not really comparable IMO

You buy a Guzzi as you buy a classic car, because you want one, it isn't going to win any comparison contests based on ability

I quite fancy a Multistrada but I'm put off by their potentially expensive problems, parts and servicing - and I'm a long term KTM owner

[Rushjob]

Having owned both Guzzis and Ducatis for the last 41 years ( ) and my last 3 bikes being a 1200 Multi, a 1200 Stelvio and now back on a Ducati, I think I'd be going for the Guzzi in this case.

Pretty good position to be in though, having to choose between the two!