With the motorcycle market as a whole currently in decline, the slow sales of new motorcycles is starting to affect the used market. Depreciation is generally part of life when buying any new vehicle, but luxury motorcycles are getting hit particularly hard. So, if you are considering a high-end ADV, we highly recommend having a look at the used market first.
To circumvent the worst effects of depreciation, looking at a bike that is already around five to seven years old is going to be the safest bet. Naturally, it is pretty important that you verify that the previous owner has kept up with maintenance and that everything is in good order. If it is, there are some bargains to be had, including this top-of-the-line adventure bike, which is now cheaper than several middleweight adventure bikes.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various authoritative sources, including KBB. Whereas, the opinions are our own. Buying a used motorcycle always has an element of risk attached, so please do your research, and proceed with caution.
How This Ducati Multistrada Balances Adventure Capability With On-Road Comfort
The Multistrada V4 Rally is ready for adventure as well as long-distance tours (and an occasional commute).
The 2020 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Is Now Cheaper Than A Midweight Adventure Bike
Price Range: $10,000 – $15,000
The out-the-door price of a 2020 Multistrada 1260 S would have been around the $22k mark. Today, you can find these bikes for almost half that price, or less than several of the premium middleweight adventure bikes, including the Ducati DesertX, Triumph Tiger 900, BMW F 900 GS Adventure, and the Husqvarna Norden 901.
All these bikes will be better off-road, but if you are looking for an adventure-tourer, the Multi is pretty hard to ignore. Trade value is now sitting at $10,825, or less than half what Ducati would have sold it for six years ago. Retail value is now just under the $15k mark, which is not nothing, but it is great value for a feature-rich bike like the previous generation Multi.
Features A Reworked Sports Bike Engine
Power: 158 Horsepower
This V-twin is a direct descendant of the engine Ducati used in the 1098 R superbike, which was used for WorldSBK homologation. Over the years, this engine has been thoroughly reworked, first getting DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) in 2015 and then an increase in displacement to 1262cc in 2018. The increase in displacement resolved a strange flat spot the 1200 had at around 5,000 RPM, but did not add any power.
A Few Quirks To Be Aware Of
By the time this came out, Ducati had more or less gotten on top of all the reliability concerns that afflicted older bikes. But, even in this more mild state of tune compared to the old superbikes, these twins are not without their quirks. Like most big V-twins, these engines like to run relatively hot, and while this is not something that will necessarily cause any mechanical maladies, it doesn’t make the bike particularly comfortable to ride through traffic on a hot day. This also tends to add wear to the wiring harness, and over time, this can eventually lead to other electrical issues that are almost impossible to diagnose.
The Most Capable Adventure Bike Of 2025 Is The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally
The word ‘capable’ should have a photo of the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally next to it in the dictionary.
The Multistrada 1260 S Has An Advanced Electronic Suspension
On the topic of electronics, this was one of the most feature-rich motorcycles money could buy back in 2020. While many of the features – like cornering ABS, a quickshifter, and ride modes – can now be found on cheaper bikes, its sophisticated Skyhook suspension is still a major point of difference. The convenience of being able to simply scroll through a menu and adjust your suspension settings at the press of a button only adds to the appeal.
Naturally, with it being a Ducati, it is on the sporty side, and its steel trellis chassis complements the advanced suspension. It offers a more dynamic ride than anything else you will find in this adventure touring segment. The only downside is that even with the settings at their most plush, it will still be a little firm compared to some of the competitors in this space.
Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications
|
Chassis |
Steel trellis |
|
Front Suspension |
48mm electronically adjustable semi-active inverted Sachs fork (6.7-in travel) |
|
Rear Suspension |
Electronically adjustable semi-active Sachs shock (6.7-in travel) |
|
Weight |
518 lbs |
There Are Some Equally Good Used Alternatives To The Multistrada
Since the Multistrada first came out, it has always been closer to a sport tourer than an actual adventure bike. It was one of the first crossovers on the market and will appeal to those who will do 90 percent of their riding on the road, but want the added convenience of being able to go off-road without any concern. If you want something with a little more off-road competence, there are a couple of great alternatives.
2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
Today, you can find the 1290 Super Adventure S for a good deal less than the Ducati. It was the more street-oriented Super Adventure and came with semi-active suspension. While it might not offer the same level of luxury as the Italian bike, it is far more capable off-road, and the value proposition is hard to ignore.
10 Must-Know Things About KTM’s Craziest Adventure Bike Yet
A bigger engine, cutting-edge tech, and a controversial design are some of its highlights
2020 BMW R 1250 GS
The R 1250 GS had become the default choice in this space by 2020, and is still one of the most refined ADVs money can buy. It is also another big step up in terms of off-road capability, but it is a fair bit less powerful, and it is also heavier. The one variable is the fact that BMW has so many packs, you could actually find one at the right price, with all the options you want already fitted. Overall, the BMW is still the safe option, and the KTM is a bit of a bargain. But the level of luxury you get with the Ducati is downright impressive. Out of these three bikes, it is by some margin the best looking, too.