Ducati Multistrada replacement: top 5 rivals rated

Updated: 19 November 2014

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Ducati’s new practical superbike – the Multistrada replacement – will enter one of the fastest growing segments of the motorcycle market. Will it have what it takes to edge out the competition? Here’s a run down of it’s main rivals to help you make up your mind.

In this week’s MCN we reveal how Ducati’s Multistrada replacement will look using insider information and our own spy shots. One Ducati dealer who has seen the actual pre-production bike told MCN that our mock-up is “an accurate representation of what the bike looks like”.

Read all about the new Multistrada replacement and the story on how MCN’s Marc Potter told Ducati to build it in this week’s paper, on sale Wednesday 18 February.

Thinking of trading in? Sell your bike with MCN for £9.99

What do you think? Is the new Ducati likely to be a match for the competition? Should BMW be worried that it’s top-selling R1200GS is about to be dethroned? Have your say by commenting on this article below.

Here’s 5 of the bikes the new Ducati Multistrada will be competing against when it hits the dealer floor:

BMW R1200GS (2004-current)
MCN Verdict: “The BMW R1200GS breezed into the motorcycle world in 2004 and changed it forever. It’s a genuine all-round motorcycle that’s equally at home on a trackday as it is on a grand tour. The BMW R1200GS’ 1170cc Boxer engine is a pleasure to use, while the handling, braking, usability and comfort put this motorcycle in a class of one.”

Triumph Tiger 1050 (2006-current)
MCN Verdict: “With the all-new 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050, the Hinckley firm decided to put cross-country aptitudes to one side. Nobody in their right mind would go off-road on a stock 955 Tiger, so the fact that the Triumph Tiger 1050 is more road-biased (looks and handling) matters not a jot. It all adds up to a better road bike and for us a better motorcycle.”

Buell Ulysses XB12XT (2008-current)
MCN Verdict: “Reworking an existing model to make an all-together different model can work– add panniers, taller screen, other accessories and they become good budget touring bikes. Buell’s take on this is to rework the Ulysses adventure-based bike, add small panniers and top box and hope they can get away with an archaic air-cooled engine to lug its load – along with a top heavy price tag.”

KTM 990 Adventure (2003-current)
MCN Verdict: “Once upon a time the BMW R1200GS held sway as the only credible round-the-world capable giant trailie. Now, though, the KTM 990/950 Adventure is luring buyers away from the BMW R1200GS with its sharper styling, better handling and greater off-road ability.”

Moto Guzzi Stelvio (2008-current)
MCN Verdict: “It’s brand new from the ground-up featuring a new chassis, suspension, wheels, tyres and Moto Guzzi’s latest 8v 1200cc V-twin motor. Next to the BMW GS it’s not as fast, light or focussed but it doesn’t take itself as seriously either. It offers up more confidence in the corners and its softer power delivery, seat and suspension make it far more relaxing on long journeys.”

If you’re thinking of buying one of the above models from MCN Bikes For Sale, get insurance quotes from a number of motorcycle insurance providers in one place with MCN Compare.

By James Keen