Which is better?

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This is the most frequently asked question by our guests. It's always hard to answer because the question is too general. Each of these motorcycles is different and has different features, but both are equipment that will work perfectly as motorcycles for fast and comfortable touring, and both give a lot of fun to ride.

XR compared to Multistrada is definitely sportier. Both the suspension (tuned much harder and having smaller jumps) as well as the wheels (17 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear with a 190 / 55 ZR17 tire) indicate a heavily asphalt destiny of this motorcycle. XR is not a tourist enduro, it is a "superbike" with a comfortable position, suitable for both the route and weekend paving. The old Multistrada 1260S was very similar to the XR in this regard, it was much sportier and radical compared to the V4S.

These two models (S1000XR and Multi 1260S) were often compared and rightly so, because apart from radically different engines (S1000XR - 999ccm, 4 cylinders / 1260S - 1262ccm, V2), they were motorcycles of similar purpose and character.

The Multistrada V4S is a slightly different motorcycle, closer to the R1250GS than to the XR.

Compared to the old Multistrada, it is much more comfortable (position, seats), has larger suspension strokes that are more comfortably tuned, the engine does not have such a radical power delivery (we now have a V4 instead of a V2). All this makes the new Multistrada less sporty, but better suited to touring. But, lest it sound like a complaint, this motorcycle is still the most sporty motorcycle in the ADV segment compared to the XR and KTM 1290, and the engine itself is in my opinion the most powerful (170 HP and 125 Nm) and gives the power in the most dynamic way, it is definitely thanks to cylinder layout - we have a V4 here.

The XR, for comparison, has a traditional in-line 4-cylinder engine (the same, but slightly more adapted to touring as in the BMW S1000R and S1000RR), the nature of this engine is very versatile, in the lower rev range, the engine accelerates very smoothly and gently (after it simply has little power there, but it is developed smoothly, there is no question of choking even in 6th gear, at speeds of 60 km / h, then you have to be patient before the drive unit starts), in the middle range of revolutions , is really the perfect engine for fast travel, we have a lot of power that is super meterable, and then there is the high rev range (from 8,000 rpm) where the XR turns into a crazy car that will shoot you out of the corner at such a speed that you can no longer stop…

This is something that you need to pay attention to in this motorcycle, but what also makes this motorcycle, if only we approach it with proper respect, it can be good even for someone with less experience.

The engine in the Multistrada V4S has the best average speed range in the entire segment, the amount of power and Nm in this most frequently used range is so large that you will never run out of it. It gives a lot of fun to drive, we have torque and power there, and it is delivered quickly and without the slightest delay. This is a really hellishly fast motorcycle, which you have to watch out for, because it can surprise us.

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SUMMARY IN POINTS XR vs V4S.

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DESTINY:

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S1000XR - fast tourism on asphalt, weekend paving, universal motorcycle for everyday use, "funbike" for rides.

Multistrada V4S - fast and comfortable tourism on asphalt and all gravel roads with a relatively hard surface.

TOURISM - PROS AND CONS

S1000XR

CONS - less comfortable than the competition (the saddle holds the rider tightly, which makes it hard to move on it, you will be stuck in one position for many hours - some people love this position, others find it uncomfortable. Hard suspension, wheels and motorcycle geometry that does not allow you to slide down asphalt - this is a motorcycle only for asphalt tourism

PROS - a flexible engine that can be controlled depending on the speed range, from very gentle and smooth, to throwing all the power at once, super stable at any speed, precise and very powerful brakes, it gives a lot of fun when cornering, it gives the most excitement riding - you enjoy riding this motorcycle.

Multistad V4S

CONS - high fuel consumption (up to 7.5 - 9 liters / 100 km), the engine slightly heats up near the tank at temperatures above 27-28 degrees.

PROS - super engine that always has power, especially a lot of this power is in the most usable, mid-range, great handling, very comfortable position

SPORT

S1000XR - is a sports motorcycle with a comfortable position, buying this motorcycle, we can easily participate in track days and we will probably embarrass not one sports liter

Multistada V4S - it's more of a tourist motorcycle with a sporty twist - it can be ridden on the track better than on the GS, but the purpose of this motorcycle is a comfortable touring ride

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ECONOMY

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The S1000XR is cheaper to buy and smokes a bit less.

PRODUCTION QUALITY

Very similar, both bikes are top shelf. We have driven over 30,000 km in our Multistrada and nothing has happened so far.

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VERSATILITY

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Definitely in favor of Multistrada. XR you will not go beyond the asphalt, you can do it on Multi (on gravel it drives like a large GS).

SUMMARY and what is my choice?

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If you love driving and adrenaline the most in motorcycles, and, for example, you are supporters of sports motorcycles, you have a passion for riding on the track and would like a universal, perfectly handling motorcycle on which you can travel freely, the XR will be the perfect motorcycle for you.

If you're looking for a truly versatile touring bike that'll make you laugh out loud while wearing a helmet, you won't find a better option than the new Multistrada.

I like riding the XR because it has this high-rev engine, this precision in driving, stability at high speeds, these accelerations especially above 8000 rpm. I also like the versatility of it, it's a bike that can be gentle and calm, but if you want it, it turns into something really really, really fast. However, due to the less comfortable position and the suspension a bit too hard, I would not choose it as a motorcycle for touring - I have already driven a few kilometers and I know that comfort is the most important feature of your motorcycle at certain moments.

The Multistrada V4S is a perfect motorcycle for me in virtually every respect. It's super strong, very good and easy to drive, very comfortable, pretty, gives a lot of fun to ride.

From the minuses for me: high price (currently the most expensive motorcycle from the ADV segment), slightly warms on warm days, smokes a lot.

If I had to choose XR or Multi - I definitely choose Multistrada!