Two new road-oriented sport tourers announced recently.

Honda confirmed rumors of using its time-tested 1084cc parallel twin Africa Twin powertrain in another bike, this time as a sport tourer with the NT1100 to be released next year. All we have are patent documents to determine its body which appear to be similar in design to the S1000XR. Two versions to be offered at start, a NT1100A base version with manual gearing and lower spec, and a NT1100D model with a DCT semi-auto gearbox and other farkles like a taller screen.

Ducati announced a V2 version of its Multistrada. Really a remake of their Mullti 950, with new seat and a bunch of electronics like cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes & other farkles from the V4. All-new clutch & gearbox, and the V2 S gets a quickshifter. $5K cheaper than the V4 to start, so that's a reason to at least pay attention.

(10-01-2021, 05:54 PM)Pyrrho Wrote: Two new road-oriented sport tourers announced recently.

Honda confirmed rumors of using its time-tested 1084cc parallel twin Africa Twin powertrain in another bike, this time as a sport tourer with the NT1100 to be released next year.
...
Ducati announced a V2 version of its Multistrada.
...

Yes I saw these while watching YouTube recently. It would be nice if it could take hold but on this side of the pond I am not so sure. Sport Tourers make more sense in Europe where the market is more amenable. But we'll see.

(10-01-2021, 05:54 PM)Pyrrho Wrote: Ducati announced a V2 version of its Multistrada.

I don't keep up with the Ducati models. I thought they kept the V Twin when they came out with the V4.
A friend we see a couple times a year on rides has the V4 Multistrada and Streetfighter.
He likes the new engine.

(10-02-2021, 07:20 AM)Lee Wrote: I don't keep up with the Ducati models. I thought they kept the V Twin when they came out with the V4.

You're right. The Multistrada 950 was also a V2, an engine shared with their Monster 950 and Hypermotard models. The new Multi V2 replaces it with some engine upgrades but mostly moving a lot of the upscale parts from their V4 over. Less expensive & more refined, lower weight, better ergonomics, etc. I believe they dropped the desmo valve system of the old 950 as well, meaning required maintenance is both cheaper and less frequent.

(10-02-2021, 07:20 AM)Lee Wrote: A friend we see a couple times a year on rides has the V4 Multistrada and Streetfighter.

The V4 is sexy, very powerful, and has lots of cool stuff like the front/rear radar and R/L blindspot detection. And holy balls is a Streetfighter sexy; I was drooling over it when I first saw it at the International Motorcycle Show in Chicago the year it was introduced. That V4 engine is a beast. I almost bought a ST3 instead of my last BMW, so I'm not against Ducati but I just think BMW provides more compelling alternatives. F900XR/GS or R1250RS/GS vs Multistrada V2, S1000XR vs Multistrada V4, S1000R vs Streetfighter V4.

(10-01-2021, 05:54 PM)Pyrrho Wrote: Ducati announced a V2 version of its Multistrada. Really a remake of their Mullti 950, with new seat and a bunch of electronics like cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes & other farkles from the V4. All-new clutch & gearbox, and the V2 S gets a quickshifter. $5K cheaper than the V4 to start, so that's a reason to at least pay attention.

I have not sat on the Duc 2 valve but it may suit me better than the RS and very well could be my next bike. I believe it still is a Desmo valve system and not moved to springs like the V4.