When to expect any real world reviews / tests?

Considering we're seeing them in shows, we'll probably be seeing them in 2-3 months I'm thinking ?

sids911 said:

Hi Guys - Is probably a bit premature to expect any real world tests or reviews from motorcycle reviewers just in the month of December, but, typically when do these tests/reviews start pouring in for a new bike - any idea?

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Since the bike is going on sale in April next year and that it's being shown around the world now, I'd expect to see magazine road tests in the Feb/March time frame.

Haven't been keeping track of the new Multistrada 950. I thought it was revealed/introduced around the same timeframe as the SS. We already see first ride reports of it. If that's the case why should the SS be 2-3 months away?

Or Am I missing something obvious?

1lifeliveit said:

Haven't been keeping track of the new Multistrada 950. I thought it was revealed/introduced around the same timeframe as the SS. We already see first ride reports of it. If that's the case why should the SS be 2-3 months away?

Or Am I missing something obvious?

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Thats what I am wondering as well. Have already seen the multistrada, hopefully the SS will be not long from now.

1lifeliveit said:

Haven't been keeping track of the new Multistrada 950. I thought it was revealed/introduced around the same timeframe as the SS. We already see first ride reports of it. If that's the case why should the SS be 2-3 months away?

Or Am I missing something obvious?

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Ducati decides when to introduce new models to the press/public. I'd guess the SS has many more new parts to tool than the Multi 950, since that bike borrows heavily from the regular and Enduro versions. Ducati says April for the SS.

Perfect timing for them to ploy an April Fools joke... :O

Magazines primarily make their revenue from manufacturers advertising, and won't ever say anything to jeopardize that relationship. When was the last time you read a magazine review of a new bike that was highly critical? Perhaps it had something to do with the full page advertisement for the new bike on the opposite or following page.

Take anything written by someone with a commercial interest with a grain of salt. A lot of salt. Actually I don't think magazine reviews are worth the cracker the salt may be on.

I'll wait till I read honest and impartial user reviews (warts and all) that no doubt members of this forum will post up after they've ridden their new bike for a little while. These are invaluable, the only ones I'll take any notice off, and are greatly appreciated.

If nothing else, the magazine reviews are good for general specs like maximum speed and acceleration time. You can take everything else with a grain of salt and see if anything overlaps with other publications.

Ducatty said:

If nothing else, the magazine reviews are good for general specs like maximum speed and acceleration time. You can take everything else with a grain of salt and see if anything overlaps with other publications.

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Actually the magazines are useless for that information because that same information we can find out from Ducati. It's a magazine that has the bike, they're riding it, meaning... we're looking for information from a riding perspective. The sort of information specs won't give you.

I dont think the bike magazines are quite as manufacturer afraid as the car magazines who provide a significant income.
I've had quite a few new bikes and have personally found the road tests (particularly in MCN) to be quite accurate. You'll rarely get the long term view of an owner but how it rides and handles are often very interesting.
The one thing that's often a shame is we dont see a view of a bike from a 'mature' tester.

steeve said:

I dont think the bike magazines are quite as manufacturer afraid as the car magazines who provide a significant income.
I've had quite a few new bikes and have personally found the road tests (particularly in MCN) to be quite accurate. You'll rarely get the long term view of an owner but how it rides and handles are often very interesting.
The one thing that's often a shame is we dont see a view of a bike from a 'mature' tester.

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I'm also "mature" but don't quite understand what the magazine testers would say if they were older as well. Maybe talk more about comfort aspects?

steeve said:

I dont think the bike magazines are quite as manufacturer afraid as the car magazines who provide a significant income.
I've had quite a few new bikes and have personally found the road tests (particularly in MCN) to be quite accurate. You'll rarely get the long term view of an owner but how it rides and handles are often very interesting.
The one thing that's often a shame is we dont see a view of a bike from a 'mature' tester.

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My experience is the smaller the magazines circulation number and the more niche it is, the more advertisers have control.

Ever seen a magazine review a Harley Davidson motorcycle aimed an first bike buyers as an ill handling, badly brakes, and basically way overpriced bike likely to hamper the riders skills?

Now that's not everyone's opinion, but it is the opinion of a lot of knowledgeable people. But no magazine will ever say it, at least if they every want a slice of HD's massive advertising spend.