The 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 wouldnt have stirred much interest if it were simply a mild redesign of the outgoing air-cooled sport tourer, but the re-imagined Multi boasts so many radical features-- among them a superbike-sourced engine and available electronic suspension-- that it has become one of the most anticipated bikes of the year.
We rode the new Multistrada over 150 miles in the Canary Islands to experience the bike firsthand across a variety of terrain. Read on to find out whether or not the newest Ducati lives up to the hype.
Ducati Multistrada claim that their new 1200 combines four bikes in one, but how can one realize the bike so many different personalities? Lets see how the Multistradas hardware address that claim.
The basic version of the Multistrada 1200 at a price $ 14,995, and comes with Ducati Traction Control (DTC.) Optional ABS rings in at $ 16,495. The idea of four-in-one based on electronic systems Ducati Suspension (DES) was found in versions of "S" (price $ 19,995), in collaboration with the mapping of DTC and the valve to change the behavior of the motor-way through the Ohlins unit that can be adjusted quickly. "Sport" mode using all the 150 hp engine with sharp throttle response and the DTC set to 4 (with 8 of the most disturbing.) "Touring" set DTC to 5 and soften the suspension, while "Urban" power cut to 100 hp, lump DTC until 6, and soften up large potholes and bumps. "Enduro" brings out the rear suspension bikes for extra clearance, allowing for 100 hp, and making power slides possible by setting DTC 2.
Although the four setting switches easily exchanged through the left (and indicated on the lap dash), dig deeper into the menu allows customization of a very specific, for example, you can redefine "Sport" mode to produce only 100 horsepower from the engine, with little or without intervention and ABS DTC off. In addition, you can individually assign numerical preload and rebound settings on the front and rear suspension, and stores the combination on a bike computer for future reference. It is equally easy to return to default settings.
