Ducati Multistrada

The Multistrada 1200 is a motorcycle manufactured by Ducati since 2010. The engine is a retuned version of the Testastretta from the 1198 superbike(now replaced by the awesome 1199 Panigale) and the Streetfighter naked, now called the Testastretta 11° for its 11° valve overlap (reduced from 41°). All models include throttle by wire, selectable engine mapping (full power with sensitive or relaxed throttle response, and reduced power with relaxed throttle response) and traction control adjustable through eight levels, called DTC (Ducati Traction Control). Also, the engine is shared with the Ducati Diavel too. 

The bike comes in three equipment levels, the base, the S-Sport and the S-Touring. The S models include ABS(optional on standard model) and electronically adjustable suspension, called DES (Ducati Electronic Suspension). The S Sport model features carbon fiber air intakes, cam belt covers and rear hugger, while the S Touring model comes with heated grips, hard luggage and a center stand. It competes with the BMW GS, the current market leader in its segment, the KTM 990 Adventure and the Yamaha Super Tenere.

Over 10,000 units were sold in the first year.

Engine Modes

The bike offers four engine power modes, Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. Riders can change power modes with the motorcycle underway by using the turn-signal cancel button. Sport and Touring modes provide the full 150bhp with the Touring mode providing a softer throttle response. Urban and Enduro reduce horsepower to 100bhp and provide different levels of ABS and traction control accordingly. Riders also have the option of customizing any of these modes by changing the horsepower, throttle response, ABS and traction control levels using menu items inside the instrument cluster.

Mechatronic Suspension

The Ducati Electronic Suspension, Öhlins mechatronic Suspension, was developed in MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycle racing.

On the S-model Multistradas, with electronic suspension, preload and damping rates change with each of the engine power modes. Riders can also choose between four different base-settings based on having a passenger or luggage. Just like with the the engine performance modes, riders can customize each of these settings using menu's inside the instrument cluster.

2011

For 2011, Ducati released a special Pikes Peak edition that features the black, white and red "Corsa" Paint, a red trellis frame and many carbon fiber accents. Many of the aluminum accessories, such as the sump-guard, are painted black.

2012

For the 2012 model year the riders seat was redesigned to allow more forward and aft movement and ABS is standard on all iterations of the bike.