| Written by CMG Staff on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 |
The 1200 Multistrada in touring mode.
Four bikes in one. That’s what Ducati is calling the new Multistrada 1200. And on paper, it looks like it just might be a one-size-fits-all ride.
It’s the first Ducati to incorporate fly-by-wire throttle control, and it’s through this system that engine power can be tailored, through four different riding modes, to “adapt to the needs of the rider and not the other way around”.
A new liquid-cooled 1,198 cc Testastretta 11° engine claims 150 horsepower. The “11°” signifies a change in valve overlap from the 41-degree overlap of the 1198 engine to 11 degrees, which results in smoother combustion and reduced exhaust emissions and fuel consumption.
Similar 'beak' to the BMW 1200GS.
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is standard on the three Multistrada 1200 models (standard, S Sport and S Touring), and selecting one of the four riding modes adapts the DTC for specific riding environments.
In Sport mode, all 150 horses are available and the DTC is set to 3 (out of 8), which allows aggressive throttle openings with minimal electronic intervention for sporting or track day riding.
All 150 hp is available in Touring mode too, to handle two-up riding with luggage, but the DTC is set at a more intrusive number 5 setting to control traction in everyday situations like slippery or wet pavement.
In Urban mode, power is limited to 100 hp and DTC level set to 7, almost at its maximum level, intended to handle stop-and-go riding on oil-stained city streets
Hmhh, you say 'Enduro' do you?
And finally, there is an Enduro (yes, that’s Enduro) mode for Multistradisti who will use the bike to venture off road. Power is also limited to 100 hp, but DTC is set at its minimum to allow gravel-flinging power slides.
Ducati also introduces an electronically controlled suspension on the Multistrada 1200, similar in function to BMW’s ESA system. Called the Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), the rider can choose from one of four settings that automatically adjust the preload and damping for a rider only, to rider with passenger and luggage.
Aside from the standard Mutlistrada 1200 that offers ABS as an option, two S versions are available.
The S Sport has some carbon-fibre bits and standard DES and ABS, while the S Touring subtracts the Sport model’s racy carbon bits with panniers that offer either 57 litres capacity, or large lid versions with a 77-litre capacity, as well as heated handgrips and a centre stand.
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