Without providing all the details, Ducati today previewed its revised 2013 Multistrada range that includes “new features such as enhanced aesthetics, a second generation Testastretta 11° engine, the very latest ABS and, on the “S” versions, the innovative semi-active suspension system, Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).” The entire press release from Ducati is printed below, and pictures of the Pikes Peak Edition (above) and the new 1200 S Granturismo (below) are provided. The formal unveiling of the bikes will occur at INTERMOT beginning October 3.
Borgo Panigale (Bologna) – 18 September 2012 Ducati has given a preview of its highly-anticipated 2013 range by revealing exciting new Multistrada models that introduce new features such as enhanced aesthetics, a second generation Testastretta 11° engine, the very latest ABS and, on the “S” versions, the innovative semi-active suspension system, Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).
The brand new range, full of owner-inspired improvements, signals the next stage of the Multistrada journey with a longlist of fascinating and high-tech features. It includes the Multistrada 1200 with the associated Riding Mode technologies of Ride-by-Wire (R-b-W) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) in addition to the very latest in ABS, while the Multistrada 1200 S Touring is now equipped with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), R-b-W, DTC and ABS with additional side luggage, heated grips and centre stand. The new touring flagship of the range for 2013 is the Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo with increased side luggage capacity, top case, additional LED illumination, enhanced wind protection and long-distance tires, while the enhanced Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak celebrates the sporting side of the model’s character with a replica of the famous 2012 mountain race bike in its stunning new race-winning livery.
The Multistrada’s award-winning Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro electronic Riding Modes enable a truly enjoyable and customizable riding experience separated by just one click of a button. The four-bikes-in-one concept makes instant adjustment to power and torque delivery in addition to electronic adjustment of suspension settings, traction control, and now ABS and Ducati Skyhook Suspension, instantly transforming the Multistrada 1200 to suit its rider and environment with even more precision.
Hailed as a true ‘game-changing’ motorcycle, Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 has attracted all types of riders to the Italian brand by removing the borders between different motorcycle categories and creating a model that is not only powerful and playful, but also a comfortable and versatile adventure on two wheels. The eight-level DTC and new three-level ABS introduce the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) concept to the Multistrada family; further underlining Ducati’s focus on performance safety.
Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 International Press Test is set to take place in Bilbao, Spain from 20-27 September, while the first public showing of the 2013 Multistrada range will be at the INTERMOT motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany from 3-7 October. The brand new Multistrada 1200 models will be available via the official Ducati dealer network from December 2012.
The most highlighted feature is the Ducati Skyhook Suspension System, which will be fitted in the S versions of Multistrada. This system is being developed in cooperation with Sachs.
I wonder if Yamaha will ever bring the TDM 900 to the U.S.
Well…those just look awesome!
I own a 2011 1200S with just over 11K miles…zero problems. The 3/4 picture of this bike never looks good. The beak serves to get air into the air box, hence the nostrils. Its aesthetics (or lack thereof) becomes tolerable over time. The Multistrada comes with an extra section of front fender that can be installed at time of delivery. It adds about 5″ of fender. I have it on mine. It definitely helps, but could be longer especially if you’re riding on broken up roads/fire roads. The rear-most fender, while a little odd-looking, does a great job at keeping the underside of the bike clean. I had one on my GS as well and it too was extremely functional. These pictures have a contrasting background—in the real world the rear fender doesn’t stand out as much. I like it.
The windscreen is terribly noisy; I’m glad to see they have changed that, and it looks like the very upper fairing is a little bit wider. Bigger saddlebags are a nice improvement, too.
This is the best bike I’ve ever owned. Comfortable for me and my wife, incredibly agile, crazy powerful when I need it and docile when I want it, all with the push of a button. Ducati is taking the evolution of this bike in the right direction, and I hope they continue to develop this kind of motorcycle. However, I think the Japanese could easily peck away at Ducati by offering their own version of this bike.
Hey Tom, Would you mind comparing/contrasting your experience with the Duc 1200S with your GS (I’ve got a GS, and so far, really happy with it)?
I had a 2010 GS. It was excellent, but two things bothered me: 1) I bought it w/2500 miles and it burned ~1qt every 1k miles, and 2) Coming to a stop on non-level ground with my wife on the back had me tip-toeing a lot.
I blame the oil consumption on poor break-in, as I had an ’05 1200RT that never had an issue like that (I broke her in). For me, a quart per 1k is unacceptable. The slightly tall seat height was an issue, but not a deal breaker. It just gave me a second reason to look elsewhere.
Now that I have the Ducati, I can report this: It’s much more powerful but does not have as much engine character; it’s much lighter on it’s feet; it’s adjustable suspension is superior to ESA; the seating position is comfortable but you’re locked into it; my wife prefers the Ducati trunk pad v the BMW vario case trunk pad; it’s much more fun to ride aggressively.
Positive points for the BMW: Better engine character and enough satisfying power for everything but hooligan stunting; suprising agile for its size (I can sport ride almost as fast on it v the Ducati); it’s more comfortable for longer rides; it handles a passenger and luggage better than the Ducati; I used to take the GS off road, and I’d never do that on the Ducati (mostly out of fear of replacing damaged parts v lack of the bike’s ability to handle off road riding).
Bottom line: Both are great bikes. If you are truly enjoying your GS, you don’t need to look over your shoulder and wonder if you made a good choice. Make friends with someone that owns a Multistrada and thrash on it when you get that urge 🙂
Awesome. Thanks man! I’m glad I ended up with the GS. I had rented them on trips to Calif many times, so I knew what I was getting. I’ve never had the chance to ride the Duc’s. Inspite of the “beak” I really like the looks of them. That “race paint” on the one on this page really is tits! Very nice.
I think that the negative comments about the fenders are valid. I’ve long thought that front fenders on most bikes should extend further down in back than most of them do. With this bike they went the other direction. I don’t see how you could not constantly be getting all sorts of dirt and rocks thrown up on the front of the engine and the radiator, and I think that would annoy me a lot.
I know it will probably never happen again but it sure would be nice to have an air cooled, two valve version of that bike.
Guys… what’s going on here? Firstly, this design has been around since 2009 (for the 2010 model). Are you all just now really noticing for the first time? That beak is pretty much unchanged since then. Everyone went nuts back then, but it’s pretty accepted now.
Secondly, I have one of these, and for those who mentioned italian bikes are unreliable, it’s been completely bulletproof. And it’s fun as hell, TONS of power, it really does everything. Maybe older Ducatis needed a lot of love and attention and still broke down, but they’ve really stepped up their game.
Brinskee my sons Duc is an 09 Monster 696.. bought new now with 6,000 miles on it. So far the electrics quit, it’s had 2 oil leaks they can’t seem to fix and the transmission locked up. At least he hasn’t had the common tank swelling issue…yet. Hardly the model of reliability. The only positive thing is he bought the extended warranty and hasn’t had any out of pocket expenses other than towing it back to the dealership that’s 2 1/2 hours away every few months. He also has a Yamaha FZ-1 he’s put 30,000 miles on that has never been back to the dealer, and never had a mechanical issue.
Agreed. I own a 2010 Hypermotard that’s been completely trouble free since new. Also more fun than should be allowed.
I like the looks of the bottom one with bags and trunk (except for the beak as previously mentioned by many…and whatever that goofy looking thing is behind the rear wheel) and would possibly have considered one for a sport-tourer if we didn’t already have one Ducati in the family that keeps us busy trailering it back to the dealership.
Ducati = Italian Harley….NO….I think Harleys are actually more reliable.
yamaha tenere?
You guys are all too held up by how a bike looks… *rolls eyes* All I care about is how it rides! You can’t see the beak when you’re in the seat… Try riding more, and polishing less (are you all Harley riders, or what???).
The Granturismo is damn near my ideal bike — the problem is, it will probably cost too much, and I’ll never have one… I’m assuming MSRP will be ~$20,995 for the Granturismo, right in between the S Touring and the Pike’s Peak (unless they raise the freakin’ prices AGAIN). Which basically means no one can afford it.
Come on Triumph! BRING ON A SPRINT 800 NOW!!! Considering the Trophy is going to start at $18,995, it makes this Duc look even MORE overpriced, and a baby sprint would be perfect in size and price! Doooo eeeeet!!!
Wouldn’t be nice if there was a Multistadda for shorter people.
I agree. An 848 short would be perfect. Preferably yellow.
I would love a yellow Multistrada in an 848 short!
I’m 5’9, but with short legs(30inch inseam) and can touch by tippytoeing, or just left leg only fine.
It’s not as tall as you’d think.
Oh Boy DSS (Ducati Skyhook Suspension) Finally a way to pick these heavy beasts up after you drop it when off road. I wonder if the skyhook winch mechanism is Italian electrics or hydraulic?
🙂 Thanks for the chuckle.
OK, serious question, hopefully someone can answer it. A few people have mentioned that beak, but what I want to know is, does it have a function? Is that somebody’s idea of style, or does it actually DO something? Also, for the money you pay for these things, why the incomplete front fender? Aren’t you more likely to cause damage from rocks, etc., with a fender that doesn’t even give decent coverage?
Beemerphiles will insist that BMW invented the beak for adventure bikes. But all you have to do is Google Suzuki DR Big to learn that Suzuki came up with the beak before BMW even knew how to spell GS 😉
I’ll buy that, but what does it do? Is it supposed to be added protection? If so, why would they have holes in it?
The beak on the original BMW R1100GS was supposed to direct air to the oil cooler which was located just below the headlight.
I think it’s a deer-catcher. Like trains have “cow catchers”.
It’s an obvious safety feature. And in different markets (say, the Middle East) they’d market it differently:”camel catcher”, or in Sweden: “moose catcher”.
It’s brilliant, really.
“before BMW even knew how to spell GS”
A cute comment, but totally incorrect!
BMW began production of the GS in 1980, some 9-10 years prior to the Suzuki big s before BMW even knew how to spell GS ingle was introduced!
Try getting your facts right before publishing stupid statements.
Here’s our little BMW R80G/S (Gellande/Strasse for off-road/road) made from 1980-1987. Cycle Magazine said about this little light-middle weight gem (IIRC) it was BMW’s best bike to date, handled great, and had a beautifully balanced ride. Thinking one in superb condition might be worth more now than original MSRP.
The only thing STUPID has came from you Tntimbo because you are an Idiot for typing—–> (Try getting your facts right before publishing stupid statements)
The oil cooler sits right behind the beak, and they blend off into the ram air ducts.
Funtional yes, necessary, probably not, im sure they could have done it another way if they wanted to.
Looks as though it may be utilized to direct air towards the radiator. Even if that is true, that function is secondary to being “GS-like” and screaming out “I am an adventure bike!”. For some adventure / DS bikes, the beak is an adaptation of the high fender to keep muck off the headlamp and rider’s face while still allowing enough distance between the fender and wheel that mud and grime don’t accumulate and stop rolling motion. Since the Multi has a standard fender as well, obviously the beak is a “me too” feature first and foremost.
Clearly a storage compartment for Viagra capsules. Obviously.
Transformer meets Big Bird.
Just can’t understand why the rear mudguard needs to be in two pieces, and in front there is practically no mudguard at all so that all the s#%& is thrown to the engine and the radiator.
I totally agree – someone trim off that silly beak and it’ll look absolutely awesome! It’s the only thing that mars an otherwise superb design. That was my first thought when I saw the 2012 model and I still feel the same.
I don’t think it looks like a beak, more like an angry ant face. But it is still stunning.
Hey, it’s no skin off of BMW’s nose if Ducati needs a “beak” to look like a real Adventure bike…..or maybe it is!
What headaches.??
Dealer service can be expensive, from what I’ve heard, and sometimes parts availability can be spotty. Then again, I once had to wait about 6 weeks for a part for my Kawi to come from Japan (on a slow boat, apparently). Also the dealer base is fairly thin in some areas. Maybe I should just go for it, though. I can hardly recall hearing a bad comment about it from anyone who’s ridden one.
(Dealer service can be expensive)Funny I have just read A Valve ADJ on the new Honda VFR1200 is over a $1000. WOW. You just need seek your local Ducati riders out to find out about your dealer.I Think a good Dealer is very impotent.I have a very good one & I feel very lucky.I think the modern Ducati’s have few problems.I have a MTS1200 and love it a lot more funner the Bike it replaced . This is my 3rd Ducati and probably wont be my last.
Don’t care about the beak, it’s fine. I wish the Japanese would produce something with level of performance, and quality suspension, without the parts and service headaches that come with a Ducati. Practical considerations aside, I’d take one with the paint job and other sweet parts like the one on top, set up for touring like the one on the bottom. With colour-matched bags. Comfort, power, handling, all in one reasonably lightweight package. What’s not to like? OK, OK, the styling. But remember, you can’t see that when you’re riding it.
Great lookin’ bike……..errr..GAWD!!! Somebody just throw something over that freakin beak!!!!!
This is a great opportunity for the aftermarket. Ducati rhinoplasti!
OMG, the nose looks like the beak of a bird. 8^ (
….you beat me!!!