We have already told you about the variable valve timing featured on the new Ducati Multistrada, but now we see the entire machine as unveiled in Milan today. A new design featuring full LED lighting (including headlight), as well as a carefully redesigned ergonomic package with adjustable seat height.
More extensive rubber mounting reduces vibration reaching the rider, and Ducati has managed to maintain nearly the same dry weight despite the more complex engine design. Speaking of the new engine design, Ducati quotes 160 hp at 9,500 rpm, with huge torque over a broad tach spread thanks to the VVT. This combines with an 8% improvement in fuel consumption, and increased mileage before needed maintenance (15,000 miles).
Very sophisticated electronics grace the Multistrada. Below is the official press release from Ducati on the new Multistrada 1200 just unveiled in Milan:
DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200: SETTING A NEW STANDARD
As soon as it was launched back in 2010, the Multistrada 1200 revolutionised the motorcycling world by offering, for the very first time, nothing less than four bikes in one: from super sport to long-distance tourer, from everyday runabout to enduro. Now, Ducati’s technological expertise has produced a new generation
of Multistradas, bikes featuring the latest Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine and a state-of-the-art technological package that sets a whole new standard in its product segment. The new Multistrada 1200 is the “multibike” par excellence, with cutting-edge technology making it far more than just the 4-bikes-in-1 offered by its Riding Modes.
In what is a first for the motorcycle industry, the DVT engine features a variable valve timing system with independent control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts. This optimises engine performance throughout the power range in all riding conditions, thus ensuring maximum power at high rpm, fluid delivery, punchy low-rpm torque and low fuel consumption in full compliance with the latest Euro 4 regulations.
The new Multistrada 1200 also sets a new electronics benchmark thanks to the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which dynamically measures roll, yaw and pitch angles as well as the rate of their change; with this information, the IMU enhances both performance and safety. For example, the presence of the IMU enables the ABS to include a Cornering system capable of controlling braking even on bends where wheel lock could otherwise cause skidding. On the Multistrada 1200 S it also enables control the Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) in its full LED headlamp. Moreover, the IMU has allowed the introduction of Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC): this detects and corrects any front wheel lift to ensure maximum acceleration in complete safety. Like Ducati Traction Control (DTC), DWC features rider-settable 8-level sensitivity. Lastly, the IMU inertial platform also interacts with the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution (DSS) control system featured on the Multistrada 1200 S.
All models now feature Electronic Cruise Control, which the rider can set as desired using controls incorporated in the switchgear on the left handlebar. On the S version a Bluetooth module is included as standard: this activates the Ducati Multimedia System and can connect the bike to a smartphone for user- friendly control of basic functions such as receiving incoming calls, notification of text messages, or playing music via the handlebar controls and on-dash info. Thanks to an iOS/Android app, the Bluetooth connection lets riders use bike data to activate other functions which enhance, extend or let them share their everyday riding or touring experiences; the app even allows interaction with the ducati.com website and social networks.
Main standard features on the Multistrada family Multistrada 1200
Colour
- Ducati Red with black wheels rims
Features
- New Ducati Testastretta DVT engine
- IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit
- Bosch-Brembo ABS 9.1ME Cornering braking system o Electronic cruise control
- Riding Modes
- Ride-by-Wire Power Modes (PM)
- Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
- Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
- Height-adjustable seat
- LCD instrument panel
Multistrada 1200 S (and Multistrada 1200 S D|air®)
Colours
- Ducati Red with black wheels rims (1200 S and 1200 S D|air®)
- Iceberg White with black wheels rims (1200 S only)
Features
- New Ducati Testastretta DVT engine
- IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit
- Bosch-Brembo ABS 9.1ME Cornering braking system
- Front brake discs with diameter of 330 mm, Brembo M504 4-piston radial calipers o Electronic cruise control
- Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
- Lightweight machine-finished forged wheels
- Riding Modes
- Ride-by-Wire Power Modes (PM)
- Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
- Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
- Height-adjustable seat
- Electronic Sachs suspension (front and back) with the semi-active Ducati Skyhook
Suspension (DSS) Evolution system
- Full LED headlamp with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) o Instrument panel with 5” full colour TFT screen
- D|air system (Multistrada 1200 S D|air® only)
Personalisation Packs
- Touring Pack: heated grips, panniers and center stand
- Sport Pack: road-legal exhaust (homologated only for EU) Ducati Performance by Termignoni and carbon fibre front mudguard, machined-from-billet aluminium brake and clutch reservoir caps
- Urban Pack: top case, tank bag with lock and USB hub
- Enduro Pack: supplementary lights and Ducati Performance components by Touratech: engineprotection bars, radiator guard, oil sump guard, bigger kickstand base and off-road footpegs
The launch of the new Multistrada is enriched also by the Multistrada Link App: a smartphone app, available for iOS and Android, that further explains all content and new features of the bike. Through the app it‘s possible to rate individual aspects of the bike, and submit ideas and comments directly to Ducati. Further, it will deliver easily accessible weekly updates of a variety of content.
I bought a 13 multi granturismo and love the ever-loving heck out of it. This new bike addresses every single complaint I had. Who wants to buy my ’13 GT???
Love my 2011 S-Sport as well despite its handful of shortcomings. The Ohlins suspension is the trade-off. I plan to ride it until they get the bugs worked out of this new DVT engine and then I’ll upgrade. After living with this Multi, everything else I ride is a dissapointment.
Impressive specs and electronic gimmickry, but it’s looks makes the new FJ-09 appear positively conventional.
And at just about half the cost, I think the Yamaha will get me as a buyer even with “only” 110-120 HP.
Me too. Old design much better. And the yamaha comes with traction control.
Electronics overkill.
Please, just make a simple, comfortable, fast, fun, affordable bike. Quit jacking the price into the stratosphere with flashy electronics no one ever needed or asked for.
Agreed for me ABS was a nice feature add to motorcycles, beyond that when the electronic gremlins come a knocking good luck!
Damn! I was hoping to see a little blue Ohlins decal on the lower fork casting. I love the white with red color scheme though.
It’s beautiful but so is any hand built car. Add a mortgage, cars and insurance, kids, college costs (i.e. reality) and you can forget about one of these. I’ll take a VStrom Adventure and use the extra cash for summer vacation etc. – It’s nice for sure. But now we’re getting back into Capitalism run amok. – Scrambler please!
Ducati’s use to be pretty machines. I remember lusting for a 750GT back in the 70ties. Lately not so much. I’ll never own one, that’s for sure. If you like the looks and the steep price, you can have mine.
looks like a praying mantis in heat
KING COBRA.
…remember when you could set your ignition points with a business card?
…remember when there was leaded gasoline?
Remember when carbureted bikes with points and condenser, no ABS, and tube-type tires:
1. ran like crap above 4000 feet of altitude?
2. had to have their points re-set every 1000 miles?
3. locked up their brakes and crashed in wet, slippery conditions?
4. required a flat bed pick up in event of a tire puncture?
I do. Thank God those days are gone.
I remember HAVING to. Which is why I don’t miss those days.
I remember those days and miss them, mostly because some of my parts worked better back then.
A great bike for sure but not a fan of the looks. I’m sure I could learn to cope but for that price I want beauty and brains.
Hmmm. The rear got more fender focus group thought than the front. Doesn’t the engine, header, and especially the radiator need a little love, too?
Also wondering about the exhaust flow with the side cases in place… ? Will rider and passenger wreak of exhaust fumes due to gas flow obstruction, and/or will the right case be deformed by hot exhaust gases from that upper muffler?
Upon closer examination it appears there won’t be exhaust restriction by the case.
It’s not too bad. Better looking than the V-Strom. Kinda has a surly & sinister look to it. Perhaps this should have been called the Diavel? Looks more devilish than the Diavel does. I like how it looks in profile in white.
No. That’s the ducati angry bird.
Awesome. I want it, in white. I think it’s gorgeous and all these technological marvels sound awesome. Can’t wait for the full review Dirck, Gabe, et al.
It looks supremely comfortable. I would love to see a cheaper 796 version without all the electronics for about $9999 🙂
Let’s get this out of the way….Angry Cardinal!
Man that thing looks like that Honda that everyone calls shamu.
I miss the old F-1 or 900ss style.
is some version of the DVT going to trickle into their Superbikes?
I ask because the trickling down to the “everyday” models normally comes from racing, which in this case would be the Superbikes. Just askin, and just sayin…
give it time. prolly already exists, but remember the superbikes sodded the old belt and pulley system for chain and sprockets. they’d have to engineer a more than slightly different system. it’s not a simple retrofit.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess, I love it.
Looking forward to the test ride review for the impression on how well the system works.
How bad to these bikes, with such intricate electronics/mechanisms, tank in value after their warranty is out?
Q: How bad (do) these bikes, with such intricate electronics/mechanisms, tank in value after their warranty is out?
A: not as much as you’re hoping.
There are plenty of used Multis out there at reasonable prices although I don’t think they depreciate any faster than other brands. There are also plenty of extended warranty options if you’re worried about failures outside of the warranty period. A used Ducati is not a bad way to go….a lot of them have received more TLC than the average used motorcycle.
Wait, they managed to make it uglier?
Love the DVT though.