If you have yet to figure it out, the “big trailie” or enduro category arguably started by BMW with its GS series is hot. Ducati certainly thinks so. It has introduced in Milan the Multistrada 1200 in three flavors, standard, sport (with Ohlins suspension – electronically adjustable through its “DES system”) and carbon fibre bits, and the 1200S Touring (also with the adjustable Ohlins suspension, heated grips, center stand and bags).

If you thought your BMW GS was fast, hold on to your hat. Each of the Multistrada 1200s features a superbike-derived, 90 degree v-twin rated at 150 horsepower and 87.5 pound/feet of torque. The six-speed transmission features a slipper clutch, and the bikes weigh in at a svelte 417 pounds (423 pounds for the Sport and Touring models).

Ducati refers to the new Multistrada as “four bikes in one . . . a sportbike, long-distance tourer, urban and road enduro.” Ducati has set up a special web site with all the details and additional photos.

MD Readers Respond:

I may be in the minority and actually really like the looks of this thing- a lot. I liked the old version from all views except the front- the face was too bulbulous and lacked style in my opinion. This one has more of an aggressive appearance. More hostile really than pretty! The direction looks more Tiger than GS, but who can really ride 150hp off road anyway and who’d want take a Ducati off road either? Too much maintenance for logging miles like my GS but I can say Ducati certainly has my attention for a comfortable, sporty and versatile bike.

Thanks- you have the best publication in the business by the way! Jerry

• I sure am glad the Honda Intercepter came out first, now everyone will see truly funky (Multistrada) versus unusual (Intercepter). Not that I don’t lust for the White “Touring model” in your story, I just can’t believe they built the ram air (?) into the front fender overhang. Adrian
• The correct term for the Ducati engine lay out is L twin as the angle is 90 degrees, if the angle was less, 75,60 or 45 V-twin would be a correct referance. Henry
• Damn…that is a special kind of fugly. They must really miss Massimo Tamburini. Mark
• Giving it some more thought, I don’t really need 150 horsepower….I wonder when Ducati will announce it’s 848 version of the Multistrada?
  While I imagine the maintenance would be the same, paying less to purchase and insure would be a definite plus. Motowalt

• The first one was pretty.
  This one is pretty ugly.
  I wouldn’t buy it with stolen cash. MPT

• Wow, that thing is ugly. I thought BMW had a corner on ugly bike styling,
  many of their models resembling Crow from “Mystery Science Theatre 3000.”
  But this takes the cake. The front view looks like Crow had a drunken tryst
  with the queen alien (from “Aliens”). BAAARF!!!!
  Crow:
  http://teachers.tulpehocken.org/dfake/Pictures/Crow_T._Robot%5B1%5D.jpg
  BMW GS:
  http://www.touringsportbmw.com/bmd/images/stories/bmw/bmw-f800gs-2008.jpg
  Tim

• Thanks for posting info about the new Multistrada.

  Sadly, this bike is not at all what I was hoping for. What’s with that
  weird insect proboscis-nostril thing going on? Fugly. And a great way to
  scoop crap into your airbox.

  And a 17″ cast front wheel and 180 rear tire? Useless for an “enduro”
  bike. I will never understand why nobody but BMW ever seems to offer an
  option for spoked wheels in sizes that can actually have dual-sport
  tires fitted (ie, 19″ or 21″ front and narrower rear rim to accommodate
  a 150/70-17).

  Also, that gas tank looks tiny. With the 1200 engine in it, I bet that
  thing has a range of under 150 miles.

  This is yet another “adventure” bike intended solely for the road. The
  ongoing rumor has been that Ducati was developing a competitor for the
  BMW GS. Bull. I could see this bike competing with the R1200RT, but
  certainly not the GS.

  This thing is the Honda Element of motorcycles. It sorta kinda looks the
  part, but don’t even bother taking it any further offroad than a gravel
  parking lot.

  Meanwhile, some of us would actually like to take a “big trailie” off
  pavement for more than a mile or two at a time, and we don’t necessarily
  all want to buy BMWs or KTMs. I guess we’ll have to keep hoping that
  Suzuki builds a more rugged version of the V-Strom 650 or that Yamaha
  brings the Super Tenere over here (assuming they actually build it). But
  I’m not holding my breath for either one. mark

• Wow,
  That is one beautiful, powerful, lightweight sport-touring machine!
  I don’t have any desire for the electronically-controlled suspension in the touring model and wish it were offered with non-electronic Ohlins or even Marzocchi/Sachs suspension to help keep the cost
  and complexity under control a bit more.
  I can definitely appreciate the heated grips, hard luggage and centerstand though.
  I previously had my mind made up on a new VFR, but if Honda prices the bike in the upper end of the scale, I will definitely give the Multistrada a hard look. If all other things were equal, the light weight alone would win me over (not to mention the 1198 motor! ;-). Motowalt

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