Review: Ducati Multistrada 1200

Ducati Multistrada 1200 Pricing
Ducati announced on November 15, 2009 that the pricing for the new 2010 Multistrada 1200 will begin at $14,995.

The revolutionary Bosch-Brembo ABS system will be available for the Multistrada 1200; a first for Ducati which will reinforce the brand's reputation for world-class stopping power. The ABS system is one of the three available option packages for the bike, and will bring the MSRP to $16,495.

The second option package for the Multistrada 1200 is the "S Sport" package. This package will include the Bosch-Brembo ABS system; as well as Ducati Traction Control, and the Ducati-Öhlins Electronic Suspension system.

The "Sport" version of the "S" moniker comes from the inclusion of carbon fiber air intakes, cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors. MSRP for the bike with the "S Sport" package is $19,995.

For the touring fan, the Multistrada is also available with the "S Touring" package. The "S Touring" model is identical to the "S Sport" package, except instead of the additional carbon fiber accessories this model includes side luggage, a center stand and heated grips. The "S Touring" package also carries an MSRP of $19,995.

It looks like the Touring model is the best value. Delivery of the Multistrada 1200 will begin in spring 2010.

UPDATE: December 2009 - Why such an emphasis on the Multistrada 1200, the bike Claudio Domenicali said will be Ducati's bread and butter for the next 20 years? Here's a tip: BMW sold more GS-series bikes in the UK in the 2009 model year than all Ducatis in total. The BMW R1200GS is massively popular in the UK and Europe, with 1,936 sold in the UK alone, a sportbike-mad market. Ducati sold approximately 1,690 motorcycles in total. So a Multistrada that will take some of the GS market share could greatly boost Ducati's fortunes in the UK.

Ducati Multistrada 1200 Specifications

Multistrada 1200 S Touring
The Multistrada Touring's comfort and style is enhanced with side panniers, heated grips and centre stand. In addition, standard equipment on the the S version of the Multistrada includes the innovative DES system (Ducati Electronic Suspension) that electronically adjusts the Öhlins suspension and ABS.

Specifications

*Engine: Type L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled.
*Power: 150 hp (110.3 kw) @ 9250 rpm. Torque 87.5 lb-ft (118.7 Nm) @ 7500 rpm.
*Transmission: Clutch Light action, wet, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
*Chassis: Front suspension Öhlins 48 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork, electronic compression and rebound adjusters.
*Front Wheel: 10 spokes in light alloy 3.50 x 17
*Rear Suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins electronic monoshock. Aluminum single-sided swingarm.
*Rear Wheel: 10-spoke light alloy 6.00 x 17
*Front Brakes: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad.
*Rear Brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper.
*ABS standard equipment.
*Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 liters (including reserve).
*Dry Weight: 423 lb.
*Seat Height: 850 mm.

Multistrada 1200 S Sport
The Multistrada Sport is equipped with carbon fiber components such as cam belt covers, air intakes and hugger. In addition, standard equipment on the the S version of the Multistrada includes the innovative DES system (Ducati Electronic Suspension) that electronically adjusts the Öhlins suspension and ABS.

Specifications

*Engine: Type L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled.
*Power: 150 hp (110.3 kw) @ 9250 rpm. Torque 87.5 lb-ft (118.7 Nm) @ 7500 rpm.
*Transmission: Clutch Light action, wet, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
*Chassis: Front suspension Öhlins 48 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork, electronic compression and rebound adjusters.
*Front wheel: 10 spokes in light alloy 3.50 x 17.
*Rear Suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins electronic monoshock. Aluminum single-sided swingarm.
*Rear Wheel: 10-spoke light alloy 6.00 x 17.
*Front Brake: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad.
*Rear Brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
*ABS standard equipment.
*Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 liters (including reserve).
*Dry Weight: 423 lb.
*Seat Height: 850 mm.

Multistrada 1200 Standard
A dream Ducati - 4 bikes in 1. A sport bike, long-distance tourer, urban and road enduro are now separated by just one click.

Specifications

*Engine: Type L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled.
*Power: 150 hp (110.3 kw) @ 9250 rpm. Torque 87.5 lb-ft (118.7 Nm) @ 7500 rpm.
*Transmission: Clutch Light action, wet, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
*Front Suspension: Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable upside-down fork.
*Front Wheel: 10 spokes in light alloy 3.50 x 17.
*Rear Suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm.
*Rear Wheel: 10-spoke light alloy 6,00 x 17.
*Front Brakes: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo callipers, 4-piston, 2-pad.
*Rear Brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
*ABS available upon request.
*Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 liters (including reserve).
*Dry Weight: 417 lb.
*Seat Height: 850 mm.

Picture of Ducati Multistrada 1200;