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Ducati Multistrada 1200
If you haven’t noticed, the adventure-touring segment of motorcycling has taken off in a big way. This was probably kicked off by BMW’s GS series of bikes. I myself have been bitten by the bug and big time. In the past, I usually sold my current bike and bought a new one every 3 years or so. Not my V-Strom 650. In fact, we just celebrated 5 years together. Need a bike with a commanding seating position and long-travel suspension for banzai, lane-splitting city riding… got it (I lived and rode in NYC for seven years). Need a bike with upright seating, a long wheelbase and comfort for either one or two for people for long distance riding… got it. Need a bike with handling capable enough to have some sportbike riders scratching their heads… got it. Need a bike that will take you on gravel and dirt roads and take you to the road less traveled… got it. After all, in what other segment can you find a bike so useful and for so little money? Well if the money part of the equation is less important to you and you desire ultimate performance you’ll really want to take a look at what Ducati has done to the new Multistrada. Ducati advertises the bike as 4 bikes in 1 and they are really not kidding. Although you actually purchase one of three versions, standard, touring, or sport each one has a mode switch which alters between sport, touring, urban, and enduro. This changes the built-in traction control, ABS brakes, suspension, and engine management settings anywhere from a full 150 HP with full traction control and sharp suspension, to 100 HP with the traction control and ABS off and the suspension set to long travel, depending on what type of riding you are doing. Built-in hand and engine sump guards help with off road duties and lockable luggage, heated hand grips and a centerstand are touring options. All versions come with a retuned version of Ducati’s high performance Testastretta engine and the bike has a dry weight of only 4171b. Pricing has not been announced yet. The Multistrada 1200, a versatile bike that will take on any type of riding you like to do.
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