Also called MTS1200 Predecessor Multistrada 1100 Seat height 85 cm | Production Since 2010 Class Adventure touring | |
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Manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. Engine 1,198 cc 4-valve desmodromic liquid-cooled 90° L-twin engine. | ||
2016 ducati multistrada 1200 s pikes peak motorcycle review
The Multistrada 1200 is a motorcycle manufactured by Ducati since 2010. The engine is a retuned version of the Testastretta from the 1198 superbike, now called the Testastretta 11° for its 11° valve overlap (reduced from 41°). All models include throttle by wire, selectable engine mapping (full power with sensitive or relaxed throttle response, and reduced power with relaxed throttle response) and traction control adjustable through eight levels, called DTC (Ducati Traction Control).
Contents
- 2016 ducati multistrada 1200 s pikes peak motorcycle review
- 2013 ducati multistrada 1200 s touring motorcycle review
- Engine modes
- DES suspension
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- References
The bike comes in three equipment levels, the base, the S-Sport and the S-Touring. The S models include ABS (optional on standard model) and electronically adjustable suspension, called DES (Ducati Electronic Suspension). The S Sport model features carbon fiber air intakes, cam belt covers and rear hugger, while the S Touring model comes with heated grips, hard luggage and a center stand.
Over 10,000 units were sold in the first year.
The Multistrada 1200 won the 1205 Division of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2010, 2011 and in 2012. In 2012 a Spider Grips Ducati Team Multistrada ridden by Carlin Dunne achieved the first sub 10 minute time for a motorcycle with a 9:52.819, only a bit over a second slower than the 2011 overall record.
2013 ducati multistrada 1200 s touring motorcycle review
Engine modes
The bike offers four engine power modes, Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. Riders can change power modes with the motorcycle underway by using the turn-signal cancel button. Sport and Touring modes provide the full 150 bhp with the Touring mode providing a softer throttle response. Urban and Enduro reduce horsepower to 100 bhp and provide different levels of ABS and traction control accordingly. Riders also have the option of customizing any of these modes by changing the horsepower, throttle response, ABS and traction control levels using menu items inside the instrument cluster.
DES suspension
The Ducati Electronic Suspension was developed in conjunction with Öhlins, and was by-product of its MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycle racing experience.
On the S-model Multistradas, with electronic suspension, preload and damping rates change with each of the engine power modes. Riders can also choose between four different base-settings based on having a passenger or luggage. Just like with the engine performance modes, riders can customize each of these settings using menu's inside the instrument cluster.
2012
For the 2012 model year the seat was redesigned to allow more rider movement forward and aft. ABS was made standard on all iterations of the bike.
2013
For 2013 the Multistrada 1200 had changes including the addition of an active suspension system, using solenoid/valve actuated methods to actively control damping rates, often called the "Sky-Hook method". The bike also had a revised second generation of the Testastretta 11-degree motor, now with "twin-plug cylinder heads for smoother, more efficient combustion", the change contributing to a 5% increase in torque and a 10% improvement in fuel consumption. Also, there are significant changes to the windscreen, which is "larger and shaped to reduce noise at high speed". A new Granturismo model features larger side-cases, the addition of a top case, driving lights and more touring-oriented tires.
2014
The 2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200 uses the second generation Testastretta 11° DS engine and the Bosch ABS 9ME braking system along with the Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Ducati continues to use the electronic Ride-by-Wire system, which allows riders to switch between four riding modes while in motion; sport, touring, urban and enduro. The modes range in horsepower from 150 high, 150 low, 100, and off-road respectively. The bike has a dry weight of just 428lb and uses advanced ergonomics.