Ducati Multistrada 1200 (2010-current)

Engine size      1198cc
Power     150bhp
Top speed     155mph

With the world united on the brilliance of Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 S-models, the arrival of the two base model Multistradas have slipped under the radar and into the UK. Whereas the S-models are topped off with electronically adjusted Ohlins suspension and carbon parts on the S-sport, panniers on S-Touring, the base models have manually adjustable Marzocchi forks and Sachs rear shock. One of these has ABS and the very basic Multistrada doesn’t. Both bikes have the detuned sports 1198 V-twin motor, which is reason enough in our book to buy one. As for Ducati’s revolutionary ‘riding mode’ system seen on the S-models, the base models still get adjustable power delivery and traction control at the flick of a switch between ‘Sport’, ‘Touring’, ‘Urban’ and ‘Enduro’ modes.

Engine

The Ducati Multistrada 1200’s new Testastretta 11º motor is based on 1198 V-twin but with reduced valve overlap for a softer, meatier delivery and has a host of mods including wet, slipper clutch, new Mikuni ride-by-wire to allow riding modes, and softer compression. Main benefit is smoother delivery, while reduced top end poke (peak power is now 150bhp instead of the 1198S’s 180) is still more than enough to dust ‘adventure bike’ rivals. Doubling of valve service intervals to 15,000 miles is a further benefit.     

Ride and Handling

No electronically adjustable Ohlins here, but what you do get is a meaty set of 50mm fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and Sachs rear shock. For everyday use the forks are good enough for the majority of UK roads. Any adjustment to be made would be purely for the rider’s style of riding and luggage/pillion duties. The same can be said for the rear shock. Ok, so the suspension isn’t as refined as the Ohlins set up, or as easy and as quick to adjust, but for the majority of owners it is perfectly acceptable.

Equipment

Despite the lower price, and the fact one of the base models doesn’t have ABS, both models still get adjustable traction control, slipper clutch, adjustable screen, high/low seat options, single-sided swing-arm, power delivery riding modes, and a fully digitised LCD display console. The subframe on both bikes retains the fixing points for the S-Touring’s panniers, which can be bought separately for approx £578

Specifications

Top speed      155mph
1/4-mile acceleration     secs
Power     150bhp
Torque     87.5ftlb
Weight     189kg
Seat height     850mm
Fuel capacity     20 litres
Average fuel consumption     45mpg
Tank range     200 miles
Insurance group     17
Engine size     1198cc
Engine specification     Liquid-cooled, 8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame     Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment     Preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension adjustment     Preload and rebound damping
Front brakes     2 x 320mm discs, radial 4-piston Brembo calipers (ABS)
Rear brake     245mm disc, 2-piston caliper, (ABS)
Front tyre size     120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size     190/55 x 17

source:  http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Ducati/Ducati-Multistrada-1200-2010-current/