Multistrada 1200S Test Ride

                                  

 

 

Last month I had the pleasure of riding a New Multistrada 1200 at Ducati North America’s invitation in and around Austin, Texas. Following a morning of Multistrada Academy sessions where Ducati and Ohlins staff gave presentations on the new bike.

I had the opportunity to ride one for several hours. As we pulled out of the historic Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel ( Yes, Ducati does events first class. ) my initial thought was how easy the new wet clutch engaged and set the bike in motion. I must admit I was a little bit intimidated after sitting through

the morning presentation on the bikes electronics and working design. This was by far the most technologically advanced bike I have ridden. Since my best learning environment is actually doing it I picked it up quickly. Starting the bike was easy with the key fob within close proximity to the electronics. (  The fob was in the small compartment to the right of the dash. By pushing down the red switch the dash lit up like Christmas lights.

Flipping the red switch up reveals the starter button and with one push the motor springs into life. You instantly realize that this 1198 has no dry clutch rattle. It was all smooth riding after that. All you ever need to change any of the settings is an opposable thumb.The initial setting for the bike was in the urban mode where the Ducati traction control isset at level 6. The power delivery was very smooth due to the wet clutch, the 11 degree

valve overlap,  and other changes made to the 1198 motor. I was comparing the multi to the other adventure and sport touring model brands I had ridden earlier in the day. I won’tmention them since I know they are well known by all. Throughout my ride the Multistrada demonstrated how compliant and adaptable the Ducati was compared to the other motorcycles. The bike can be adapted to the rider through endless tranformations that I only barely touched on during my afternoon ride. I did experience each of the modes ( urban, enduro, sport, and touring ) as well as the four suspension modes.

As we turned of the Austin city streets and onto the freeway I changed from urban to sport mode and and felt the suspension stiffen and the motor change to the 150 HP mapping. In fact the power delivery surprised me and I did a wheelie as I came off the on ramp onto the southbound freeway headed to the Texas hill country. I lost count how many times the rider in front of me popped his front wheel off the ground. After about 15 miles on the freeway we turned onto two lane roads that led to Driftwood,Texas and the fringe of Hill Country. I changed to touring mode and was once again amazed at how easy it was to change riding mode settings. The touring mode has the same HP as sport, but in the lower 25% of throttle setting the power is much more gradual and the traction control automatically goes from 4 to 5. As I moved from one mode to another I could feel the TTX ( rear ) shock adjusting.

After a brief stop in Driftwood for water and discussion about the bike with our Ducati North America ride leader we headed down a narrow bumpy road to test the bike in the enduro mode where the power is reduced to 100HP and the traction control changes to the level 2 setting to allow some wheel spin. We never did get off onto a true gravel road. I guess DNA doesn’t want a bunch of sales guys off in the gravel with $20K

bikes, although we did sign waivers to say that if we break it we buy it. There is plenty of time to test in the gravel back in Indiana or maybe Michigan. After our brief semi-enduro section we turned onto a much wider well paved road with ample high speed sweepers. At this point I scrolled back into the sport mode and accelerated to a buck plus in one of the sweepers. I was impressed at how easily the Multi turns in and holds the line thanks to the new frame which is 19% more rigid than the old multi and the smooth power delivery. I maintained the sport mode as we made our way back to Austin by the freeway and as we exited onto city streets again I switched easily to the urban mode. The Multistrada I rode had the lowered seat installed and I was able to sit on the bike flat

footed. Since I am 5’9” and have an inseam of about 30.5 “ I  feel this bike will fit most riders very well. I had the wind screen on the lowest setting and felt zero buffeting on my helmet.

Over all this was the best bike I have ever ridden. I have an 1100S Multistrada that I feel is a good touring bike, but the new Multi takes this relevant niche to a new height. It is more than four bikes in one; it is many bikes in one due to the multiple adjustments that can be made in all four modes.

However, don’t take my word for it. Ride one yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!