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- Spatialship
- After 5 years of existence, the Multistrada offers a facelift to face the BMW and other KTM, in a category in full swing. 100% new, packed with electronics, does it have the means to meet its ambitions? First "volcanic" impressions on the small roads from Lanzarote to the Canary…
- Presentation
- In the saddle
- First impressions
- On the way!
- Sports tourism
- Comfort
- Braking
- Practical aspects
- Touring
- Sport
- Urban
- Enduro
- Balance sheet
Spatialship
After 5 years of existence, the Multistrada offers a facelift to face the BMW and other KTM, in a category in full swing. 100% new, packed with electronics, does it have the means to meet its ambitions? First "volcanic" impressions on the small roads from Lanzarote to the Canary Islands.
Appeared in 2003 and signed by the hand of Pierre Terreblanche (the father of the 999), the almost frail 1000, then 1100 Multistrada was metamorphosed in 2010, abandoning its air engine in favor of a "civilized" version of the 1200 Testastretta, with valve crossings reduced to 11 °. More opulent, more powerful, more traveler, she now hunted in other lands. However, in use its engine, even civilized, remained virile. Having become a big trail, the Multistrada was still a Ducati. After 5 years of good and loyal service, the beast is back to us, even more beautiful and more aggressive and 100% new. Neither quite the same, nor quite another … Essay…
Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT
Presentation
Always easily identifiable, the Multistrada adopts lines that are both tighter and more sensual, also taking shapes, to better protect its driver. Without changing fundamentally, it also offers more room for its pilot and passenger. For 2015, the two big novelties are its variable distribution and the improvement of its electronic equipment, with a DMS (Ducati Mulimedia System) infotainment system on the S version, which can be connected via bluetooth to your phone. The 5 "TFT screen signals the arrival of text messages, calls, with the possibility of answering, if you have a bluetooth headset. You can also listen to music contained in your phone. Other features will be available soon..
Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT with Touring Package
Note that we had standard and S versions for this presentation. Among the differences and besides the DMS, the S has active suspensions Ducati Skyhook Suspensions (DSS) and directional LED lighting. Rather than a Prevert-style inventory, I suggest you sit on board to discover this wonder, which is not really small.
Rear view Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT with Touring package
In the saddle
Perched on its suspensions offering 170 mm of travel, the Multistrada remains accessible. The saddle is adjustable in height, from 825 to 845 mm. As an option we can go down to 800 and 820 mm. Relatively thin, the bike allows a 170 cm rider to put the tips of his feet on the ground with the highest saddle. The seat is pleasant, the controls fall well to hand, with a handlebar that is not too wide.
Speedometer Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT
Dashboard Ducati Multistrada 1200 S
In front of you, the very complete dashboard provides access to the settings and also shows you a multitude of information that can be scrolled through the left stalk (backlit at night, which is very practical). S owners will even have the color! That said the left commodo is a bit complex, but in use we find ourselves there.
Left shifters Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT
Right side, you have a cruise control, on both models. To start the engine, no need to turn the key, just have it in your pocket. Moreover, there is no cylinder strictly speaking, except to open the tank and the saddle, or even the saddlebags if there is one. After a slow start, as often with Ducati (one has the impression that the starter is forcing and turning slowly, but everything is normal), the big twin makes its hoarse voice heard. It’s deaf and powerful at the same time with beautiful music at each gas stroke, which we appreciate without moderation during downshifts. Ducati has worked on reducing mechanical noise to promote the sound of the exhaust and it is very successful. We take off?
Screen and headlight Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT
First impressions
The configuration of this grip on an island, almost desert, does not allow us to resume the traditional structure of our tests. There is no city here, just a few villages and even fewer motorways on our way! The soft clutch control contrasts with the box a bit firm. The clutch in an oil bath is very progressive. At low speed, it is taken easily without pain. The engine accepts to descend to 2000 rpm on a trickle of gas. We manage to resume, very delicately, in 6th at 60 km / h, on condition of not suddenly turning the throttle. The flexibility is the result of the new DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system which modifies the timing of the distribution continuously according to the pilot’s needs. A system which does not however transform the V2 at 90 ° into a Bavarian flat twin question flexibility is docility. It bumps less than before, but it’s still a Ducati that you have between your legs! Pleasant detail, the bike steers surprisingly well (2×40 °), which facilitates maneuvers. However, it will take a width of 1 meter on the handlebars and even more with the suitcases. Docile, the beautiful has an urban mode (100 hp) which facilitates the evolutions. It is, according to the manufacturer, one of the four facets of this multi-purpose motorcycle. Well in town it will remain a big trail, so a tall and bulky motorcycle, but nothing comparable with an elephant in a porcelain store.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT on the road
On the way!
A big trail is made for wide open spaces but also small winding roads. The 1200 DVT is no exception. As soon as the horizon widens, it takes you to another dimension.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT on national
Here we find a little more the "gruff" character of the engine. When you turn the handle, he gives you a solid kick in the ass, then, in "Touring" mode, the electronics seem to want to calm him down momentarily. But chase the natural and it comes back at a gallop and very quickly the display rushes up the tachometer, catapulting you at unreasonable speeds. It’s manly, but more linear than the old version, more character.
In "Sport" mode, we discover less intrusive electronics with a more "cash" engine response, ultimately less surprising. We have known steeper at MV or Yamaha and this kind of small problems of youth are resolved quickly. It is no more and no less than a computer update. Moreover, by leaning on the dashboard, you can enter the menus and quickly make your own configuration, or even deactivate everything, to discover the true face of the motorcycle, without "filter"..
Top view of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT
We should also add that over the miles, we find our marks and we get used to the reactions of the engine. We only rode 200, but after each stop the bike seemed to become more intuitive. We are at Ducati, not at Honda and it is up to the rider to adapt, but the more time passes, the better the motorcycle / rider tandem works. This Multistrada is tame, unless it is she who tames you…
We learn to stay above 3000 rpm before opening wide. Thanks to the DVT, the revs are more linear, but the 136 Nm of the engine are there to stick the pulp to the bottom of the helmet at each exit of a turn. On board, life is not a long calm river.
Question chassis, we easily balance the bike, thanks to the large handlebars, without suffering from the pounds. The new engine alone weighs 5 more. Ducati announces 236 kg with 90% of the full. A value that remains within the norm of the category. The reactions are healthy, the bike fits well in small corners. Let’s move up a gear.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT on motorway
Sports tourism
With 160 horses, we can take advantage of the space to send big and the Multistrada does not deprive itself of it. Let’s quickly move the bubble, manually, to the high position to reduce the noise of aerodynamic turbulence. The control device is simple and accessible when driving. Those over 1.70 m will suffer more, because they have the top of the helmet in the drafts. We did not face the rain and we will not complain, but Ducati announces improved protection, particularly at the level of the legs. On the other hand, we had some insects crushed on the shoulders, so they will not pass between the drops.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT in all terrain
Comfort
The two versions offered offered us two different worlds.
The basic model with its flexible regulated suspensions was very comfortable. On the other hand, the bike plunged more under braking in sporty driving. But with a ride that is both fast and smooth, which uses the engine brake more than the brakes, we really appreciate the work and the quality of the suspensions..
On the S version, the dive is better controlled, even in Touring mode, with a very good level of comfort. By switching to "Sport" mode, which at the same time changes the setting of the suspensions, cracks in the road and other small shocks at high speed are more sensitive. It is then necessary to dive into the configuration menu to soften the settings and find the smoothness of a suspension with high travel, but without suffering from diving, even when driving fast..
In this regard, on strong acceleration, the bike is quite restless from the front because of its power. Thus, above 150 km / h and up to 200 km / h (we did not go beyond), we felt weak ripples coming from the front. Nothing dangerous, but a disturbing feeling. Two explanations for this phenomenon according to Ducati: on the S models equipped with suitcases, stability is disturbed at high speed and the instructions recommend not to exceed 180 km / h … Concerning the basic version, a less flexible adjustment of the suspensions would have stemmed this phenomenon, specific to sportier driving that the constructor’s staff had not really considered in the context of this "Touring" presentation.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT in town
Braking
Here too, two different worlds. On one side 320 mm discs and radial calipers, on the other side 330 mm discs and monobloc calipers on the S model.
In use, the feeling offered by the S is really better in terms of bite, power and especially dosage. With the basic version, the attack is more brutal and the dosage less precise. A difference which, combined with the two types of suspensions, made the "base" bike more plunge, if we can say of a machine at 17.590 €.
Brembo brakes on Ducati Multistrada 1200 S
Common point between the two machines, on the other hand, the Bosch 9.1 ME ABS braking, configurable and disengageable, which takes into account the inclination of the motorcycle thanks to the Bosh IMU (inertial measurement unit) system. A further step forward in terms of active safety, since the lower slip rate allowed on the angle significantly reduces the risk of losing the front when entering a curve ("low side"). Disappointment on the other hand on the side of the rear brake bearing reinforced in 2015. It is sorely lacking in efficiency requiring too much effort on the foot to ensure a good dosage. To conclude on braking, let’s say that from a duo driving perspective, the S’s braking and suspension combination will be superior. It will cost you € 19,090. Since we are talking about money, let’s take a look at some practical aspects.
Brembo and Ducati Safety Pack brakes on Multistrada 1200 DVT
Practical aspects
Among the differences between the two models, we should also mention the adaptive LED lighting. It gives a serious blow of old to that of the standard, which suddenly seems very pale! In addition, when cornering, directional lights come on to improve vision, again thanks to this famous Bosh IMU control unit, which definitely does a lot for our active safety (it also manages the traction and wheeling control present on both versions!). In fact, given the price difference between the two models, the S seems more interesting, even if it starts to make a big budget..
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S in town
If your pig is not completely empty, you can also offer yourself a 4 customization packs:
Touring
Heated grips, rigid suitcases, which can accommodate a full face helmet on the left side and central stand.
Sport
Termignoni exhaust, carbon front mudguard and mass-cut aluminum master cylinder reservoir.
Urban
Top case, tank bag with USB socket
Enduro
Additional headlights, engine and radiator guards, engine guard, side stand with extended base and all-terrain footrests
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S on the road
Balance sheet
Presented on a volcanic island, the Multistrada is in its element, behind its vocation as a great traveler, it hides a sports heart that will appeal to Ducatists. Certainly it has softened, but the sports DNA remains. Less adventurous than the BMW 1200 GS or the KTM 1290 Avendure, both equipped with 19 wheels at the front, it will be able to compete with the Kawasaki Versys and soon the BMW S 1000 Xr, the first is cheaper and less turbulent. , the second still has surprises in store for us. Their confrontation will only be more exciting!
Strong points
- Very successful line
- Best-in-class active security
- Performances
- Very complete equipment
Weak points
- Mechanics more linear, but still very present.
- Parameterization of the electronics to be perfected.
- High speed stability
- Rear brake lacking in efficiency.
The technical sheet of the Ducati Multistrada
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