Ducati Multistrada 1200S Review

When it comes to Adventure Tourers there are two bikes that are at the pinnacle of technology and are considered the best. They are the BMW R1200GS and the Ducati Multistrada 1200S. Both these bikes have been at each other’s throats since ages and no signs of slowing down. Today we shall talk about one bike the Ducati Multistrada. As mechanical and futuristic the GS looks the Multi is equally gorgeous and one of the best that Ducati can design. The Ducati Multistrada has been my dream bike and pray that one day I can afford it. This is one of those bikes that I do not want it to be just a poster on my wall. 

Ducati Multistrada Price

This bike is expensive but the technology at offer is almost unparallel let alone beatable. I feel at this price the Ducati Multistrada is the only bike that offers what it is offering at the moment. This bike is everything that you could possibly dream off and so much more. As of today the only thing I could afford about the Ducati Multistrada was a 1:12 scale model, so cheers. So body parts sold for it.

Ducati Multistrada Top Speed

The Ducati Multistrada hit a top speed of 242 km/h that is a good speed to carry for a Adventure sport. I mean these bikes are made to go almost everywhere. The Ducati Multistrada does that and with speed. Now this is exceptional stuff. Well that is what Ducati is out to do.

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Ducati Multistrada Dimensions

This is one broad bike. In an effort to make this bike a bit more sharper Ducati decided to reduce the length. But needless to say it is one board bike, could give some tough competition to even cruisers.The seat height is low at 825 mm but can be increased by a good 20 mm for taller riders. The 239 kgs weight is not light but Ducati have made the bike well proportionate. Sadly incase of any mishap the weight does take you down. I’m surprised with the ground clearance. At 150 mm I was expecting a bit more from an adventure tourer.

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Ducati Multistrada Design

This is where Ducati shines. This the kind of design that make both men and women weak in their knees. Me I go weak everywhere and have anxiety kick in full scale till I ride and enjoy the bike. I know I sometimes compare vehicles to fiction character and birds so this time again I decided birds. The dual LED headlamp luke like the surrounding area and eyes of a cockatoo and the beak well looks like the beak. It is gorgeous. I love the LED setup and looks very menacing. The gaps on each side of the beak looks like flared nostrils.

Like if the cockatoo were really really really really pissed and would attack any moment. The black fibre flows from the beak to the failing with the Ducati badging is awesome. The blend of black with red make for nice design cues.  The visor seems like an extension of the head where the feather flare up. The LED indicators on the knuckle guards are a premium touch and adding more style to the bike. The tank sits really high and the attention to detailing here is amazing. There is a cladding on the tank that looks like the extension of the anyway large, comfortable seat.

The exposed trellis frame is also red and screams Ducati. The brash plate at the base looks good but is of fibre and little help if this bike bottoms out. The twin pod exhaust pipes looks like laser guns from the future or the ones you may have seen in the game Halo. For those who have not please do play the game. The grab rails are large and look like spoilers. The lights are like a really large laser stapler pin facing downwards ready to pierce and clip on to something. That is awesome by the way. The single sided swingarm and tyres hugger are premium.

The instrument console is an LCD colour display and big enough to give some smartphones a run for their money. Speaking about smart phones, you can connect your phone to the bike to answer calls, change music and notify you if you have a message. Now go and see the bike like literally.

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Ducati Multistrada Colours

Again just like the Diavel, Ducati has no colour options for this bike. What you get is the Ducati red and that is not so bad. For a person who loves black, a Ducati does look best in red. Something with my favorite Italian Automobile manufactures and red. ( Ferrari and Ducati).

Ducati Multistrada Specifications 

These are similar specs to the mighty Diavel as they both carry the same engine with a slight reduction of power and a slight increase in torque. The 136 Nm torque is perfect for all day riding and taking the trail off the road. The 6-speed gearbox is a bit notchy but you get used to it. A 0-100 sprint takes only 3.4 secs and seating at that height is like a moving tower. Bit freaky at least for me. Keyless Ignition is a super premium feature. The figures are indication that this is an adventure tourer for the track.

Ducati Multistrada Mileage

With a claimed efficiency of 20 km/l, that is a lot for a bike with such performance figures. If we consider the 20 litre tank, it would be an easy 380 km before you have to hunt for a fuel station. That is truly a bike for an adventure. For me, it would nne one stop from my place in mumbai to my place in goa. Now that is awesome.

Also Read: Ducati Scrambler Review

Ducati Multistrada Ride and Handling

As well balanced and exceptionally good for handling the engineers and designers have made the Ducati Multistrada this is still a big and heavy machine. And you dare not underestimate it. The immense power and balance weight may make you over confident but that would be your last and biggest mistake. It is like keeping a python as a pet. Its big, gorgeous, everyone wants to see it but you should never take it for granted. And feed it (maintain it) on time. If you have mastered the art.

This is an adventure bike that can hit the track too. I was surprised with the angle this bike can lean on. But one mistake and you had it. That being said Ducati has loaded this bike with loads of features to let you not make a mistake. Automatic adjusting suspension, riding modes, traction control, abs and the icing on the cake- cornering abs. I mean yes the bike is expensive but name any other bike offering all this at this price. Well you could say this is the most value for money bike among the expensive bike range. And the best part you mostly don’t have to stop when the road ends. That is what adventure bikes are for.