The Ducati Multistrada Evolution
Ducati is a world-known Italian motorbike manufacturer that works with the highest standards in the market. As an illustration, in 2010, Ducati Multistrada was born, and it meant a bold step out of their comfort zone, which is racing bikes. Yet, most people recognise them for making bikes to race in a speedway. Above all, nine years of success prove that the idea behind the bike was right and that they pulled it off flawlessly.
Leaving the city lights behind
To point out, the series is composed of seven models that have vast differences in terms of size and design. Starting with the Ducati Multistrada 950 and its 113hp, the series also includes the Ducati Multistrada 1260 with 158hp. Moreover, each of the bikes within the line is differentiated for its application. So, from street to enduro with a brand-new touring model coming out in 2020, the Ducati Multistrada is one bike to do it all.
Finally, we are going to review some of the main characteristics of each model. In addition to that, we are going to review each size and explain the differences, so you know which one you should get for your specific use and taste.
Ducati Multistrada 1260
Firstly, the top of the crop of the Ducati Multistrada is the 1260cc model. It comes in many different configurations to adapt to many kinds of roads. To point out, the five motorcycles within this range are 1260, the 1260s, 1260 Pikes Peak, 1260 Enduro, and the new 1260 Grand Tour. All of them feature specific differences that make them more suitable for a different adventure. Secondly, for those who love either the opposite extremes, they can choose between Ducati Multistrada Touring and Ducati Multistrada Enduro.
However, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 is the flagship and also the bearer of the most versatility. It is a 1000+ motorcycle engine, which makes 1260 a mighty bike with a strong personality. Moreover, the 158 horsepower can be tamed down or maximised depending on the situation. Either way, the Pikes Peak version of the Ducati Multistrada 1260 is dedicated to those who look for a different, higher amount of adrenaline. To point out, accelerating the Pikes Peak version is quite an experience.
With a taller, more off-road attitude, the Enduro version changes the design to be adequate in extreme situations. And, it still retains the 1260cc and 158hp that the entire line shares but maximises its power to handle off-road duties. Finally, the Grand Tour version of the Ducati Multistrada comes with a whole set of original hard cases. Above all, this road-ready powerful machine is Ducati’s version of your best friend for a weekend of travelling and having fun.
Ducati Multistrada 1260 Review
Firstly, we can say that the Ducati Multistrada is a very modern bike. The TFT display has all the info you can ever need to check on your bike’s instruments and options. Moreover, you can download the Ducati Link App to your phone and control everything that goes on in your machine from it. Besides that, it even acts as a social app finding and joining Ducati owners and riders around the world. If you happen to wear a Bluetooth headset, you can get the most benefits from the app. On the other hand, the TFT display is very easy to scratch when you do something as usual as removing dirt with your gloves on.
Secondly, the Ducati Multistrada torque is nothing short from impressive regardless of how it is set. You can select one of the four modes from the handlebar; it only requires a minimal flip of the controls. Thirdly, another great addition to control the response of the bike’s torque is the Ducati Wheelie Control. Without this feature, I would have lost my travelling companion more than once. The Desmodromic Variable Valve Timing engine and its 90-degree V-twin technology are powerful and silent. And, you don’t even feel like you are in a bike this size until you open the throttle and come blasting out. Moreover, without the proper wheel balance, your motorcycle would go up in a heartbeat, but that is precisely what the Wheelie control prevents.
An almost perfect bike
In addition to that, there is a reason why we go for the throttle on this bike; and it is because the exhaust sounds fantastic. Moreover, it has the perfect mix between a low roar and a modern sound that is music to the ears. Also, the look of the pipes on the sides of the bike is a classy touch.
Finally, the Ducati Multistrada proved not to be perfect. To point out, for most users, and for me, the biggest drawback that this bike has is that it vibrates wildly at high speeds. Both the mirrors and the TFT display become challenging to see and focus on what they are showing. Yes, the price tag on this bike is a little too high to have a problem like that. It is time Ducati does something about it.
Ducati Multistrada 1260 Specs
To conclude, these are the specs for the Ducati Multistrada basic model; they vary slightly against the Pikes Peak, Enduro, Grand Tour and 1260S.
Engine & emissions
- Type: Ducati Testastretta DVT with Desmodromic Variable Timing, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, Dual Spark, liquid-cooled
- Displacement: 1262cc
- Compression Ratio: 13:1
- Bore x Stroke: 106 x 71.5 mm
- Torque: 94.4 ft/lbs @ 7,500 rpm
- Power: 158 horsepower @ 9,500 rpm
- Exhaust: Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, single stainless-steel muffler
- Fuel Injection: Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mm
- Transmission: 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift
- Final Drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43
- Emissions: Euro 4
- Clutch: Light action, wet, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run
Suspension & Chassis
- Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Electronic compression & rebound damping adjustment. Electronic spring pre-load adjustment with Ducati Skyhook
- Rear Wheel Travel: 185mm (7.3 inches)
- Suspension (DSS) Evo. Aluminium double-sided swingarm
- Rear Wheel: Tubeless spoked wheel in light alloy 4.50″ x 17″
- Rear Tire: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 170/60 R17
- Front Wheel Travel: 185 mm (7.3 inches)
- Front Wheel: Tubeless spoked wheel in light alloy 3″ x 19″
- Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame
- Front Tire: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 120/70 R19
- Front Suspension: Sachs 48 mm fully adjustable USD forks. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evo
- Rear Brake: 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper, with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment
- Front Brakes: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo monoblock M4.32 callipers with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment
Dimensions & Capacities
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.9 gallons (30 litres)
- Dry Weight: 496 pounds
- Wet Weight: 560 pounds
- Wheelbase: 62.6 inches
- Rake: 25º
- Trail: 4.4 inches
- Seat Height: Not adjustable 860 mm (880 – 840 mm with optional seats)
Ducati Multistrada 1200
This version of the Ducati Multistrada is the predecessor of the 1260cc. Moreover, it sported a 1198cc with four valves, liquid cool in an L-Twin configuration at 90 degrees. To point out, it was the winner of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for three consecutive years 2010, 2011 and 2012. And, the last year that Ducati made improvements on this model was 2015. By 2018, the 1260 model with a larger 1262cc engine saw the market for the first time under critical acclaim.
However, it is possible to find a used Ducati Multistrada 1200 and enjoy the four-engine modes, the Ducati Electronic Suspension and much more.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Review
To sum up, this version of the Ducati Multistrada was replaced by the Ducati Multistrada 1260. Nonetheless, this model bears unique good reviews from all the consecutive production years. And, it was the favourite of many speed demons around the world who used it to take on steep roads at high speeds.
However, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 was witness to all the technical and technological innovations. From 2010 to 2015, the bike went through four significant remakes and depending on what year you buy, that’s what you’ll get. To point out, if you can purchase a used model closer to 2018, you’ll be saving big money on a current and fantastic bike.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Specs
Engine
- Displacement: 1198.4 cc
- Engine Description: Ducati Testastretta DVT with Desmodromic Variable Timing, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, Dual Spark, liquid-cooled
- Maximum Torque: 136 Nm @ 7500 rpm
- Maximum Power: 157.8 Bhp (160 Hp) @ 9500 rpm
- Number of Cylinders: 2
- Number of Gears: 6
- Seat Height: Adjustable 825-845 mm
- Kerb/Wet Weight: 232 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 litres
- Fuel System: Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mm
- Cooling: Liquid Cooling
- Displacement: 1198.4 cc
- Maximum Power: 157.8 Bhp (160 Hp) @ 9500 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 136 Nm @ 7500 rpm
- Number of Cylinders: 2
- Emission Standard: Euro 4
- Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
- Bore: 106 mm
- Stroke: 67.9 mm
- Primary drive: Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1
- Number of Gears: 6
- Clutch: Light action, wet, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run
- Gear Ratios: 1st=37/15, 2nd=30/17, 3rd=27/20, 4th=24/22, 5th=23/24, 6th=22/25
- Final Drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 40
Body & brakes
- Body Type: Adventure
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Mileage: 10-15 kmpl (approx.)
- Seat Height: Adjustable 825-845 mm
- Front Brake: 2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo monobloc Evo M50 4-piston callipers, 2-pad, radial pump
- Rear Brake: 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper
- ABS: Yes (Cornering)
- Front Tyre: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 120/70 17”
- Rear Tyre: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 190/55 17”
- Front Wheel: Y-shaped 3-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17″
- Rear Wheel: Y-shaped 3-spoke light alloy 6.00 x 17″
- Wheel Type: 10 spokes in light-alloy
- Tubeless Tyres
- Alloy Wheels
Chassis & suspension
- Front Suspension: 48mm fully adjustable USD forks
- Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable Sachs mono-shock unit, Remote spring preload adjustment, Aluminium single-sided swingarm
- Frame: Tubular steel Trellis
- Exhaust/Muffler: Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tailpipes
- Front Wheel Travel: 170 mm
- Rear Wheel Travel: 170 mm
- Seat Height: Adjustable 825-845 mm
- Wheelbase: 1529 mm
- Dry Weight: 209 kg
- Kerb/Wet Weight: 232 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 litres
Ducati Multistrada 950
Last but not least, this Ducati Multistrada is the smaller version of the powerful 1260cc engine preserving all features and innovations. To point out, the 950cc version of the Ducati Multistrada is ideal for those who are looking for a lighter bike that can also work as a commuter. Above all, the difference in gas consumption is noticeable as it is in the horsepower. The line reduces to only two models: the Ducati Multistrada 950 and 950S.
Ducati Multistrada 950 Review
Firstly, this version of the Ducati Multistrada proves that on the open road sometimes more is not better. With an engine that is roughly 300cc smaller and almost 60hp of difference, both bikes perform flawlessly at high speeds. Secondly, when the time comes to weight the differences in a more demanding atmosphere, the 1260cc version is widely superior in torque and power. That being the case, for those who want to have long commutes, drive around a city and spend less, the 950cc version is ideal.
Ducati Multistrada 950 Specs
These are the Ducati Multistrada 950 2019 specs.
- Engine: 937cc, liquid-cooled DVT L-twin, 4 valves/cyl. Testastretta
- Transmission/Final drive: 6-speed/chain
- Horsepower: 113 hp @ 9,000 rpm
- Torque: 71 lb.-ft. @ 7,750 rpm
- Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
- Front suspension: Inverted 48mm fork adjustable for electronic compression and rebound damping; 6.7-in. Travel
- Rear suspension: Monoshock adjustable for electronic preload, compression, and rebound damping; 6.7-in. Travel
- Rear brake: 2-piston calliper, 265mm disc w/ cornering ABS
- Front brake: Radial 4-piston Brembo Monoblock calliper, 320mm disc w/ cornering ABS
- Wheelbase: 62.8 in.
- Rake/trail: 25.0°/4.2 in.
- Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
- Curb weight: 518 lb.
- Seat height: 33.1 in.
Verdict
All the different incarnations of the Ducati Multistrada share a common characteristic: they are great. However, the only non-customizable flaw we (and many other riders) could find was the fact that it vibrates a lot at high speeds. Also, specifically for the off-road version, the 17-inch wheel proves to be a tad too small. Other than that, it is an excellent achievement by Ducati and a well-worth best seller.
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Happy riding!
