Imagine a bike that transforms with the press of a button to become a sports bike, a tourer, an enduro or urban commuter.
Ducati's Multistrada 1200 is exactly that, four motorcycles in one - it's a 'cross genre'. Instead of the rider adapting to the environment, the bike does ... brilliantly.
It gives you a choice of power modes ranging from a blistering 150bhp for adrenalin junkies, to a subdued 100bhp for steady commuters.
Switchable power maps regulated with ride by wire technology is nothing new, but all four modes have their own levels of traction control (DTC) as on Ducati's S-model superbikes and streetfighter. The suspension is fully adjustable with a Sachs monoshock for the rear and Marzocchi USD forks up front; and optional ABS.
Higher-spec S models boast an electronic suspension system (DES) developed with Ohlins, that adjusts depending on your chosen mode and whether you're riding alone, with a pillion or with luggage.
ABS is included and while the Multistrada 1200S Touring Edition is complemented with panniers, heated grips and a centre stand, the Sports Edition has the same spec but with splashes of carbon fibre instead. After riding both tricked-up versions on the world launch in Lanzarote, I'm pretty convinced Ducati has produced something very special indeed.The bike is powered by the 1198's Testastretta Evoluzione engine, revised to be smoother at low revs by altering the engine's overlap angle. This is how far in degrees the crankshaft rotates while the inlet and exhaust valves are all open together.
The longer they're open simultaneously, the more air and fuel is pulled into the cylinder, creating more power. The downside can be a roughness at low revs, which is less important for a superbike like the 1198. But the Multistrada requires a much smoother combustion, achieved by reducing the overlap angle.
Where it was previously set at 41 degrees for the 1198, it's been cut to just 11; hence the name of the bike's 150bhp engine is 'Testastretta 11 degrees.' The result is smoother combustion, increased fuel economy by up to 12 per cent and lower exhaust emissions by around 65 per cent.
It's designed to be a sophisticated cross-genre bike so the performance varies according to which of the four modes you choose. 'Sport' offers full power of 150bhp at 9,250rpm, level 4 DTS and a responsive power delivery to match the stiffer suspension set up. The Touring mode has equal power but it feels slightly softer, with the DTS at level 5 and a smoother power delivery. Urban or Enduro modes dampen the surge to just 100bhp. The DTS uses level 6 for town riding and level 2 for off road, with the suspension set high enough to cope with the demands of rougher terrain.
The Touring Edition bike had me instantly hooked. Open the throttle in 'Sport' and a potent 150bhp is unleashed, punching the horizon with the front wheel fighting to lift off the road. As the revs rocket past 4,000rpm, the pull is utterly addictive and totally relentless until the power eventually suffocates in the 10,000rpm red line. It's blisteringly, brilliantly quick.
On the equally powered 'Touring' mode, the sensation is very similar, but both the suspension and power delivery feel more forgiving, which suits real world riding where road surfaces are far from perfect. Adaptations to the gearbox and final drive ratios mean the vibrations in high revs are subdued enough to offer character without irritation, with sixth gear performing more like an overdrive.
Straight line blasts could propel you to around 150mph with the manually adjustable screen and hand guards shielding you from the blast fairly adequately. But it's the twisties where the Multistrada 1200 really comes to life. It handles with the confidence of a tall sports bike and feels securely planted in bends.
Slicing through the six speed gearbox is as effortless as feathering the light clutch in traffic and stamping down the gears is smoothed by a 'slipper system' which prevents the rear end from losing shape. It's a proper playful bike that can hold the attention of an experienced rider, or nurse a novice through a variety of circumstances. I even rode pillion to see how it handles extra weight and the punch almost somersaulted me off the back seat like a kamikaze gymnast.
Away from the S-bends of the mountains and into the dawdling town traffic, the 'Urban' mode makes perfect sense. Holding a steady 30mph, the power delivery is noticeably kinder than the urgent 'Sport' setting and is not snatchy or abrasive. But where the Multistrada impressed me time and time again, the switchable ABS system felt surprisingly crude, especially considering the wealth of technology on board. It kicks in earlier than expected with series of uncomfortable quick fire shudders. Riders with big feet may find their heels catching on the pillion foot peg brackets and the touring bike's centre stand.
While Ducati is adamant the Multistrada 1200 can handle tough off road challenges, it looks far too elegant to risk running through the rough stuff. Budding Dakar riders may find it is more than capable, but set on 'Enduro' it will appeal to road riders venturing off the beaten track.
As the day drew to an end so did my tank of fuel. Ducati claim a full 20 litres should last 248 miles at an average 75mph. My spirited ride was undoubtedly thirsty work for the Multistrada, but I reckon my average consumption was around 42mpg which is perfectly acceptable, especially if you're heavy handed.
I'm quite sure the Multistrada 1200 will hold it's own against the stiff and established competition of bikes like BMW's 1200GS and KTM's SMT and it appears to sit neatly between the two in terms of practicality like luggage capacity, tank range and weather protection. The sheer strength of the engine is superb, the lack of obvious compromise quite astonishing and the price is steep (even considering the bike's outstanding ability and technology).
There is no doubt that the Multistrada 1200 is special. It's not four separate bikes, of course, and the electronic gadgetry (useful as it is) works as well as it does only because the basic bike is so good and the Touring Edition is the best of the bunch.
Need to know Ducati Multistrade 1200
Price £10,995 - £14,295
Engine Liquid-cooled V-twin 1,198cc
150hp at 9,250 and 88lb ft at 7,500rpm
Transmission Chain-drive through six-speed gearbox
Dry weight 189kg
Seat height 850mm
Fuel capacity 20 litres
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