Ducati Multistada 1200

With the world united on the brilliance of Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 S-models, the arrival of the two base model Multistradas have slipped under the radar and into the UK. Whereas the S-models are topped off with electronically adjusted Ohlins suspension and carbon parts on the S-sport, panniers on S-Touring, the base models have manually adjustable Marzocchi forks and Sachs rear shock. One of these has ABS and the very basic Multistrada doesn’t. Both bikes have the detuned sports 1198 V-twin motor, which is reason enough in our book to buy one. As for Ducati’s revolutionary ‘riding mode’ system seen on the S-models, the base models still get adjustable power delivery and traction control at the flick of a switch between ‘Sport’, ‘Touring’, ‘Urban’ and ‘Enduro’ modes.

Engine

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The Ducati Multistrada 1200’s new Testastretta 11º motor is based on 1198 V-twin but with reduced valve overlap for a softer, meatier delivery and has a host of mods including wet, slipper clutch, new Mikuni ride-by-wire to allow riding modes, and softer compression. Main benefit is smoother delivery, while reduced top end poke (peak power is now 150bhp instead of the 1198S’s 180) is still more than enough to dust ‘adventure bike’ rivals. Doubling of valve service intervals to 15,000 miles is a further benefit.     

Ride and Handling

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No electronically adjustable Ohlins here, but what you do get is a meaty set of 50mm fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and Sachs rear shock. For everyday use the forks are good enough for the majority of UK roads. Any adjustment to be made would be purely for the rider’s style of riding and luggage/pillion duties. The same can be said for the rear shock. Ok, so the suspension isn’t as refined as the Ohlins set up, or as easy and as quick to adjust, but for the majority of owners it is perfectly acceptable.

Equipment

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Despite the lower price, and the fact one of the base models doesn’t have ABS, both models still get adjustable traction control, slipper clutch, adjustable screen, high/low seat options, single-sided swing-arm, power delivery riding modes, and a fully digitised LCD display console. The subframe on both bikes retains the fixing points for the S-Touring’s panniers, which can be bought separately for approx £578. Likewise a centrestand.

Quality and Reliability

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Ducati is getting better all the time and the Multistrada 1200 is the latest proof. Service intervals are now up to and impressive 15,000 miles and generally it’s well built.

Value

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Full marks here because both models perform with the same level of versatility as the Multistrada S-model to give the same grin factor (massive). The non-ABS model lists at £10,995, which makes it a cheap 150bhp modern Ducati.

Insurance

Insurance group: 17

Model History

2010: Model introduced.

Other Versions

Ducati Multistrada 1200S Sport: Electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension. Carbon fibre cam belt covers, air intakes and hugger. £14,295.
Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring: Electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension panniers, heated grips and centre-stand. £14,295

Specifications

Top speed	155mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	150bhp
Torque	87.5ftlb
Weight	189kg
Seat height	850mm
Fuel capacity	20 litres
Average fuel consumption	45mpg
Tank range	200 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	1198cc
Engine specification	Liquid-cooled, 8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame	Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload and rebound damping
Front brakes	2 x 320mm discs, radial 4-piston Brembo calipers (ABS)
Rear brake	245mm disc, 2-piston caliper, (ABS)
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/55 x 17