Ducati have brought out the 2013 Multistrada 1200, and this time, the bike features more than a new model year prefix. The new Multistrada is a thoroughly overhauled product featuring some really innovative technologies. Highlights on the new model include restyled aesthetics, a brand new Granturismo model and the innovative new Ducati Skyhook Suspension(DSS) system.
Other headlines are the second generation Testastretta 11° DS engine, the latest Bosch ABS 9ME braking system with full Riding Mode integration, a new headlight design with LED low-beam illumination and subtle aesthetic updates to the front fairing.
The bike is available in four variants. The Vanilla Multistrada 1200, 1200 S touring, 1200 S Granturismo and 1200S Pikes Peak
Here’s some lowdown on the most interesting features of the 2013 Ducati Multistrada
Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS)
The ‘S’ versions of the Multistrada 1200 are now equipped with electronic 48mm Sachs front forks and rear single shock, both featuring the new Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) system. The new technology features a semi-active suspension management that constantly re-adjusts damping to maintain optimum vehicle composure -as if the motorcycle was suspended from the sky.
DSS uses data delivered from a number of sensors situated both on the “sprung” and “unsprung” sides of the chassis to calculate and provide the smoothest possible operation. Vertical accelerometers situated on the front lower triple-clamp and in the rear sub-frame deliver “sprung” data, while additional sensors on the front fork leg lower and rear swing arm – close to the wheel hubs-deliver “unsprung” data. DSS then uses an algorithm in its programming which considers an imaginary fixed reference point above the vehicle: “a hook in the sky”. The system then responds to the inputs of both the vehicle and wheel movements with instantaneous damping adjustments to help maintain a constant relationship between the Multistrada and the reference point, providing optimum vehicle equilibrium and a smoother ride.
Bosch Brembo Braking system with the latest ABS
Now an integral part of the Ducati SafetyPack (DSP), the 2013 Multistrada1200 is equipped with the very latest Bosch ABS 9ME controlled Brembo braking system. Shorter stopping distances with enhanced stability are vital prerequisites, whether for Sport or Touring, but add full Riding Mode interaction to the set-up, and the latest system enables zero-compromise performance for Urban and Enduro also.
Testastretta 11° DS engine – The second generation
For 2013, the arrival of the second generation Testastretta 11° DS engine introduces a number of important and highly effective enhancements, increasing torque to 120 Nm and overall mid-range power delivery with even smoother operation.
Longer service durations
Constant investment in quality by design, advanced materials and engineering techniques, has enabled the distance between major service intervals (valve clearance check) to be set at an owner-friendly 24,000km
Ducati Traction Control
The racing-derived Ducati Traction Control (DTC) has been integrated into the new bike. Within milliseconds, DTC is able to detect and then control rear wheel-spin, considerably increasing the bike’s active safety and performance and is an important component of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP).
Riding Modes
The Sport, Touring, Urban or Enduro Riding Modes can be changed while either stationary or in motion, as well as load settings for ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with luggage’.
Instrumentation and lighting
The instrumentation has a large, high visibility LCD showing all main data and a dot-matrix circular LCD which displays the Riding Modes, additional data or set-up menus depending on whether the bike is stationary or moving.
The main LCD displays data for speed, rpm, gear, total mileage, trip1/trip2, engine coolant temperature, fuel level and time. When the motorcycleis in motion, the dot-matrix LCD displays the selected Riding Mode, remaining fuel/distance, current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average speed, air temperature, trip time, and ‘freezing conditions’ alarm. New for 2013, is a three-level ABS set-up. On the ‘S’ versions, suspension settings can be set with a user-friendly five-point graphic that provides two settings “harder” and two settings “softer” than a central “medium” position for both front and rear compression and rebound damping, while digital rear spring pre-load now increases from a 1-16 range to a 1-24.
Frame
The Trellis frame uses large diameter, light gauge tubing with two central cast aluminium sections and a Trellis rear subframe to achieve optimum torsional rigidity. The high pressure, die cast, magnesium front sub-frame reduces the high, frontal weight and contributes to chassis feel and control.
Multistrada colours
Both the Multistrada 1200 and 1200 S Touring areavailable in red or the stunning new matte chrome
Versions overview
Multistrada 1200
. Bosch-Brembo ABS9MEbraking system
. Riding Modes
. Ride-by-Wire
. Ducati Traction Control
Multistrada 1200 STouring
. Bosch-Brembo ABS 9ME braking system
. Riding Modes
. Ride-by-Wire
. Ducati Traction Control
. Sachs electronic suspension front and rear
. Ducati SkyhookSuspension system
. Heated grips
. Side luggage(58l)
. Centre stand
Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo
. Bosch-Brembo ABS 9ME braking system
. Riding Modes
. Ride-by-Wire
. Ducati Traction Control
. Sachs electronic suspension front and rear
. Ducati Skyhook Suspension system
. Heated grips
. Large screen
. Side luggage (73l) with internal soft-bags
. Top-case (48l) with internal soft-bag
. Centre stand
. Rider Comfort Seat
. LED spot-lights
. Engine protection bars
Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak
. Bosch-Brembo ABS 9ME braking system
. Riding Modes
. Ride-by-Wire
. Ducati Traction Control
. Sachs electronic suspension front and rear
. Ducati Skyhook Suspension system
. Front air intakes, front mudguard, cam belt covers, rear hugger, lateral air extractors in carbon fibre
. Termignoni carbon fibre silencer (EU) (Supplied inaddition to original equipment)
. Screen in carbon fibre(Supplied in addition to original equipment)
. 1199 S Panigale-style triple 3-spokewheels, forged and machined by Marchesini
Dear Santa…
Dear Santa…
one hell of a bike!
one hell of a bike!