The Ducati Multistrada 1200S - So Much Better

Ducati's new Multistrade 1200 had added significant dimensions of capability to the Italian marque's 'dual-sport' series that first commenced seven years ago. Up until now, the Ducati Multistrada has been wrongly included in the dual-sport market, which is immensely varied because the term itself 'dual-sport' is an all-encompassing name for a market segment consisting of many very different motorcycles.

The new Ducati Multistrada 1200S is the latest evolution of the Multistrada range following on from the two-valve 1000 first launched in 2003 followed by an 1100cc update in 2007.

Already renowned as a great road going motorcycle, there was no doubt where the Multistrada sat in the dual-sport market – well to the right of center on the black-top. Its long-travel suspension, upright riding position and wide handlebar gave the impression it was going to be great off the tarmac, just like the BMW R1200GS. But its rock solid seat, sporty footpeg position and 17-inch wheels said otherwise, and the Ducati Multistrada 1200 was classified as a dual-sport whether we liked it or not, with an overall package that was hard to match on the tarmac.

The best news about the new Ducati Multstrada 1200 is that it has built upon that strong foundation, making it a much better road going motorcycle whilst adding different layers to its competency. It's now a better touring motorcycle and better off-road, regardless of the 190-section rear tire. How so?

Along with chassis and engine improvements, the Ducati Multistrada 1200S is now a much better touring motorcycle, a great sport-tourer and more capable off-road thanks to a very effective electronics package.

The Ducati Mode Selector (DMS) transforms the Ducati Multistrada 1200 character at the push of a button. We've ridden motorcycles that change suspension with the push of a button, we've ridden motorcycles that change engine maps at a push of the button and motorcycles that change traction control and ABS at the push of the button. The Ducati Multistrada 1200S does all of these but, aside from the ABS's simple on-off function, each of these systems talks to each other and sets different engine maps, power outputs, suspension and traction control settings.

The four modes are Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. Each can be easily selected on-the-move or when stationary. The parameters for each mode can be altered in four separate load settings. No other motorcycle has this sort of integration of function and on-the-motorcycle adjustability. The only area where the Ducati Multistrada 1200S is overshadowed is by BMW's S1000RR's ABS system actuation that changes according to each of its modes. Interestingly, the Ducati runs the same Bosch M9 traction control system and Ducati says it'll have a similar ABS actuation parameter change relating to mode set-up, as the BMW does, very soon....

In reality, the ABS parameter change isn't needed. The Ducati Multistrada's brakes – radial mounted Brembos, but not the race-specification Monoblock – are everything you need up front. The rear brake is strong enough for most riders, but I'd want more bite for serious off-road/touring.

Switching between the modes on some of the many varied riding conditions we encountered while testing the Ducati Multistrada, I discovered very quickly just how different the motorcycle becomes at the push of a button. Unlike some motorcycles, where there are no noticeable changes from A to B mode, but a considerable on in C, with dyno results to support this, the Ducati Multistrada is perceptibly different in each and every mode.