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The 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 wouldn't have stirred much interest if it were simply a mild redesign of the outgoing air-cooled sport tourer, but the re-imagined Multi boasts so many radical features-- among them a superbike-sourced engine and available electronic suspension-- that it has become one of the most anticipated bikes of the year.

We rode the new Multistrada over 150 miles in the Canary Islands to experience the bike firsthand across a variety of terrain. Read on to find out whether or not the newest Ducati lives up to the hype.

The Goods, Part I: Four Bikes in One?

Ducati boldly claims that their new Multistrada 1200 combines four bikes in one, but how can one bike embody so many different personalities? Let's see how the Multistrada's hardware addresses those claims.

The base version of the Multistrada 1200 is priced at $14,995, and comes with Ducati Traction Control (DTC.) Optional ABS rings in at $16,495. The four-in-one idea is based on the Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) system found in the "S" version (priced at $19,995), which works in conjunction with DTC and throttle mapping to change the bike's on-road behavior via Öhlins units that are adjustable on the fly. "Sport" mode uses all of the engine's 150 hp with sharp throttle response and DTC set to 4 (with 8 being the most intrusive.) "Touring" sets DTC to 5 and softens suspension, while "Urban" cuts power to 100 hp, bumps DTC to 6, and softens up for bigger potholes and bumps. "Enduro" raises the bike's rear suspension for extra clearance, allows for 100 hp, and makes power slides possible with a DTC setting of 2.

Though the four settings are easily swapped via the left switchgear (and indicated on the round section of the dashboard), digging deeper into the menus enables highly specific customization; for instance, you can redefine "Sport" mode to yield only 100 horsepower from the engine, with little or no DTC intervention and ABS off. Additionally, you can individually assign numerical preload and rebound settings to the front and rear suspension, and save any combination in the bike's computer for future reference. It's equally easy to revert to default settings.

The Goods, Part II: Powertrain and Accessories

The 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 has a wet weight of only 478 pounds (485 pounds in the "S"), and its 1198cc L-twin powerplant produces 150 horsepower and 87.5 lb-ft of torque; the Multistrada's torque output is so robust that below 6,500 rpm, it actually exceeds the torque of the superbike from which it's derived. Notably, service intervals have been increased to 15,000 miles on this engine.

For reference, the Multistrada 1200 S is 19 pounds lighter than the BMW R1200GS, and it's got a whopping 40 more horsepower. Compared to the Yamaha Super Tenere, the Multistrada has 42 more horsepower and weighs 97 pounds less. And though the KTM 990 Adventure is slightly lighter, it's also notably down on grunt, producing a mere 105 horsepower. Since the Multistrada's power-to-weight ratio makes it the undisputed hot rod of its segment, you can imagine the effect on its ridability-- and you'll read about it below.

The Desmodromically valved, L-twin mates to a six-speed transmission and a slipper clutch, and the dual seat is 33.46 inches tall (though a lower accessory seat is available, measuring 32.48 inches.) Standard features includes a manually adjustable windscreen, a hands free ignition system that uses a wireless transponder instead of a key, and a digital display with everything from a gear indicator and DES mode setting (on "S" bikes) to fuel economy, ambient temperature, average speed, and more.

The "S Sport" version features ABS, DES, and carbon trim, and "S Touring" replaces carbon with side luggage, a center stand, and heated grips. Both "S" models are priced at $19,995.

On the Road (and Dirt): Ducati's Athletic New Groundbreaker

If you still haven't figured out by its all-new hardware and powertrain, the Multistrada 1200 is a bold step forward for Ducati, so my expectations for the bike were high.

As I swung a leg over the Multistrada 1200 S, it didn't take long to realize that its bite is as loud as its notorious bite. Seat height was manageable for my 5'11" frame, especially since the bike is so light to handle. Though the start sequence involves an unfamiliar downward click of the ignition key guard before the red button is pressed, the thrum of the big-bore L-twin at startup makes itself familiar to die-hard Ducatisti.

Let out the low effort clutch, and the Multistrada's low weight becomes quickly apparent; in "Touring" mode, thrust is abundant and immediate. In "Sport" mode, it comes with crisper delivery and noticeably (but not dramatically) more insistence, while "Urban" mode is appropriately smooth and predictable. The bike's lightness is perhaps even more rewarding in turns, where the bike's front 17 inch wheel flicks effortlessly from side to side, pitching the bike into turns with low handlebar effort. And yet, the Multistrada tracks with stability, even when I hit an indicated 215 km/hr (134 mph) along one particularly long straightaway. Dual 320mm radial Brembos offered strong stops, and the ABS on our "S" model test bikes added a layer of reassurance, with relatively little pedal pulsing. And once we slowed down, it wasn't long before the torquey lure of the big L-twin had us blasting along at warp speed, with power whisking the bike along effortlessly into five-digit engine rpms.

The saddle proved comfortable over a day's worth of riding, and it's no wonder it was benchmarked against BMW's GS seat. Incidentally, accessory selection was also benchmarked against the Beemer, not to mention saddlebag volume: the Multi's stock bags can hold 15.32 or 19.28 gallons (depending on which lid is used), which is more than the stock BMW GS's. An optional 12.68 gallon top case will swallow two full-face helmets, and if there's anything missing from its repertoire of amenities, it might be an option for cruise control.

The Offroad Question

>>Next Page: Conclusion, Key Specs, Who Should Buy

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The Bottom Line: One Giant, Bar-Setting Leap for Ducati

Ducati boasts a long history of building sharply focused sportbikes. And though the word Multistrada translates to "many roads," the model never seemed quite as versatile as its name suggested-- until now.

Not only is Ducati's new Multistrada 1200 a serious adventure sport tourer with potent performance and impressive technology, the "S" version's advanced suspension system enables remarkable flexibility when it comes to attacking light offroad situations. And though it wouldn't be our top pick for a round-the-world journey (the BMW R1200GS is still the standard-setter for ultra long distance excursions), the Multistrada offers far more compelling on-road manners alongside reassuring dynamics when the road degrades into rubble.

So, where does that put the new Multi in regards to Ducati's claims of squeezing four bikes into one? I'm not sure it's possible for one Multistrada-- or any bike, for that matter-- to have the functionality of four different bikes. But the Multistrada does manage an exceptional job of tackling a wide variety of duties while adding an element of sportiness and mischief that only an Italian bike can deliver.

As a niche manufacturer that was once an incidental player in a global market, Ducati's newly rounded out lineup is now highlited by the Multistrada 1200, a bike so athletic and advanced that it redefines the possibilities of this burgeoning brand. The Multistrada 1200 may not be the perfect bike for every motorcyclist, but spirited long distance riders open to limited doses of offroad will find that it's nearly ideal for their needs.

Specs

Price: Base Multistrada 1200 ($14,995)

Multistrada 1200 with ABS ($16,495)

Multistrada "S Sport" with carbon trim ($19,995)

Multistrada 1200 "S Touring" with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Anti-Lock Brakes, center stand, heated grips, side luggage ($19,995)

Powerplant: Liquid-cooled, 1,198cc L-twin producing 150 horsepower, 87.5 lb-ft of torque

Transmission: Six-speed manual with slipper clutch

Frame: Tubular steel trellis

Brakes: 320mm x2 radially mounted, 4-piston, 2 pad front, 245mm, 2-piston rear, available ABS

Swingarm: Single-sided aluminum

Wheel travel: 6.69 inches

Curb weight: 478 lbs (Multistrada 1200), 485 lbs (Multistrada 1200 S)

Fuel capacity: 5.3 gallons

Fuel economy: 47 mpg

Estimated cruising range: 248 miles

Seat height: 33.46 inches (optional low saddle is 32.48 inches tall)

Who Should Buy the Ducati Multistrada 1200?

Adventure-seeking long distance riders who demand sportbike levels of performance, and might occasionally find themselves on rugged dirt roads.

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