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New Models
BIKES: 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S First Ride
For 2013 Ducati has revised the Multistrada's engine and suspension. MotoUSA traveled to Bilbao, Spain to test the Multistrada 1200 S Touring...
The 2013 Multistrada 1200 S is available in Matte Chrome(Base and 1200 S Touring), Touring Grey(Granturismo) and Red and White (Pike Peak). (Photo: Ducati)
The Ducati Mutistrada is a difficult bike to categorize. Pitched as an Adventure Tourer, it has all the requisite parts and pieces to fit the bill, but there is no denying it’s so much more (and less). For 2013 the Bologna-based company blurs the lines even further with a selection of four refined models in the Multistrada line. There is the base Multistrada 1200 that most closely resembles the 2012 model, the Multistrada S Pikes Peak replica racer, the Multistrada 1200 S Touring and the fully loaded Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo. All are built on the same basic architecture, and priced from $16,995 all the way up to $21,995; there is something for every adventure seeking Ducatisti.
Last week Ducati assembled the U.S. Press in Bilbao, Spain to sample the one of the four models available, the Multistrada 1200 S Touring. The other models were on hand for display, but this particular example would give the best representation of the abilities of the complete line. They all share the same engine, frame and drive train and all of the S models share Ducati’s new semi-active Skyhook Suspension upgrade. The rest is just a matter of difference in saddlebags, bits of carbon fiber, tires and wheels. Under the threat of rain we set out into Spain’s Basque county on a tight twisting route to see how the host of refinements by the Italian engineers work.
The very first thing that anyone that turns a mile on the Multistrada mentions is the engine. For 2013 Ducati massaged the Teststretta 11º L-Twin for increased torque while offering smoother operation. The fuel injectors were repositioned to spray directly on the hot intake valve for a straighter shot into the combustion chamber with better vaporization. The cylinder head now gets two spark plugs for a more complete burn from a twin-flame front that consumes the air/fuel mixture quicker. This reduces the variation from one firing cycle to the next, and extra fuel is injected at low rpm to further reduce the variation. To counteract the rich condition used to smooth the engine feel at low speed, a secondary air systems releases air into the exhaust port to complete the combustion of unburned fuel before reaching the cat. After all these changes Ducati claims the Multi’s mill puts out 4.5 lb-ft more torque, that’s a 5% increase at the peak of the torque curve.
While the increase in performance and smoother operation is big news, the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) is the most important change to the Multistrada line. Three of the four models get the new Sachs-built suspension. The DSS uses an electric solenoid valve to control the damping of the suspension to give a desired ride quality for the four riding modes available: Sport, Touring, Urban or Enduro. The DSS system monitors information from accelerometers, throttle position and the ABS feedback to constantly manage the damping rate based on the four settings. Not only does the DSS system conform to certain modes, it also continually adjusts to the immediate situation and riding environment. Ducati claims the Skyhook Suspension system gives the rider a comfortable ride without compromising sport handling.
For the rest of this article including more photos and specs visit MotorcycleUSA.com
Last week Ducati assembled the U.S. Press in Bilbao, Spain to sample the one of the four models available, the Multistrada 1200 S Touring. The other models were on hand for display, but this particular example would give the best representation of the abilities of the complete line. They all share the same engine, frame and drive train and all of the S models share Ducati’s new semi-active Skyhook Suspension upgrade. The rest is just a matter of difference in saddlebags, bits of carbon fiber, tires and wheels. Under the threat of rain we set out into Spain’s Basque county on a tight twisting route to see how the host of refinements by the Italian engineers work.
The very first thing that anyone that turns a mile on the Multistrada mentions is the engine. For 2013 Ducati massaged the Teststretta 11º L-Twin for increased torque while offering smoother operation. The fuel injectors were repositioned to spray directly on the hot intake valve for a straighter shot into the combustion chamber with better vaporization. The cylinder head now gets two spark plugs for a more complete burn from a twin-flame front that consumes the air/fuel mixture quicker. This reduces the variation from one firing cycle to the next, and extra fuel is injected at low rpm to further reduce the variation. To counteract the rich condition used to smooth the engine feel at low speed, a secondary air systems releases air into the exhaust port to complete the combustion of unburned fuel before reaching the cat. After all these changes Ducati claims the Multi’s mill puts out 4.5 lb-ft more torque, that’s a 5% increase at the peak of the torque curve.
While the increase in performance and smoother operation is big news, the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) is the most important change to the Multistrada line. Three of the four models get the new Sachs-built suspension. The DSS uses an electric solenoid valve to control the damping of the suspension to give a desired ride quality for the four riding modes available: Sport, Touring, Urban or Enduro. The DSS system monitors information from accelerometers, throttle position and the ABS feedback to constantly manage the damping rate based on the four settings. Not only does the DSS system conform to certain modes, it also continually adjusts to the immediate situation and riding environment. Ducati claims the Skyhook Suspension system gives the rider a comfortable ride without compromising sport handling.
For the rest of this article including more photos and specs visit MotorcycleUSA.com
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