Ducati Multistrada 1200S: Review

Multitasking is the name of the game in our era. We want everything in our life to do a bit more than what is expected from it. A great example is our smart phone - apart from your basic purpose of dialing and text message it has become our computer, camera, television, scanner, fitness trainer and more. It’s the same when it comes to us humans too: a boss will always favour an employee who is able to execute multiple tasks at any given time. And this brings us to the bike that we rode recently on some beautiful roads around Chiang Rai, Thailand. Ducati felt that they needed a bike which would be able to adapt to various riding conditions, and with its “4-in-1” philosophy the Multistrada 1200 was born a few years back. Rather than the rider switching bikes for various conditions, Ducati felt the electronics could do the above. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 has been equipped with four riding modes depending on the need of the biker – Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. The bike that we rode was the Multistrada 1200S which is the latest version with cosmetic updates, retuned powerplant and, of course, an advanced electronic package. 

Design: rating_4.0_rating

The Ducati Multistrada 1200S is a rather striking looking motorcycle in the flesh owing to its large dimensions and sculpted lines. The front section of the bike is dominated by the large windscreen below which sits the neatly carved headlamp (LED in the 1200S model). There’s also a LED DRL and the last lamp is dynamic which according to the lean angle of the bike changes position so that the corner is better illuminated for the rider. The beak shaped front apron hasn’t been tinkered with and it is among the distinctive style elements of the bike and is best appreciated in profile. The chunky USD forks exiting from under the front fairing and dinner plate sized disc rotors give the front end of the bike an aura of aggression.

A design element that I particularly liked on the Multistrada 1200S is the knuckle guard mounted LED turn indicators. The large fuel tank, exposed trellis frame, brushed aluminum scuff plates and the half fairing endows the sports tourer with a mass forward silhouette. The tail section has been redesigned too with boomerang-shaped DRLs, LED tail light and a new grab rail. The wide tyre, single-sided swingarm and staggered exhaust pipes complete the rear section of the motorcycle. 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Features: rating_5.0_rating

Talking about features, being the 1200S model, it gets equipped with a full colour TFT screen all-digital instrument console. The layout of the console gets differentiated depending on the riding mode selected, and there’s a plethora of information on display that includes traction control setting, ABS level, real time fuel efficiency, range, gear position indicator etc. The console has been well laid out despite the huge amount of parameters on display. The switchgear size has been increased so that the rider could easily operate it with gloves and they are now backlit. Fit and finish levels on the motorcycle as expected at this price point is premium and we couldn’t find any faults on the quality levels. 

The windscreen position can also be altered easily using a sliding mechanism and the rider can change it on the go too. It also gets keyless entry. There’s also an option of heated grips with three settings on the Multistrada 1200S which will be well appreciated by riders in the colder part of our country. Cruise control is standard and can be activated from 50kmph to 200kmph or shall we say the “Autobahn Mode”.

The Ducati Multimedia System allows the rider to manage his smartphone via the handlebar and his phone is synced with the bike. The data from the phone is displayed on the TFT display while voice/audio can be linked to the helmet headset. The rider can also download Multistrada Link App for both Android and iOS. With the help of Bluetooth the rider can connect the app to the bike and get details like max lean angle, top speed achieved, horsepower used etc. The rider can also share the above details on social media and notify his friends about his location via the app. 

Engine & Performance: rating_4.5_rating

Powering the Ducati Multistrada 1200S is a 1,200cc L-twin motor rated for 160PS at 9,500rpm and 136Nm at 7,500rpm. The powerplant is mated to a 6-speed transmission. The biggest talking about the engine, according to Ducati, is the new DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system, and the Multistrada 1200S is the first bike to be equipped with this technology. The above system is able to continuously vary the position between the camshafts and crankshaft so as to better suit the engine needs depending on the situation. This has reduced low-end knocking as was seen on the older generation bike, increasing power output and reducing fuel consumption (15kmpl during our ride). Technical session done, now let’s get to the ride part. I started the ride in Urban mode, which reduces power output to 100PS, DTC (Ducati Traction Control, max is 8) is set at 6, ABS at max level 3 and DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control, max is 8) at 5. Open the throttle and the bike shoots off the line effortlessly. The engine feels docile till 4,000rpm post which things get manic as you race towards the redline.

Throttle response was crisp and one can easily modulate it with precision. Adding to the fun element was the throaty exhaust note in the background as the Multistrada 1200S set about munching miles. Despite being in the “sober” 100PS mode, the Multistrada 1200S was cruising down the highway at speeds close to 150kmph without even breaking into a sweat doing great justice to its sports tourer tag.  The rider can switch modes on the fly and I moved over to Touring mode and felt the extra 60PS literally kick in! Throttle response gets sharper and the bike just darts off the line. One small switch literally changed the character of the motorcycle and performance went a few notches higher. 

The dollop of torque was clearly useful on the mountain twisties as we went about taming them with great bottom end and mid-range performance from the engine. Seeing an arrow straight patch, I whacked opened the throttle. In a jiffy, the bike transformed from a sport tourer to a proper performance bike as the surrounding turned into a blur and with the front wheel saluting the tarmac on few occasions.  There were wheel spins in fourth gear with the traction control system going into overdrive to bring me back from lunacy. The electronic goodies on the Ducati Multistrada 1200S is among the best I have seen on any performance motorcycle. It lets the rider do what he wants without overpowering him yet maintaining the safety net around him. It’s like a kind nanny that allows you to do all the shenanigans before gently reminding you that you are crossing the limit unlike other electronic systems which gives a rap on your knuckle for any mischief. 

Also the electronic system is fully customizable depending on the rider’s need and one can completely switch it off too, if you feel a sudden urge to meet your maker. I tried the Sports mode for a brief period but felt the throttle response a bit too snatchy for my liking. The fact that we couldn’t ride the bikes on trails meant Enduro mode remained untested but we shall do that once we get the bike for a review in India. Despite all the laurels, there are some drawbacks for the Multistrada 1200S. The twin-cylinder engine isn’t the most refined motor on sale in its segment while the gearbox felt notchy on a few occasions. Given the performance on hand a quickshifter system should have been provided.

Ride, Handling & Braking: rating_4.0_rating

Special attention has been paid to make the Ducati Multistrada 1200S more accessible to Asian riders, who are comparatively shorter than the Europeans, with a scooped out saddle. The rider seat is adjustable while the optional low rider seat has a saddle height of 800-820mm while the shoulder of the seat has been narrowed too. But given the fact that the pillion seat is high, shorter riders will need some effort to swing their leg over it. Once on the large and generous saddle, I felt comfortable instantaneously as with the low saddle seat I was able to firmly plant both my foot on the ground (I am 5ft 10inch) something I couldn’t do on other sports tourer bikes. The flat wide handle bar, centre-set footpegs and the easy to hold fuel tank means touring on the Ducati Multistrada 1200S is an effortless task owing to its comfortable ergonomics.

The bike employs a tubular trellis frame which is typical of the Italian bikemaker. The first thing that you notice about the Multistrada 1200S is how efficiently it masks its 235kg wet weight and this can be attributed to the 50:50 weight distribution of the motorcycle. But let us alert you that parking the bike is a chore owing to its mass. We rode the Ducati Multistrada 1200S on some beautiful mountain roads which it took on with the enthusiasm of a teenager having his first night out. The chassis is very communicative, urging the rider to push into corners with great confidence. A special mention has to be made for the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres developed specifically for the Multistrada 1200S that provide great grip and help in amplifying the handling dynamics of the bike. We encountered some mild traffic while riding in the city but the Ducati motorcycle felt agile as we weaved past them; also the steering lock has been increased which has reduced the turning radius. The bike utilizes electronically adjustable Sachs USD front forks and a monoshock unit at the rear. 

The Multistrada 1200S also gets the benefit of the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system which is a semi-active suspension. Ride quality isn’t plush as the bike is sprung on the stiffer side but having said that it isn’t back breaking on broken roads. Braking is done with the help of large twin 330mm dia front discs and a 265mm dia disc brake at the rear. The radialy mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers are the same as found on the Ducati 1299 Panigale. Unsurprisingly they do a great job of shedding speeds with crocodile-like bite and the progression of a marching army.  ABS is standard and can be switched off completely. Another novel addition on the Ducati Multistrada 1200S is the cornering ABS system which, as the name suggests, can safeguard the rider in the event of sudden braking while the bike is leaned over. I didn’t try the above as I was unfamiliar with the mountain roads and the fact that psychologically my mind has been trained to never apply brakes while taking a corner. So the above shall be put to test on familiar roads back home. 

Target Audience:

In the international market, the Ducati Multistrada 1200S has been positioned as a motorcycle for mature Ducati riders who want something more comfortable, fast and easy to ride after spending numerous years on its sportsbike range. That wouldn’t be the scenario in India as the Ducati Multistrada 1200S will have a rather wide range of buyers from varying age group especially bikers between 30-40 years of age. It will be a great option for someone who prefers touring on the roads in comfort while also has the benefit of the electronic system to better suit the varying road conditions. Also the comfortable pillion seat means that one can ride with your better half without her feeling out of place. Given its multipurpose nature, the Multistrada 1200S should be on the radar for any biker looking at a fast and comfortable touring motorcycle with flair of Italian styling. In the Indian market, Ducati has cleverly sandwiched the Multistrada 1200S between its immediate rivals, the Triumph Tiger Explorer and the Kawasaki Versys 1000, with respect to pricing. Ducati offers two years unlimited mileage warranty for the Multistrada 1200S. 

Verdict: rating_4.5_rating

After the end of my 330km ride in Thailand, I must say I was impressed. The Ducati Multistrada is a great example of how technology can be used cleverly to make a motorcycle more appealing and useable. It does great justice to its sports tourer DNA with comfortable riding ergonomics for both rider and pillion, brilliant cruise ability from the engine, loads of features and top notch cycle parts for company. The striking styling is an added bonus to the well rounded package which makes it even more irresistible. The electronic system on the bike is there to help the rider and not impede him which for me is the highlight of the motorcycle. But there are shortcomings like the restricted dealer network for Ducati in India, scarred history owing to its erstwhile importer, but Ducati India says that it will be working on the above.

For the bike, vibey motor, lack of quickshifter, mulish gearbox and the stiff ride quality are its shortcomings. The Ducati Multistrada 1200S enters Indian shores via the CBU route from Thailand and despite this has been priced for Rs 17.64 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai with octroi) which we feel is terrific value for the amount of hardware and electronic goodies on board. Price alone isn’t what makes the Ducati Multistrada 1200S a winner in our books, but it’s the ease with which it does its multiple tasks while plastering a wide grin on your face, every time to you twist your wrist.