Video: Birth of a Multistrada

If you’ve ever wondered how a bike is transformed from lumps of metal, plastic and rubber into something far more rideable, this latest short video from Ducati will give you a window inside the Borgo Panigale factory, as a Multistrada is born.

Ducati’s big-selling Multistrada 1200 gets a massive overhaul for 2015, making it an almost all-new bike, with variable valve control engine, all-new electronics, revised styling and improvements to rider comfort and convenience. There are two models – the standard 1200, and an ‘S’ model which also includes the D-Air version that links to Dainese’s electronically-controlled rider airbag system.

The overall appearance of the new bike is still very recognisably Multistrada, but the new Ducati Variable Timing (DVT) version of the Testastretta 1198cc V-twin is now producing 160bhp at peak power, and with gains throughout the range thanks to the engine’s ability to adjust the valve timing to suit both low rev torque and higher rev power.

Other new features include an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which works with the electronics by measuring roll, yaw and pitch angles as well as the rate of transition between them. This system works with the 1200’s cornering ABS, wheelie control, eight-stage traction control and the semi-active Skyhook suspension taken from the outgoing model. Cruise control is now standard on all models and a new multimedia system connects the bike to a smartphone by

The DVT provides the best of both worlds with low to medium rev torque and engine smoothness but higher rev power and performance. It works to constantly vary the degree of valve overlap so it’s always optimally matched to engine revs.

The riding modes are carried over from the outgoing model with Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro modes. They range from offering the full 160bhp in Sport and Touring but drop to 100bhp in the other modes. ABS, traction control, the semi-active suspension, ride height, throttle response and wheelie control are all adjusted according to each mode.

A larger front fairing, bigger (adjustable) windscreen, altered riding position and re-profiled height adjustable seat are, Ducati claims, big contributions to the improvement of rider comfort on the new Multistrada 1200.

The Facts
Power 160bhp @ 9500rpm
Torque 100lbft @ 7500rpm
Weight 232kg
Seat Height 825-845mm
Tank 20 litres
Prices start at £12,995