2017 Multistrada 1200

Dynamic, sophisticated, technologically advanced, unique; in two words: Italian Style

Flowing lines and essential surfaces create a volume difference between the front and rear: the final result is a dynamic, sporty design. The striking front view with a colour-matched “beak”, embellished by the signature Ducati logo, is characterised by an aggressive, high-tech headlight which, together with the compact rear light with light-guide effect, are iconic features of the new Multistrada. The muscular front is in contrast with the streamlined tail, enhanced by the low-slung exhaust: made of top quality die-cast aluminium, it is left in full view to integrate the side luggage supports

You decide how to use it

“Urban” mode provides especially soft dosage and response characteristics to support the rider, max engine power is limited at 100 Hp. The DTC/DWC and ABS respond more readily than in “Touring” mode; the damping of the Skyhook EVO suspension at front and rear is softer, in keeping with the conditions.

Ducati Testastretta DVT

The new Multistrada 1200 is powered by the brand-new revolutionary Ducati Testastretta DVT engine which adopts a Desmodromic continuous variable valve timing to optimize power and torque across a wider rpm band delivering an unprecedented combination of breath-taking-torque (136 Nm@7.500 rpm), class-leading power (160 Hp@9.500 rpm) , super-smoothness and low fuel consumption; the Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) is a double and continuous system applied for the first time to a motorcycle engine managing both exhaust and intake camshafts.

On a conventional engine both the exhaust and intake valves’ open or closed position depends on their fixed position relative to the timing-belt that’s driven by the crankshaft. The timing cannot be altered, so there’s no way to increase or decrease the amount of valve overlap when both valves are open at the same time. As a consequence the time that the valves open and close is really optimized for only one engine speed-range away from those rpm, fixed camshaft timing is the best compromise. The aim of the new Multistrada 1200’s engine was to increase power at high engine speeds and also increase torque at low rpm, the only way to achieve this goal was to use a variable valve timing system.

The DVT system, has the task of setting the most advantageous valve timing according to engine load and speed requirements; it allows to continuously advance or retard both exhaust and inlet valve timing by rotating the camshafts to operate efficiently at a wider range of speeds by delivering high performance at high speeds, with a flatter torque curve at low speeds.

Long Service Intervals

Careful engineering and top-quality materials achieved amazing results: the valve clearances are checked every 30,000 km, and the service intervals are every 15.000 Km.

Exhaust system

Both main manifolds end up straight into the single 3-chamber silencer, which acts as a 2-1-2 collector box and accommodates cat converter and sound-deadening material. The two compact, light aluminium alloy tail pipes exit the silencer and are positioned low to the side to keep noise and heat away from the passenger.

Independent Dual-Spark configuration

The Ducati Testastretta DVT is equipped with two sparks whose ignition is managed independently: (1) one is placed at the center of the combustion chamber, the additional one (2) on the external side.

The benefit is to provide at any engine speeds a further more effective twin flame-front that ensures complete and efficient burning (quicker and more complete) of the fuel-air mixture within the combustion chamber across a shorter period of time.

At low engine speeds the two plugs work simultaneously, while at high engine speeds the two plugs are managed independently with a dedicated ignition timing.

Anti-knocking sensor

The Ducati Testastretta DVT features an integrated anti-knocking sensor; while optimized for high octane fuel (RON 95), thanks to an anti-knocking sensor the motor can also operate – without manual intervention – on lower octane normal fuel (RON 91) as are sometimes found in distant countries.

Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT)

The Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) uses hydraulically operated camshaft-phasers (two for each heads) to manipulate camshaft position relative to the sprocket connected to the timing belt and therefore vary valve timing. They are on both the intake and exhaust camshaft.

The camshaft-phaser is a two-piece mechanism comprised an outer sprocket (2) connected to the timing belt and an inner rotor (3) connected to the camshaft that varies the valve timing by adjusting the rotation angle of the camshaft.

The two pieces can move about 45° crankshaft degrees independently of each other in 0,45 sec. This inner rotor consists of a set of lobes, ports inside the phaser direct oil in or out of the space between (chambers) the outer housing and the lobes. Oil seals fit into machined grooves of the rotor to provide a tight seal between the chambers. The chambers are grouped into two sides.

Left alone the outer sprocket will simply spin at the same rate as the inner rotor. As one group of chambers receives pressurized oil (system adds oil to one side of the lobe), and the others are vented it provides the force necessary to move or hold the rotor relative to the phaser body.

The camshaft-phasers of each head are connected to the engine oil system via two solenoid valves (4) attached to the cylinder heads.

They direct oil pressure to both the camshaft-phasers according to the signal from the engine control unit.

The oil pressure acting in the cam phasers is continually adjusted by the oil control valves in order to set the right position of each camshaft

The position of the camshaft is dynamically controlled by a specific sensor mounted on the head covers.

The engine control unit according to engine-information (engine speed, engine load and temperature and the positions of the crankshaft and camshafts) actuates the solenoid valves. They open oil galleries in the control housing. Engine oil flows through the control housing into the camshaft-phasers. The camshaft-phasers turn and adjust the camshaft timing according to the specifications of the engine control unit.

Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires

As the first generation the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II is purposely designed for on/off road use to deliver sport performance on the road in terms of grip and lean angles, while ensuring high mileage for touring and good off-road performance.

The new tire offers:
Greater grip on the edges with light and precise handling;
Improved carcass structures for enhanced straight line stability at high speed;
Increased maximum mileage on the street;
Greater traction on light off-road surfaces thanks to the new central tread pattern and compound.

Y-pattern 3-spoke wheel rims

The sporty attitude of the Monster 1200 is emphasized by its Y-pattern 3-spoke sport rim design in light alloy. The 3.5×17 front wheel and 6×17 rear wheel are fitted, respectively, with 120/70 R and 190/55 R Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres.

Adjustable seat

The Multistrada 1200 seat provides an instant feeling of comfort and stirs up your desire to ride. Two independent seats for rider and passenger, designed with great attention to shape and foam density ensure excellent comfort also on long trips and excellent ground reach.The rider’s seat is adjustable by ± 20 mm so that the standard seat height can be easily adjusted from the lower 825 mm position to 845 mm

The passenger grab handle is ideally positioned with respect to seat top
to provide ample grip space, good grip and an ergonomic position.

Ergonomics

The Multistrada 1200 underwent an extensive ergonomic study to ensure superior comfort for rider and passenger.

Rider and passenger triangles have been designed to offer the most comfort and fit. There is ample space for riding two up with top case and side panniers installed.

The screen features 60 mm of vertical adjustment with an one-hand manually operated system to ensure a further more efficient wind protection for all rider heights and effortless high-speed riding over long distances.

The wide handlebars have been designed for maximum comfort and ensure a commanding riding position. A confidence-inspiring passenger grab-handle offers a secure and comfortable grip.

To further enhance its “multi-purpose” vocation, the Multistrada 1200’s ergonomics were designed and tested to make it easy to ride standing up, a significant benefit when riding on bumpy terrain.

Overview

The chassis is designed to deliver high overall performance in a wide range of riding situations: the 1.529 mm of wheelbase ensures great abitability and keep the weight of the passenger and side paniers inside the wheelbase length, a considerable contribution to the motorcycle’s dynamic performance; a maximum lean angles of 47° to have fun on back roads; 180 mm of ground clearance makes the bike enjoyable in off-road; the total steering lock angle of 80° combined with a low weight and a perfect weight-balancing (50% front, 50% rear) makes tight maneuvers at low speeds, typical of urban environment, easy to manage.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 20 Litres. Subject to riding style, the 20 Litres can provide more than 400 km of motorcycle pleasure between fuel stops, measured on homologation riding cycle.

Single-sided swinging arm

The new Multistrada 1200 is equipped with a single-sided cast Aluminum swing-arm that ensures high rigidity, low weight, excellent stability, it provides technical and professional look and contributes to deliver superior on-road performance.

Trellis frame

The Multistrada 1200 features a Ducati signature Trellis frame with large diameter, light gauge tubing with two central cast Aluminum sections and a sophisticated rear casted sub-frame. At the front an high pressure, die cast, magnesium front sub-frame reduces the high, frontal weight and contributes to chassis feel and control.

Brembo braking system

The Multistrada 1200 uses twin radially-mounted M4.32 Brembo four piston, two pad calipers actuated by a radial master cylinder with an adjustable lever. The fronts grip Æ 320 mm discs, while the rear performs with an huge single Æ 265 mm disc gripped by a single 2 x 28 floating Brembo caliper with sintered pads.

The performance of the brake system are supported by the 2 channels Bosh 9ME multi-calibrations ABS with cornering functionality that provides optimum braking even in bends.

Bosch 9ME multi-calibration cornering ABS

The new Multistrada 1200 comes standard with the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) that combines the Bosh 9ME multi-calibration cornering ABS with the Ducati branded 8-levels DTC. The sophisticated 9ME multi-calibration cornering ABS improves active safety during braking situations while riding straight as well as while cornering without sacrificing dynamic performance or riding fun. The 9ME cornering ABS provides in braking phase top performance and state of the art active safety level with the following customer benefits:

• ensures optimum distribution of brake force at all times preventing front and rear wheels from locking
• prevents the rear wheel from lifting uncontrollably when braking
• reduces the risk of “lowsiders” by limiting the maximum brake force. It distributes the maximum available brake force between the wheels, ensuring the best possible brake performance under cornering conditions
• when braking heavily in curves the ABS, reduces the motorcycle’s tendency to return to an upright position leaving the desired lane. The combined brake system function creates the best possible distribution of brake force between the wheels, and thus stabilizes the bike during cornering
• possibility to switch from a calibration configuration to another by selecting the appropriate Riding Mode

Of course ABS can be deactivated if rider wishes. ABS-Off can be loaded as a configuration of a riding mode and is maintained switching after key-off.

Premium LCD instrument panel

The Multistrada 1200 features a premium LCD display with a is very clean and sporty garphic: all the riding information are easily detectable at the first sight and the rpm bar graph has a Panigale derived form.

Premium handlebar switches

The handlebar switches are easy to operate thanks to generous dimension and extreme intuitive with one single operation for button. High quality look and feel is combined with backlight for the main functions to easily locate buttons even during night time riding.

Cruise control

The new Multistrada 1200 comes standard with an electronic cruise control function making lengthy motorway rides more relaxed and comfortable. The function is activated by pressing a dedicated easy-to-access button at the left-hand end of the handlebars, via the same button is possible to increase or reduce the currently selected road speed. Here the two throttle valves are activated by the engine control and independently of the accelerator twist grip.

When the front or rear brake or the clutch are activated or the throttle grip is turned in the opposite direction cruise control is switched off. The “Resume” function allows the rider to re-activate the originally selected speed, which the vehicle then automatically restores.

Hands-free ignition

The Multistrada 1200 is actuated without a mechanical key. As the rider approaches the bike with the electronic key in his pocket, the system will recognise the key code within a 2-metre range and enable actuation. At this point, a simple press of the key-on button will switch on the panel, and then the rider can start the engine.

The steering lock is electrically actuated. When parking the bike, it can be actuated by pressing the key-on button. The steering lock is released automatically at the next key-on.

Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)

The Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) algorithm is computed by the BBS (BlackBoxSystem unit) and it uses wheels speed, roll and pitch angle (provided by Bosch IMU), longitudinal acceleration signals. The DWC control algorithm uses those signals to determine the status of the bike and the magnitude of the wheelie as a consequence of that the system allows maximum acceleration in a safe manner.

Based on these information the DWC control unit computes a power/torque request which is sent on CAN to the ECU (Engine Control Unit). The ECU interprets the data communicated by the DWC control unit to reduce the power/torque level required by the rider. The power/torque reduction is shown by the DTC light on the dashboard. Depending on the DWC level, ranging from 1 to 8, there are different reductions of engine power/torque compared with the same motorcycle dynamic conditions. In particular the power reduction is lower with level 1 and higher with level 8.

Ducati Traction Control (DTC)

An integral part of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP), the Ducati Traction Control system can be adjusted to eight levels (four of which are integrated in the Riding Modes). It processes the inputs from the wheel speed sensors to control rear wheel slip, significantly improving performance and active safety. The system installed on the new Multistrada 1200 offers a very smooth intervention of the system, which gives priority to ignition delay. In case of wheel-spin, the system reacts by delaying the ignition, up to a 60% torque reduction request. For higher torque reduction requests the injection is cut off. Each pre-set DTC level associated with the different Riding Modes can be customised by the rider and stored from the setup menu.

Ducati Safety Pack (DSP)

The Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) is offered standard throughout the new Multistrada 1200 range, giving evidence of how Ducati gives top priority to road safety. Designed to achieve superior control and active safety, the DSP includes Brembo’s state-of-the-art 9ME multi-calibration cornering ABS with three mappings and 8-levels Ducati Traction Control (DTC).

Inertial platform

The new Multistrada 1200 is equipped with the latest evolution of Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) by Bosh that provides the information used to deliver a significantly greater level of safety and riding control, of course without sacrificing riding pleasure and performance. The sensor measures the 5D inertial signals, roll rate (ΩX), yaw rate (ΩZ), longitudinal acceleration (aX), transverse acceleration (aY) and vertical acceleration (aZ) of the motorcycle; an algorithm uses these values, provided via CAN, (and other data such as wheel speeds and other motorcycle-specific parameters) to determine the lean and pitch angles. The lean and pitch angles are provided by the IMU to 9ME cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), and Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL).

Riding Mode

The new Multistrada 1200 incorporates the very latest innovative Ducati technologies, including the famous Ducati branded Riding Modes. The four Riding Modes (URBAN, TOURING, SPORT, ENDURO) are enabled by combining class-leading technologies such as: Ride-by-Wire (RbW), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), multi-calibration 9ME cornering ABS, Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evo, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and the graphics on the instrument panel. The rider can change the character of the bike by selecting from the left-hand switchgear – even while riding – among four different pre-set configurations (Riding Modes) that best adapt to the riding style or riding conditions.

The Riding Modes make it possible to instantly modify the power delivered by the engine (RbW), the activation levels of DTC, ABS, DWC, the damping damping set-up of DSS Evo and the graphics on the instrument panel. The Riding Modes are factory pre-set in each of the three parameters, but can be individually customised and saved to suit the rider. A “default”option is available to easily return all settings to factory pre-sets.