2011 Ducati Multistrada 1200 (S) | Preview

Upon its release last year, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 quickly became the bike of choice for many motorcyclists worldwide due to its versatility across four modes of riding - Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro.
The same reliability and flexibility in the machine that is basically four motorcycles in one returns with the 2011 Ducati Multistrada 1200. The new Multistrada 1200 is available in the standard form with optional ABS, and the Multistrada 1200 S arrives stock with ABS and Ducati Electronic Suspension by Öhlins as standard equipment.
The 1200 S is available in ‘Sport edition' with carbon fiber accents, or ‘Touring edition' with side luggage, heated grips and center stand.
All of these features are offered with the powerful, 150 hp Testastretta 11° engine, a class-leading dry weight of just 189kg (417lb) and the application of advanced ergonomics.
Multistrada 1200: Four Modes, Four Styles
The four-bikes-in-one concept is achieved by selecting, even while riding, from a choice of four pre-set modes programmed to instantly change the engine character and chassis set-up of the Multistrada 1200. The four modes are made possible by combining a number of class-leading technologies.
An electronic Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system administers different mappings to regulate power delivery by interpreting the rider's throttle input, while the world-beating Ducati Traction Control system (DTC) uses eight levels of system interaction to enhance control by reducing wheel-spin.
For the ‘S' version, Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), by Öhlins, instantly configures the suspension set-up with electronic adjustment. At the touch of a button, four different motorcycles to suit the specific needs of the rider and not the other way around.
The Sport riding mode provides the rider with an adrenalin-fuelled 150hp ride with a sport-oriented throttle response and, on the ‘S' version, an instant high performance suspension set-up.
In character with its Superbike bloodline, the sport mode also changes the DTC system intervention to level 4 for expert riders whose ‘comfort zone' is a little closer to the limit.
The Touring riding mode is also programmed to produce 150hp, however, the power characteristics are designed in a touring configuration with a smoother, more user-friendly delivery.
Active safety is enhanced by increasing DTC system intervention to level 5, specifically intended for an enjoyable and relaxing ride and, on the ‘S' version, the suspension automatically dials-in a set-up ideal for long distance touring, ensuring maximum comfort for both the rider and passenger.
As navigation of the urban jungle can require an even more user-friendly motorcycle, the Urban riding mode instantly transforms the Multistrada 1200 into the most manageable, everyday transport. Power output is reduced to 100 hp, and the suspension, on the ‘S' version, to a setting perfect for tackling the maze of city streets full of speed bumps and drain covers. DTC is further enhanced to level 6 to provide high system intervention during the most chaotic of stop-start traffic.