2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 | Preview & Specs

2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 | First Look

2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Preview, Specs, Photos

Ducati’s popular 4-in-1 Multistrada worthy of “endless transformation” just got better. The Multistrada 1200 – unveiled Monday during the press conference at EICMA motorcycle show in Milan – was completely revamped for 2015.

As we expected, the new Multi receives Ducati’s new Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine and the latest in electronics, which includes Ducati Wheel Control and Cornering ABS.

Once again, the Multistrada 1200 is available in an S version. This model includes semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) and full LED headlamps with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL). Ducati also offers a Multistrada 1200 S D|air model, which is compatible with Ducati’s D|air apparel by Dainese.

The prevision Pikes Peak and Touring versions are no longer available, but for 2015 Ducati offers four “personalization” packs:

  • Touring Pack: heated grips, panniers and center stand
  • Sport Pack: road-legal exhaust (homologated only for Europe) Ducati Performance by Termignoni and carbon fiber front mudguard, machined-from-billet aluminium brake and clutch reservoir caps
  • Urban Pack: top case, tank bag with lock and USB hub
  • Enduro Pack: supplementary lights and Ducati Performance components by Touratech: engine
    protection bars, radiator guard, oil sump guard, bigger kickstand base and off-road footpegs

Other tasteful features across the 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 lineup are an adjustable seat height (32.5” – 33.3”) and electronic cruise controls.

The 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 arrives with the DVT engine – the first of the motorcycle industry to feature a variable valve timing system with independent control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts.  This system optimizes performance across the rpm range, lowers fuel consumption by eight percent, and decreases emissions.

The 1198cc engine, which arrives with the Dual Spark (DS) system that utilizes two spark plugs per cylinder, produces 160 horsepower at 9500 rpm and 100.3 ft/lbs of torque at 7500 rpm – this is up 10 horsepower over the previous model’s 1198 11-degree Testastretta L-Twin. The torque curve of the new DVT powerplant is impressive; the Testastretta produces 59 ft/lbs at 3500 rpm, and continues strong to 9500 rpm.

The new engine also has longer service intervals – 9500 miles for routine maintenance, and 18,600 for valve-timing adjustment.

The 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is loaded with the latest in Ducati electronics, including the new IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). This allows the Multistrada 1200 to utilize Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Cornering ABS.

Other electronic highlights are Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ride-by-Wire Throttle, electronic cruise control, and the following four riding modes, which, on the S version, also configure suspension settings:

  • Sport Riding Mode: Selecting Sport Riding Mode provides full power (160 horsepower), together with (on the S version) a sporty suspension setup with the appropriate DSS mapping. Sport Mode is also characterized by low levels of Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control, and a level 2 ABS setting. This gives braking response that suits highly dynamic riding, with a slight reduction in combined front/rear action and rear-wheel lift detection off, while maintaining Cornering ABS functionality.
  • Touring Riding Mode: In Touring Riding Mode the Multistrada 1200 provides the engine’s full 160 horsepower with a smoother, less direct throttle response compared to Sport Mode. Active safety is enhanced by higher DTC and DWC sensitivity levels, to maintain rock-solid stability. The ABS is set to interaction level 3, perfect for touring; this turns rear-wheel lift detection and Cornering ABS functionality on, while also optimizing the front/rear combined braking effect. On the S version a suspension setup perfect for long-distance rides is selected, ensuring maximum comfort for rider and passenger alike, while the DSS mapping is reconfigured for additional on-bike load.
  • Urban Riding Mode: In Urban Riding Mode power output is reduced to a maximum of 100 horsepower, and on the S version suspension is set for optimum agility with corresponding DSS mapping. DTC and DWC are set to high levels for maximum security on less-than-perfect city roads. ABS is set to “Safe and Stable”(3), which maximizes the sensation of confidence: rear-wheel lift detection is on, front/rear combined braking is optimized, and Cornering functionality is engaged.
  • Enduro Riding Mode: The 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Riding Mode sets engine power to a maximum of 100 hp, with off-road oriented suspension settings and DSS mapping for the S. DTC and DWC level settings are low and the ABS is set to level 1 interaction, suitable for off-road use on low grip surfaces: rear-wheel lift detection is off, Cornering functionality is off, and ABS on the rear wheel is disabled.

Regarding the chassis, the 2015 Multi’s trellis frame was revamped for stiffness and additional ground clearance. The new model now has 7.08 inches of ground clearance, 0.7 higher than the 2014 model.

The base Mutltistrada arrives with a 48mm upside-down fork and Sachs monoshock. The S models are updated with Sachs 48mm front fork and Sachs rear damper, both of which are semi-active and controlled by the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).

All Multistrada 1200 models arrive with dual 320mm discs up front squeezed by four-piston Brembo monobloc calipers, and a single 265mm rear disc squeezed by a two-piston Brembo monobloc caliper out back.

All models also arrive with a three-level Bosch 9.1ME ABS system that work at lean angle while cornering. The ABS system can also be disabled from the instrument panel.

The 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 lineup roll on light alloy Y-spoke wheels (3.50 x 17” front; 6 x 17” rear) wheels shod in Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires (120/70 R17 front; 190/55 R17 rear).

The 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 models also received styling updates, a new windscreen that can be adjusted 2.36 inches with one hand, Hands Free Ignition, two 12V power sockets, and new instrumentation (LCD on standard, 5” TFT display on S models).

The 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S D|air model is also compatible with air-bagged equipped Ducati Apparel D|air clothing by Dainese.

Ducati says the launch of the new Multistrada is further enriched by the Multistrada Link App: a smartphone app, available for iOS and Android, that further explains all content and new features of the bike. Through the app it is possible to rate individual aspects of the bike, and submit ideas and comments directly to Ducati. Further, it will deliver easily accessible weekly updates of a variety of content.

All models in the 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 lineup are available in Ducati Red, and the S model (not D|air) in Inceberg White. All models also arrive with black wheels. Ducati has yet to reveal pricing.

Following are the highlights and specs of the 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200.

2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Highlights:

  • New Ducati Testastretta DVT engine
  • IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit
  • Bosch-Brembo ABS 9.1ME Cornering braking system o Electronic cruise control
  • Riding Modes
  • Ride-by-Wire Power Modes (PM)
  • Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
  • Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • LCD instrument panel
  • Color: Ducati Red with black wheels

2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S (and Multistrada 1200 S D|air) Highlights:

  • New Ducati Testastretta DVT engine
  • IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit
  • Bosch-Brembo ABS 9.1ME Cornering braking system
  • Front brake discs with diameter of 330 mm, Brembo M504 4-piston radial calipers o Electronic cruise control
  • Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
  • Lightweight machine-finished forged wheels
  • Riding Modes
  • Ride-by-Wire Power Modes (PM)
  • Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
  • Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • Electronic Sachs suspension (front and back) with the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system
  • Full LED headlamp with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) o Instrument panel with 5” full color TFT screen
  • D|air system (Multistrada 1200 S D|air only)
  • Colors: Ducati Red with black wheels rims (1200 S and 1200 S D|air) and Iceberg White with black wheels rims (1200 S only)

2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200, 1200 S and 1200 S D|air Specs:

 

Engine:

  • Type: Ducati Testastretta DVT with Desmodromic Variable Timing, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Dual Spark, liquid cooled
  • Displacement: 1198.4 cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 106 x 67.9 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
  • Power: 117.7kW (160hp) @ 9,500rpm
  • Torque: 136 Nm (100.3 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm
  • Fuel Injection: Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mm
  • Exhaust: Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes
  • Transmission: 6 speed
  • Ratio: 1=37/15 2=30/17 3=27/20 4=24/22 5=23/24 6=22/25
  • Primary Drive: Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.84:1
  • Final Drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 40
  • Clutch: Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run

 

Chassis:

  • Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame
  • Wheelbase: 1529 mm (60.2 in)
  • Rake: 24°
  • Trail: 109 mm (4.3 in)
  • Steering Lock: 80°
  • Front Suspension (base): 48 mm fully adjustable usd forks
  • Front Suspension (S models): Sachs 48 mm fully adjustable usd forks. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (DSS)
  • Front Wheel Travel: 170 mm (6.7 in)
  • Front Wheel: Y-shaped 3-spoke in light alloy 3.50″ x 17″
  • Front Tire: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 120/70 R17
  • Rear Suspension (base): Fully adjustable Sachs monoshock unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminum single-sided swingarm
  • Rear Suspension (S models): Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment.
  • Electronic spring pre-load adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evo. Aluminum single-sided swingarm
  • Rear wheel Travel: 170 mm (6.7 in)
  • Rear Wheel: Y-shaped 3-spoke in light alloy 6.00″ x 17″
  • Rear Tire: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 190/55 R17
  • Front Brake: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo calipers, 4- piston, 2-pad, with cornering ABS as standard equipment
  • Rear Brake: 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper, with cornering ABS as standard equipment
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 l – 5.3 gallon (US)
  • Dry Weight: (base) 461 lbs; (S) 487 lbs; (S D|air) 469 lbs
  • Wet Weight: (base) 511 lbs; (S) 518 lbs; (S D|air) 520 lbs
  • Seat Height: Adjustable 825 – 845 mm (32.5 – 33.3 in)
  • Max Height: 1495 mm (58.8 in)
  • Max Length: 1000 mm (39.4 in)
  • Max Width: 2190 mm (86.2 in)
  • Instrumentation: (base) LCD; (S Models) Color TFT display 5″
  • Electronics (base): Riding Modes, Power Modes, RbW, Ducati Safety Pack (cornering ABS + DTC), Ducati Wheelie ControL (DWC), Cruise Control, Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, Anti-theft ready, Heated grips ready, Supplementary lights ready
  • Electronics (S): Riding Modes, Power Modes, RbW, Ducati Safety Pack (cornering ABS + DTC), Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (DSS), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Cruise Control, Full LED headlamp with Ducati Cornering Lights, Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), Full-colour TFT display, Anti- theft ready, Heated grips ready, Supplementary lights ready
  • Electronics (S D|air): Riding Modes, Power Modes, RbW, Ducati Safety Pack (cornering ABS + DTC), Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (DSS), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Cruise Control, Full LED headlamp with Ducati Cornering Lights, Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), Full-colour TFT display, Anti- theft ready, Heated grips ready, Supplementary lights ready, D|Air system
  • Warranty: two years unlimited mileage

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.