Another test ride: Ducati MultiStrada 1200

[PhilB]

The top two bikes on my short list so far are the Ducati HyperMotard, for its versatility and sheer fun factor, and the Ducati StreetFighter for its effortless performance. I was hoping this new MultiStrada would be the best of both, sort of a HyperMotard-shaped StreetFighter. I was very prepared to love this bike.

Alas, not so. The versatility is there, but the romping fun of the HP is not present, nor the precision and effortlessness of the SF.

It was set on “sport” mode, but was still too cushy and squirmy. Handling seemed not precise, and the general feeling of responsiveness was not as good as either the HM or the SF. I was hoping to test the single vs. two-up suspension settings, and brought my wife along to do that, but the dealer said they do not allow two-up test rides, so I didn’t get to check that part out.

It’s tall, but not extremely so. It seems light, but is a bit topheavy feeling, like an older Aprilia. Too much fairing, too much plastic. The usual eddycurrent problem reaches over the fairing and slams my visor shut at 80-85 mph. And the fairing removes that great IMAX-helicopter-ride feeling the HM has.

The clutch is easy and light. Shifting is clonky, especially the 2 to 1 downshift. The engine sounds crude for some reason; it doesn’t have that mellifluous exhaust note that Ducatis are usually so good at. There were some part-throttle hesitations, fueling didn’t seem quite perfect.

It splits lanes fine, good height and visibility for that, narrow enough, mirrors are very good. Ergos are fine for all sorts of riding, except that the centerstand tang kept interfering with my left heel.

I’m disappointed to say it doesn’t make the cut for me.

PhilB

[acalliste]

Aw.. that sucks! I hate when you really want to like something but it lets you down. (Not that I know anything about that )

[kevin_stevens]

I've heard that complaint about the centerstand from several sources now. Odd.

KeS

[PhilB]

One good thing, though, is that Pirelli developed multi-purpose tires for it, which are in about the same sizes as the tires on my good old Monster. Now that I'm in Ohio where they have actual weather and real seasons, if I wind up working here into the winter, those might make good snow tires for my bike.

PhilB