Ducati Multistrada
Instrumentation and lighting
The instrumentation has a large, high visibility LCD showing all main data and a dot-matrix circular LCD which displays the Riding Modes, additional data or set-up menus depending on whether the bike is stationary or moving. The new Multistrada family introduces a new headlight with LED low-beam illumination added to the original LED position lights. While the main-beam remains conventional, it now functions in addition to theLED low-beam to enhance overall lighting efficiency. The Granturismo goes one step further with two LED spot lights enhancing peripheral illumination controlled from a handlebar-mounted switch. A hazard lightfunction is also added to the new Multistrada models, activated by holding the left-turn signal button on for four seconds.
Ride-by-Wire
The Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system is an electronic interface between the twistgrip and the engine which decides the ideal power response depending on the Riding Mode selected and according to the rider’s throttle input. The twistgrip no longer uses a throttle cable to control the throttle body butterflies, but instead delivers a signal to a control unit, which in turn operates the butterfly opening.
Ducati Traction Control
The racing-derived Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is a highly intelligent system which acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within milliseconds, DTC is able to detect and then control rear wheel-spin, considerably increasing the bike’s active safety and performance and is an important component of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP).
Hands-free ignition
The Multistrada 1200 ignition is not actuated with a normal key. Instead, an electronic key in the rider’s pocket communicates with the Multistrada when within a distance of approximately 2 metres (6.5ft), recognising the dedicated key code and automatically enabling the motorcycle’s systems.
Ergonomic design and engineered comfort
The original Multistrada 1200 project was subjected to an extensive ergonomic study using both CAD andrepeated prototype testing, guaranteeing a high level of comfort with a fully loaded motorcycle for long-range touring. The ‘ergonomics triangle’ of handlebar, seat and footpegs has been designed for both the rider and passenger, optimising comfort while providing a commanding and upright riding position.
Enhanced detail for long journeys
For 2013, the Multistrada 1200’s screen is higher and wider, providing increased protection and rider comfort during long distance travel and its 60mm of vertical adjustment can now be adjusted using just one hand because of the useful new centrally-mounted, pinch-and-slide mechanism.
The long road to major services
Constant investment in quality by design, advanced materials and engineering techniques, has enabled the distance between major service intervals (valve clearance check) to be set at an owner-friendly 24,000km (15,000 miles). This has been achieved partly by the introduction of a new valve seat material and partly by the improved combustion efficiency and temperature management designed into the Testastretta 11° DS engine.
