2012 Ducati 1200 Multistrada
Multistrada means Many Roads and this is Ducati’s four bikes in one
Chassis number; ZDMA200ABCB018299
Engine number; ZDM1198WC018307
When it was released in 2003 the Multistrada established a new motorcycle concept; one that combined sports performance, trail blazing, and unrivalled versatility. After beginning life with the air-cooled 1000cc Dual Spark engine, and receiving the 1100cc version in 2006, for 2010 the Multistrada was completely redesigned. Hailed as four bikes in one, this established new technological boundaries for an all-round motorcycle and was a tribute to Ducati’s advanced engineering and development.
Instead of the air-cooled Desmodue DS engine, powering the Mutlistrada 1200 was a version of the 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione. The valve overlap (when both the intake and exhaust valves were open simultaneously) was reduced from 41° on the 1198 to 11° resulting in a reduction in unburnt hydrocarbon emissions (pre-catalyser) of 65% and an increase in specific fuel consumption (and consequent CO2 emissions) of 15% (Euro 3). The injector bodies were new, with smaller oval Mikuni throttle bodies with the injectors under the butterfly, and flywheel mass was increased. For the first time on a Ducati the electronic injection system was Mitsubishi. The compression ratio was reduced slightly, to 11.5:1, but the power was still an impressive 150 horsepower at 9,250rpm, with a better engine response under 7,000rpm than the Superbike 1198. The gearbox and final drive ratios were changed to include a higher-ratio 6th gear and the wet clutch was a slipper type. The new Testastretta engine also had major service intervals stretched to 24,000km.
The Trellis frame was signature Ducati, with large diameter, light gauge tubing with two central cast aluminium sections and a Trellis rear subframe. The frame had 19% more torsional rigidity than the Multistrada 1100, with a high pressure, die-cast, magnesium front subframe reducing high, frontal weight. The rear subframe was a polymer material, doubling as bodywork and the gravity die-cast aluminium rear engine mount and swingarm pivot similar to that on the Monster 1100. The single-sided aluminium swingarm was a single piece casting, with fabricated and welded sections. The chassis was designed to achieve lean angles of up to 45° and provided generous steering lock of 76° (38° left and right).
The standard Multistrada 1200 was fitted with an adjustable 50mm Marzocchi front fork, with a forged fork bottom and the rear suspension was by a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Both the front and rear had a generous 170mm of travel to suit occasional off road forays. The ‘S’ versions were equipped with the latest generation 48mm Öhlins suspension featuring Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) developed in conjunction with Öhlins. This enabled spring pre-load and rebound and compression damping adjustment to be electronically controlled via the instrument panel. Spring pre-load, rebound and compression damping for the Öhlins rear monoshock could be adjusted electronically, the electronic suspension adjustment either be pre-set or set manually. Adjustments made via the instrumentation sent a signal to electronic actuators mounted on the suspension units.
The front brakes were twin radial Brembo four piston, two pad calipers with 320mm discs, with a single 245mm disc on the rear and twin-piston Brembo caliper. A Bosch-Brembo ABS system was optional on the standard version and fitted as original equipment on the ‘S’. The Marchesini wheels were cast aluminium on both the standard and S versions, and Ducati worked with Pirelli to develop a special Scorpion Trail tyre, the rear a massive 190/55. This dual compound tyre included a harder compound central section but still delivered racing performance on the road in terms of grip and lean angle.
Considerable effort was expended on ergonomics; particularly the ‘ergonomic triangle’ of wide tapered steel handlebar, seat and footpegs that were designed to optimise comfort while providing an upright riding position. The screen provided 60mm of vertical adjustment, the 20-litre fuel tank a range of more than 300km, and a special connection provided for the optional Garmin satellite navigation.
Undoubtedly the most revolutionary aspect of the Multistrada 1200 was the choice of four riding modes, Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. The Sport Riding Mode provided 150 horsepower, a sports-oriented suspension set-up, and reduced Ducati Traction Control intervention. While the Touring Riding Mode still produced 150 horsepower the torque delivery was smoother, the Ducati Traction Control system set to level 5 (intermediate intervention), and the suspension was set up for comfort. Selecting the Urban Riding Mode instantly reduced the power to 100 horsepower, the suspension softened, and the traction control level set to 7, providing high system intervention. The final Enduro Riding Mode also provided 100 horsepower, higher suspension, and the option to disable the ABS. Traction control was reduced to the minimum level 1 for almost no intervention. The electronic ride-by-wire system (without a throttle cable) administered three different engine mappings to change the character of the engine, while Ducati Traction Control (DTC) incorporated eight levels of system interaction. On the Multistrada 1200 S the Ducati Electronic Suspension instantly configured the suspension set-up to suit ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with luggage’.
Many other new features also distinguished the Multistrada 1200. The frontal air intakes, carbon fibre on the ‘S’ version, acted as air flow conveyors to the oil coolers and the airbox, while the symmetrical headlight used four halogen lamps, two for low and two for high beam. The ignition is no longer actuated with a normal key, but by an electronic key operating within a distance of 2 metres. An on-board computer system included a large LCD displaying multiple functions.
Weight reduction was an important design consideration, the 189kg Multistrada 1200 lighter than any other road enduro, touring or sport-touring bike currently available. Three versions were offered, the 1200 S Sport, the 1200 S Touring, and the 1200 (without optional ABS). The S featured ABS and the Ducati Electronic Suspension system, in two equipment options Sport Edition and Touring Edition. A number of carbon-fibre components distinguished the Sport Edition while the Touring Edition included heated handgrips and a centre stand. A wide range of accessories, including 57 and 77 litre panniers, and a 25mm lower seat, was available. For 2012 the best-selling Multistrada line-up now included the 1200S Touring. Carlin Dunne provided the Multistrada its third straight victory at Pikes Peak, dominating the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and setting the new course record for motorcycles.
This Multistrada 1200 comes with an original purchase receipt on 19/04/2012 from Ducati World, Adelaide. The bike included a Ducati performance top box, centre stand for ease of maintenance and parking. Ducati World sold the bike new to Nicholas Clift, who was transferred overseas with work two years later. Nicolas sold the bike on the 7.1.14 to racing driver and motorcycle enthusiast Bryan Thomson. This bike has been ridden by Bryan only on Ulysses Club events and never exceeded 6000RPM. Unfortunately, a knee problem now sees Bryan hang up his motorcycle helmet after 70 years of two-wheeled motoring, hence its sale.
This Multistrada is sold with the original service book, and a collection of paperwork including receipts, transfer and registration documents. Well maintained and enjoyed, the bike is presented in good used condition. The mileage reads 81,965km, and it is due for a service.
This motorcycle is sold unregistered.
