Ducati MTS1200S Review [ashonbikes.com]

[UFO]

My test bike was in Sport mode when I swung a leg across it and settled down into the GS-alike riding position, comfortably in the bike rather than perched atop it. The screen though is much closer than the GS’s, almost disconcertingly so when you’re moving around the seat to set yourself up for corners. Ignition is keyless, all you do is slide the kill switch down and the dash activates in a high tech flurry of lights and colours.  Flick the switch up to reveal the starter button, press that and the 1198cc motor churns into life, clacking and thumping as it should. There’s no Ducati clutch rattle as the MTS 1200 has a more durable wet clutch, using its latest self servo design where the torque of the engine squeezes the plates together under load, meaning lighter springs can be used. The lever action is 25 per cent lighter than the 1198’s in fact, and is an easy two-finger pull in.

First engages with a bit of effort and a clunk, and the bike pulls away smoothly, with excellent low speed balance and easy control from the wide bars. Ease out onto the road, pick up the revs and turn the twistgrip to see how it reacts… if you’ve got more than 4,000rpm dialled in, the bike punches forward with shocking force, instant, hard and nonchalantly lifting the front wheel. No boxer twin ever did anything like this…

Read the entire review at:  http://ashonbikes.com/content/ducati-mts1200-multistrada-s

[sammyseaman]

"The VFR though was hung out to dry by Honda’s own publicity when it didn’t quite live up the over-inflated expectations, on top of which it failed in some key points in its quest to be all bikes to all men. All it takes, after all, is one deal-breaker like the VFR’s inadequate tank range, and the rest ceases to matter."

Brutal but true.

"I’ll be adding more Multistrada features in the next few days, but as far as the riding experience is concerned – the most important aspect after all – the MTS 1200 S absolutely rocks. It’s searingly fast, laden with torque, handles superbly, the electronics not only work they’re extremely useful, it’s comfortable, characterful, beautifully made, and one of the most exciting motorcycles you can buy. If you’ve placed an order already… lucky you!"

Lookin' good Skip  

[JonS]

That report calls for a smilie I have never used before.

[keepergale]

This is going to hurt my pocketbook.

[bubba zanetti]

I can see making a plan to own a lightly used one of these in two years. Sounds like an amazing bike.  

Very balanced write up .. I remember when mainstream MC mags used to write like this once.  

[falconati]

I'll end up owning one of these*



*in a few years  

[Rabidsnipe]

I'll end up owning one of these*



*in a few years  

It will be interesting to see how a bike with this much tech ages.  But the be-all end-all sport-touring bike might have just walked into the market.

[atadaskew]

If Honda had a hand in developing the new MS, they would have taken the old Multistrada 1100, made it a little more powerful, heavier, added a shaft drive, lessen the fuel range and add an auto box...

Right here is a dramatic showing of two distinct corporate philosophies.

On one side a bike is taken, made lighter, faster, and packed with stunning new features that everyone can appreciate.

On the other side a bike is taken, and geriatric-fied...

[SVTNate]

But the be-all end-all sport-touring bike might have just walked into the market.

I agree.  I can't wait to sit on one and hopefully get a test ride.  I'm thinking that I'll wait for the 2011 model so all the pre-order folks can help Ducati iron things out and give us real-world reports, and about a year from now I'll get one to replace my '09 FJR.