Ducati Multistrada – The End of Sportbiking As We Know It [OWD.net]

[UFO]

Even dead dog sick, I am faster on the Multistrada than on any sport bike I’ve road tested. That conclusion might be different on a track where you can revel in a litre bike’s ability. But in the real world, on imperfect roads and under the command of a mortal rider the sportbike has just been made obsolete, by a bike that gives you it all… almost.

Reviewing the MTS1200 is akin to writing a review of four different bikes, each with a glossy brochure load of marketing hype to live up to. Great, thanks Ducati, I needed to write four small stories.   Putting more of an onus on the Multistrada 1200 S, I bonded with the previous generation (the 1100S) over the course of a cross-Canada adventure where the outgoing model proved itself more capable, durable and reliable than ever expected. The new Multistrada 1200 though, from its two flared-nostril air intakes on back, has nothing in common with the air-cooled 1100. Driving that home is the whir of servos and the lightshow on the dash as I hit the keyless ignition button, and head home across town.

Read the entire review here:
http://www.onewheeldrive.net/2010/07/19/ducati-multistrada-1200s-review-i-%E2%80%93-the-end-of-sportbiking-as-we-know-it/

[KodiakRS]

Gotta love OWD.  The best thing to come out of Canada since the Red Green Show.  

I would love to have a 1200s, but 20K isn't exactly chump change.  


P.S.  Does anyone else think it may be more than a coincidence that 2 out of the last 3 stories our glorious leader put on the front page have been singing the praises of his new bike?  

[GTS_Rider]

...P.S.  Does anyone else think it may be more than a coincidence that 2 out of the last 3 stories our glorious leader put on the front page have been singing the praises of his new bike?  

Personally, I kinda like the trend...    

[R Doug]

This really seems like a great bike.  I just wish there would be more articles comparing to a Tiger than a GS.  An off-road bike this is not.  

[KKop]

Nice bike... for a midget.  

Sat on it (saddle in high position) at dealer.  Won't be trading my BMW anytime soon.  Felt like going back to the ZRX I had before: awesome engine, but lousy ergonomics (think 'dog humping football')

Good to see more competition though.  Now if only Yamaha would bring the Tenere to the US, maybe BMW would work a little harder for their customers.

[spd2918]

Why not compare it to the VStrom or Versys?  These, too, are segment busting bikes that challenge Sport bike popularity.

[Grainbelt]

Why can't we have the bells and whistles in a true sport-touring package, rather than a faux-enduro? I can't get comfortable sitting straight up on my bum, and all the handguards and styling BS looks hugely contrived.

Boo.

 

[GTS_Rider]

Why not compare it to the VStrom or Versys?  These, too, are segment busting bikes that challenge Sport bike popularity.

 Yeah, I own a V-Strom 1000 as well, and really there is no comparison. Compare it to a Versys?  

[Pshrynk]

Why can't we have the bells and whistles in a true sport-touring package, rather than a faux-enduro? I can't get comfortable sitting straight up on my bum, and all the handguards and styling BS looks hugely contrived.

Boo.

 

I have the faux enduro Tiger 1050 -- actually I love the handguards.  Keeps hands dryer, warmer and gives new places to place/stretch your fingers and wrists on a long ride.  

Different strokes for diffferent folks....  

[R Doug]

 Yeah, I own a V-Strom 1000 as well, and really there is no comparison. Compare it to a Versys?  

 

spd2918 does make a good point.  Just compare the bike to other more street oriented "adventure" bikes (Tiger, Strom, Versys, etc...)?  I suppose that since the GS is considered the benchmark standard of the adventure bike genre given its sales history, I do understand the comparison.  But, as OWD pointed out, the Multi is more like a Porsche Cayenne compared to the "Land Rover" GS. **

I have to admit, now that I have a hard core dual sport in the garage (i.e. 530 EXC), if I were in the market now to replace the 990 Adventure the new Multi would be at the top of the list.  





** FWIW... Unlike the analogy used by OWD, I see the GS as more like a Range Rover LR3 with the 990 Adventure more like the Range Rover Defender.  The 530EXC is more like a Baja Trophy Truck.  

[UFO]

Why not compare it to the VStrom or Versys?  These, too, are segment busting bikes that challenge Sport bike popularity.

I've ridden Vstroms (no Versys yet)...No offense, but there's no comparison between a light, 150 hp monster with traction control, slipper clutch, Ohlins (and a barrel full of other features) and a Vstrom/Versys.

Why can't we have the bells and whistles in a true sport-touring package, rather than a faux-enduro? I can't get comfortable sitting straight up on my bum, and all the handguards and styling BS looks hugely contrived.

What's the definition of "a true sport-touring package"?  It varies as widely as the wind.  The MTS seems about as close to fitting the mold as any bike:  light, powerful, comfortable, handles like a sportbike, integrated bags, heated grips, 12V accessory plugs, 200 mile range, etc.  

And it seems that the people who are confusing this bike as an enduro are completely focused on the wrong aspect of the bike.  It's no more an "enduro" than a GS or Tiger.  All of these bikes with the exception of true enduros (or perhaps the KTM) are all faux-"enduros."  Everyone knows it, even Ducati.  They've never labeled it an "enduro."  Their term for it is "road enduro" which is 100% accurate.  It's built for logging/fire/gravel roads.

PS  The handguards are for keeping your hands dry/warm on the highway...not for protecting you from smashing them in to a tree trunk as you pretend to squirt this bike through some remote forest trail like some people SEEM to think you're supposed to us it.  No.

[Mr Sunshine]

Personally, I kinda like the trend...    

I agree.

[Mr Sunshine]

And it seems that the people who are confusing this bike as an enduro are completely focused on the wrong aspect of the bike.

People like to try to pick out the worse flaw and dog pile it.  The worse than choose is that bike isn't designed for anymore more than fire roads.  That's sings pretty high praises for the bike.  

[atadaskew]

  Now if only Yamaha would bring the Tenere to the US, maybe BMW would work a little harder for their customers.

The big Tenere is a dud.

From the article:

Occasionally we dance around conclusions, but this one hit both Kevin and I over the head within 20 minutes in the seat. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring is the best roadbike we’ve ever tested.

Obviously they haven't ridden the Honda VFR1200.

[UFO]

Obviously they haven't ridden the Honda VFR1200.

 

[falconati]

No one has

In other Honda news, I saw a Deausville the other day!

[atadaskew]

In other Honda news, I saw a Deauville the other day!

I'm sorry.

[falconati]

It's okay, I wasn't riding it.

[atadaskew]

It's okay, I wasn't riding it.

I'm just sorry you saw one.

[stridervfr]

 The Ducati is a great bike but you can forget it taking over sportbikes.

1. PRICE- Most people can not afford it or justify spending that much on a bike.
2. It is not a mainstream design, many would not even consider it. Especially younger riders.
3. High maintainance costs and very few dealers to support the Bike.
4. People don't want to wait a month on parts to go riding again.

I am not a hater of the bike, in fact I love the Bike but there are pitfalls and I diffenitly doubt it will take much if anything out of the sportbike market.