2013 Ducati Multistrada

By Kevin Ash - 25/09/2012

Ducati has previewed the 2013 facelift Multistrada, and it's vying with the BMW HP4 as the first bike to come with semi-active suspension.

The new MTS1200 has been endowed with a host of improvements in response to owner feedback, including through the ashonbikes.com forum, but the headline update is the fitment of Ducati Skyhook Suspension. Full details have yet to be released, but this will perform in a similar manner to that on BMW's HP4, meaning the damping settings are adjusted automatically in response to road conditions and the way in which the rider is using the bike.

This is available on all S models, the Touring, Granturismo and Pikes Peak, but the base model will also benefit from a new, uprated three-level ABS system which adjusts fully according to the vehicle mode selected by the rider, and a package of other improvements. These include increased luggage capacity where panniers are fitted, and hopefully better fitting lids than the poorly manufactured previous items.

The flagship model is the Granturismo which also comes with a topbox, additional LED spotlights, improved wind protection and what Ducati calls long distance tyres. The Pikes Peak model is the sports version and comes in colours which replicate the 2012 Pikes Peak winning machine.

The engine has been subjected to enough improvements for Ducati to call it a second generation Testastretta 11 °, but nothing yet has been detailed.

No further details have been made available, but there are allegedly various bodywork changes and importantly, a new screen, source of one of the biggest criticisms of the current model for its excessive noise.

For the world's first full and most comprehensive review, see ashonbikes.com on Saturday, September 22.

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