2011 Ducati Multistrada on 2040-motos

As written in MOTOUSA.COM

There’s only one place to start with the MTS1200, and that’s the engine. The first words out of our testers’ mouths were singing praise for the Testastretta 11 powerplant. The L-Twin engine cranks out almost 132 horsepower which dwarfs anything else in this comparison. Ducati isn’t quite as dominant in the torque department, but it still easily sweeps up these competitors with just under 81 lb-ft. It cranks out more horsepower than all the others at only 6500 rpm, just before a massive surge, and then screams to a 10,200 rpm redline. Maximum HP comes at 9600 and torque at 7800. Numbers like that simply overwhelm the performance categories.

“Winner in this category by a huge margin,” says our most experienced adventurer, Riant. “But not just raw horsepower, it’s so user-friendly on- or off road. From mellow cruising at low Rs, roll it on for a smooth controllable rush or pin it and be ready to hang on. The Multistrada S has the perfect power.”

As expected the Duc crossed the quarter-mile with a fastest time and highest trap speed. These figures come from Sport mode which applies full power, but the Italian also has Touring, Urban and Enduro which alters the output, traction control and suspension settings. Like the Yamaha, the Ducati uses ride-by-wire throttle technology.

As an “S” model, the Ducati is equipped with upscale components. Ohlins suspension is the biggest difference. A 48mm fully adjustable fork replaces the standard 50mm Marzocchi. The Ohlins rear shock mounts to a progressive linkage and both ends are electronically adjustable. The rider is able to select base settings depending on passenger and cargo by scrolling through the electronic menu. The components can be further adjusted via traditional mechanical means.

“It’s not surprising that Ducati’s high-dollar Ohlins fork and shock combine with an excellent chassis to provide the best overall handling of the bunch,” says the 160-pound Riant. “It’s far and above the best on the street. With ultra-accurate line selection, perfect stability and effortless cornering, it’s so easy to ride.ZD