Associate Editor Mark Cernicky gives the low-down on the modifications made on his Ducati Multistrada 1200 he rode at the 2011 Race to the Clouds.
Versatility is one big reason why the Ducati Multistrada 1200 collected Cycle World’s Best Open Class Streetbike for the second year running. An upright riding position, 135 horsepower from its “Testastretta 11-degrees” liquid-cooled Desmo Twin and long-travel Öhlins suspension; all you have to do is get off the throttle long enough to facilitate a few button pushes and optimize ride quality. Thanks to Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), the ’Strada then can instantly transform from decomposed-road super-Supermoto to frequent freeway flyer. Four electronically actuated control modes—Sport, Touring, City and Enduro—also let you vary power output from as little as 100 to as much as 136 hp. And don’t forget the ABS.
Our S Touring model—equipped with hard bags and heated grips—further warps tradition and redefines what we call a “sportbike.” Drop us a line if you can think of a better mount to ride to, then race up, Pikes Peak....more