Ducati Multistrada 1200S review, test ride

Wasn’t there Cornering Something-Else?

Yes, cornering ABS. This system lets you brake, hard even, when leaned into a corner. Normally, this is very tricky as steering forces and braking forces fight for the limited grip available from the front wheel. Emergency brake application mid-corner is the easiest way to land up in a low side. White knuckles, gut clenched and braced for a low side we got down to it. Unsurprisingly, we came out on the other side, safe and sound. As advertised, the ABS pulsed lightly, and in those milliseconds, limited the force being applied to the front Brembo Monobloc callipers and redistributed some of that to the rear wheel. As a result the Multistrada was easy to steer.

Monoblocs! So it’s loaded

The front brakes are Panigale-level kit. The braking is astoundingly good in terms of bite and modulation. But bear in mind, the version tested was the 1200S. The standard 1200 does with a smaller disc and less exotic Brembos. It also does without the full LED headlamps and cornering lamp functionality. Skyhook Evo is replaced with manually adjustable suspension. The rider also has to make do with a simpler black-and-white LCD display for the instrument panel. But, the essentials such as Ducati traction control, rider modes, Ducati wheelie control and ABS are with multitude levels and combinations. Backlit switches and keyless go are welcome luxuries.

Code Red

One thing is for sure, the introduction of DVT has buffed out the chink in Ducati’s signature L-twin configuration with such thoroughness that this 1200 motor is gleaming all-round now! Adoption of this technology on other street-oriented Ducati motorcycles is a complete no-brainer. But, here and now, the DVT has helped the Multistrada dig its heels into the Sport-Tourer segment with a new layer of usability and refinement that makes this motorcycle an exciting package that is hard to ignore.