Ducati Multistrada 1200

I have always loved Ducati motorcycles. This Multistrada 1200 sounds a little complex for the average rider though. Sounds expensive if something with the modes breaks (not that Ducati's aren't expensive already...)

maybe they should call it the multiversys ;-)

Agreed - you can click the suspension from road to enduro/off-road, but what good is that without a set of knobbies on there? Is anyone going to go sliding around in the dirt on this thing? Would you want to with a 417-pound bike?

Cool in theory, but give me separate dirt bikes and sport bikes any day. (And for the price of a Ducati, you COULD probably buy two Japanese bikes)

As I have been on many a gravelled road with my wife on my Cagiva Gran Canyon my belief is that suspension settings could make a difference. Tires are super important but in the world of transitioning from one type of road surface to another there is no option to change bikes or tires. That is why they call it DualSport. Seeing as how most of our riding is on pavement and having 100+mph capability is attractive the new Multistrada looks like it might be just what I need. BMW has bikes that can do both (and are heavy). I will reserve judgment until reviews are done and I ride test myself.

Would love to get your feedback after you test drive a couple of bikes. I have been looking at BMW bikes for a while, how do you think they compare to Ducati - in general?

Well I am in no hurry as the "Fire Dragon" (my wife's name for the Gran Canyon) is ticking along just fine. I have not ridden BMW bikes off road or on but I have friends that say they are wonderful. These are tall guys mind you. I think the new Multistrada may not require as much leg length to flat foot at a stop - especially with that cool tech suspension adjustment feature. I have had good luck with the Cagiva (Ducati motor - last year imported to the USA). I think BMW is unmatched for reliability. Given a really "out there" adventure I would choose a GS with a shaft drive. Chain = pain. Most of my forays have been through Death Valley and up/down 395. The new Multistrada looks great in pix - gotta see and ride to know. Love that Italian style...

I have no doubt that there are better sportbikes and better motocross bikes out there, but those are not the bikes this new Ducati is aimed. It is more about riding in a sporting fashion for long distances and then not needing to turn back when the pavement becomes pot-holed and eventually turns into gravel. Having owned a KTM 950 Adventure and currently a BMW F800GS and R1200RT with adjustable suspension, I think the concept can only help. And for those whining about the cost, well....

I have a Ducati Multistrada 1000 and a Ducati Hypermotard S. I'm interested in selling both for this new Multi if a test ride lives up to expectations. As for the question about BMW, my R1200GS, which I've had for 5 years, is by far my favorite.