Ducati Multistrada 2013
Ducati Multistrada 2013 review: Four bikes in one
Ducati's Multistrada matches terrain at the press of a button
Image: XDB Photography / Xavi Dom Buendia)
YEARS ago, when I worked at a garage, we had much fun sending new recruits down to the local hardware shop for a long weight, a tin of tartan paint, a tin of glass nails or a couple of "skyhooks".
Of course the last three don't exist and as for the long weight, well the guys at the store were in on the joke and would dutifully keep the youngster hanging around till he finally twigged.
Now Ducati has gone and spoiled the fun by making the skyhook a reality.
Sort of. So, what is it?
Well, it's a semi-active suspension system, which continuously alters both front and rear damping.
Two sensors monitor the speed of travel and the constantly changing mass of the bike, and because it's all electronically controlled, it can switch from minimum to maximum damping of, say, the forks in just 10 milliseconds.
What it all means is an incredibly smooth ride, no matter what the terrain - as though the Multistrada were suspended from skyhooks!
As well as boasting that exciting feature, the Ducati is also "four bikes in one".
No, really.
Ostensibly, by design this is an adventure-style bike - an upright riding position, high, wide handlebars, a screen and serrated footrests.
However, it has four different settings: Sport, touring, urban and enduro - selected by the rider by clicking a button, even while in motion.
These riding modes instantly alter the performance using Ducati's clever electronics to affect the engine character, the ABS, the Skyhook and the traction control.
So, for example, choosing the Urban mode, puts power output at 100bhp, ABS at level three, traction control at level six and adjusts the suspension for all the bumps, potholes and other obstacles of city riding.
Changing to the Sport setting immediately boosts the engine to 150bhp, reduces ABS to level two, traction control to level four and adjusts the Skyhook suspension accordingly.
Enduro mode is set-up for off-road riding and Touring mode is, well, the clue is in the name - the electronics even take account of the weight of your luggage.
So, does it all work?
The answer is a resounding yes.
Each of the four modes is completely distinctive and the Multistrada is a joy to ride in all of them.
For a biggish machine it's surprisingly light and agile.
I tested the Pikes Peak special edition which features Marchesini three-spoke wheels, a Termignoni exhaust and carbon-fibre accessories.
Power output is smooth and responsive thanks to the "ride-by-wire" electronic throttle activation
And the Skyhook system does exactly what it says on the tin.
The suspension is constantly adjusting according to the surface you are riding on. If you accelerate hard, the rear shocks stiffen, and if you slam on the brakes, the electronics sense it instantly and adjust the front forks accordingly to virtually eliminate any dive.
The Urban setting is particularly impressive at ironing out all that our weather-damaged roads could throw at it - it even absorbs speed humps with "up-yours" levels of satisfaction.
"Four bikes in one" may sound like a marketing gimmick. Believe me it is not.
With the Multistrada you really do have all bases covered.
And it's all achieved with just the click of a button - no need, even, for a left-handed screwdriver...
Pillion Opinion with Miss W
Quite simply - fantastic.
Probably the most comfortable bike I have ever been on the back of.
All the bumps just disappear - like riding on air.
FACTS:
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak
Engine: 1,198cc
Colours: Red and white
Price: £17,595
fraser.addecott@mgn.co.uk
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring/car-reviews/ducati-multistrada-2013-review-four-2553353
0 Komentar