2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 (MTS1200)

Endless transformations

The 2012 Multistrada family presents everything that has made it Ducati’s award-winning and top selling
motorcycle and adds subtle refinements that further underline its quality as a true multi-tasking motorcycle
with genuine, everyday practicality.

Having more than proved its innovative concept and established itself as a new industry benchmark, the
Multistrada 1200 family moves into its third year with a confident range that introduces the very latest
software updates, an enhanced seat shape, a new “race titanium” colour scheme and the stunning and
celebratory Pikes Peak Special Edition.

Combining ground-breaking design and unprecedented technology, the Multistrada’s Sport, Touring, Urban
and Enduro Riding Modes enable a truly enjoyable and customisable riding experience separated by just
one click. The four-bikes-in-one concept makes instant adjustment to power and torque delivery in addition
to electronic adjustment of suspension settings and traction control, transforming the Multistrada 1200 to suit
its rider and environment.

Hailed as a true ‘game-changing’ motorcycle, the technologically-advanced Multistrada 1200 has attracted
all types of riders by opening up the borders between motorcycle categories. With the 150hp Testastretta
11° engine, a class-leading dry weight of just 192kg (423lb) and the application of advanced ergonomics,
the Multistrada 1200 is not only powerful and playful, but also a comfortable and versatile adventure on two
wheels.

The 2012 range includes the Multistrada 1200 with the Riding Mode technologies of Ride-by-Wire (R-b-W)
and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) in addition to ABS and the Multistrada 1200 S with Ducati Electronic
Suspension (DES) by Öhlins, R-b-W, DTC and ABS. The 1200 S is available in ‘Sport edition’ with carbon
fibre components or ‘Touring edition’ with side luggage, heated grips and centre stand. The Multistrada 1200
S Pikes Peak Special Edition represents the flagship model for 2012, celebrating victory in the famous
mountain race in Colorado that spectacularly proved the model’s multi-terrain capabilities.

Four-bikes-in-one

The four-bikes-in-one concept is achieved by selecting from a choice of four pre-set modes programmed to
instantly change the engine character and chassis set-up of the Multistrada 1200 - even while riding. The
four modes are made possible by combining a number of class-leading technologies.

An electronic Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system administers different mappings to regulate power delivery by
interpreting the rider’s throttle input, while the world-beating Ducati Traction Control system (DTC) uses
eight levels of system interaction to enhance control by reducing wheel-spin. For the ‘S’ version, Ducati
Electronic Suspension (DES), by Öhlins, instantly configures the suspension set-up with electronic
adjustment.

Sport Riding Mode

The Sport Riding Mode provides the rider with an adrenalin-fuelled 150hp ride with a sport-oriented throttle
response and, on the ‘S’ version, an instant high performance suspension set-up. In character with its
Superbike heritage, the sport mode also changes the DTC system intervention to level 4 for expert riders
whose ‘comfort zone’ is a little closer to the limit.

Touring Riding Mode

The Touring Riding Mode is also programmed to produce 150hp, however, the power characteristics are
designed in a touring configuration with a smoother, more user-friendly delivery. Active safety is enhanced
by increasing DTC system intervention to level 5, specifically intended for an enjoyable and relaxing ride
and, on the ‘S’ version, the suspension automatically dials-in a set-up ideal for long distance touring,
ensuring maximum comfort for both the rider and passenger.

Urban Riding Mode

As navigation of the urban jungle can require an even more user-friendly motorcycle, the Urban Riding
Mode instantly transforms the Multistrada 1200 into the most manageable, everyday transport. Power output
is reduced to 100hp, and the suspension, on the ‘S’ version, to a setting perfect for tackling the maze of city
streets full of speed bumps and drain covers. DTC is further enhanced to level 6 to provide high system
intervention during the most chaotic of stop-start traffic.

Enduro Riding Mode

Should the journey aboard the Multistrada 1200 leave the beaten track, it has the capability to take off-road
routes in its stride. Agile and lightweight and with high, wide handlebars, serrated footrests and specially
designed tyres, the Multistrada also features an Enduro Riding Mode which instantly produces a smooth
100hp engine, immediately dials-in an appropriate suspension setting on the ‘S’ version and reduces the
DTC system to level 2 for minimal intervention.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Ride-by-Wire

The Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system is an electronic interface between the twistgrip and the engine which
decides the ideal power response depending on the Riding Mode selected and according to the rider’s
throttle input. The twistgrip no longer uses a throttle cable to control the throttle body butterflies, but instead
delivers a signal to a control unit, which in turn operates the butterfly opening.

The RbW system enables the use of three different mappings to regulate the power delivery. The three
maps offer 150hp with a sports-type delivery, 150hp with a progressive delivery suitable for touring and
100hp with progressive delivery for city or off-road use.

Ducati Electronic Suspension by Öhlins

The ‘S’ version of the Multistrada 1200 is equipped with the latest generation 48mm Öhlins forks featuring
the innovative Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES). The new fork technology enables rebound and
compression damping adjustments electronically controlled via the instrument panel. The top of the range
Öhlins TTX rear monoshock is also adjusted electronically in both spring pre-load and rebound and
compression damping.

The electronic suspension adjustment can be made easily by using the pre-set riding modes, which have
been developed by Ducati test riders, or independent mode, which allows riders to use their own personal
settings. Adjustments made electronically send a signal that initiates electronic actuators mounted on the
suspension units.

In addition to the Riding Mode of Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro, there is also an option to quickly
change the suspension setting to suit ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and
passenger with luggage’.

Hands-free ignition

The Multistrada 1200 ignition is not actuated with a normal key. Instead, an electronic key in the rider’s
pocket communicates with the Multistrada when within a distance of approximately 2 metres (6.5ft),
recognising the dedicated key code and automatically enabling the motorcycle’s systems. Pressing the keyon
switch then activates all systems to ‘on’ and the engine is ready to be started.

The electronic key, which internally consists of a radio circuit, externally doubles as a mechanical flip-key,
required to open the seat and fuel tank cap. When parking the motorcycle an electronic locking device can
be actuated on the steering simply by applying full steering-lock and pressing the ignition-off button a
second time.

Ducati Traction Control

The racing-derived Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is a highly intelligent system which acts as a filter between
the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within milliseconds, DTC is able to detect and then control rear
wheel-spin, considerably increasing the bike’s active safety and performance.

The system offers eight ‘levels of sensitivity’, each programmed with a level of rear wheel-spin tolerance in
line with progressive levels of riding skills classified from one to eight. Level one is programmed to offer the
least amount of interaction while level eight uses the most amount of interaction. DTC is an integral part of
the pre-programmed Riding Modes on the Multistrada 1200.

The system uses front and rear wheel sensors to compare speed differential and sense when rear traction is
being broken (wheel-spin). DTC then decides the best combination of two different types of instant
electronic adjustment, calculated with data supplied from multiple sources.

The first 'soft' stage of system interaction is executed by high speed software that makes instant electronic
adjustment to the ignition timing, administering varying amounts of ignition retardation to reduce the engine's
torque.

If the DTC software detects that the first 'soft' stage of system interaction is inadequate to control the wheelspin, it continues to administer ignition retardation and, in addition, instructs the engine ECU to initiate a
pattern of constantly increasing injection cuts until, if necessary, full injection cut.

Red lights around the circular Riding Mode section of the instrumentation illuminate to indicate the
interaction of the DTC system. As soon as the system recognises the gradual return of equal wheel speeds,
it incrementally re-establishes normal power delivery. This seamless interaction is key to the super-smooth
operation of the system.

The real innovative thinking behind the DTC system is how the various range of sensitivity levels decide
precisely how to react to excessive wheel-spin by understanding the bike's exact 'dynamic situation'. From
slow mid-corner acceleration with considerable vehicle inclination to high speed corner exits while almost
upright, this 'system intelligence' is achieved by processing a mass of data in a matter of milliseconds.
DTC levels are factory pre-set in each of the four Riding Modes, but can be individually customised and
saved to suit the rider by accessing the set-up menu within each one. A ‘Default’ option is available to easily
return all settings to factory pre-sets.

Instrumentation

The instrumentation has a large, high visibility LCD showing all main data and a dot-matrix circular LCD
which displays the Riding Modes, additional data or set-up menus depending on whether the bike is
stationary or moving.

The main LCD displays data for speed, rpm, gear, total mileage, trip1/trip2, engine coolant temperature, fuel
level and time. When the motorcycle is in motion, the dot-matrix LCD displays the selected Riding Mode,
remaining fuel/distance, current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average speed, air
temperature, trip time, and ‘freezing conditions’ alarm. When stationary, it enters a setting menu from where
adjustments to the various functions can be made including personalised DTC set-up and, on the ‘S’
version, suspension settings.

The Sport, Touring, Urban or Enduro Riding Modes can be changed while either stationary or in motion, as
well as load settings for ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with
luggage’.

MULTISTRADA POWER

Testastretta 11°: The ideal travelling companion

The heart of the highly complex and innovative Multistrada 1200 project is the engine and, as a prestigious
model, the motorcycle had to be powered by an advanced and evolved twin-cylinder engine - the
Testastretta Evoluzione engine that powers the world-beating 1198.

The challenge, however, was to produce an engine that would be enjoyable to use in all conditions and able
to adapt to the rider’s character and not the other way around. Making the race-derived L-Twin engine
performance smoother and more user-friendly was a challenge, but Ducati’s innovative designers and
engineers met the challenge by designing the revolutionary Testastretta 11° engine. Their achievement
succeeded in harnessing the immense power of the Superbike engine, making it smooth and adaptable to
suit to any occasion, a significant step forward in balancing performance with usability.

For a motorcycle intended for touring, the smoothness and user-friendliness of the engine is key to
achieving an effortless and comfortable ride and the main engine characteristic that enabled this
configuration was the revision of the valve overlap angle.

The overlap angle is defined as the interval of crankshaft rotation, measured in degrees, during which both
the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time. This overlap occurs between the end of the
exhaust stroke and the start of the intake stroke. On the Testastretta 11° engine, this angle has been
reduced from 41°, used in the Testastretta Evoluzione engine which powered the 1198 Superbike, and as a
result, the fresh inlet charge flow is less compromised by the exiting exhaust gases, resulting in a much
smoother combustion, improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. Unburnt hydrocarbon
emissions (pre-catalyser) are reduced by up to 65% and specific fuel consumption (and consequent CO2
emissions) by up to 12% (Euro3).

With its 150hp and 12.1kgm (87.5lb-ft) of torque, the Testastretta 11° set a new standard for Ducati twin-cylinder engines. Fluid dynamics testing on ports and combustion chambers resulted in a modified power
delivery profile, specifically the torque. New intake and exhaust ports combined with a radical adjustment of
the cam timing and slight reduction of the compression ratio have enabled Ducati to achieve a favourable
torque curve at low rpm, which remains strong through a wider range. This particular characteristic
considerably enhances the Multistrada 1200’s effortless ridability.

The Multistrada 1200 features an oil bath clutch with ‘slipper’ function and super-light feel at the lever. Its
design uses a progressive self-servo mechanism that presses the plates together when under drive from the
engine, enabling the reduction of the clutch spring rates. This results in a much lighter clutch lever at the
handlebar, ideal in stop-start traffic or long journeys. When the drive force is reversed (over-run), the same
mechanism reduces the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to provide a race-like ‘slipper’ action,
which reduces the destabilizing effect of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and provides a much
smoother feeling when closing the throttle or down-shifting under normal riding conditions.

The layout for the exhaust system, which is simple and minimalistic, uses two primary manifolds flowing
directly into the triple chamber single silencer. In addition to carrying out the 2-1-2 compensator function, the
silencer contains the catalyser and sound-absorbent materials. The two compact and lightweight aluminium
alloy end pipes depart in a low, lateral configuration to keep the overall weight to a minimum.

More strada between major services

Constant investment in quality by design, advanced materials and engineering techniques, has enabled the
distance between major service intervals (valve clearance check) to be doubled to a highly competitive
24,000km (15,000 miles). This has been achieved partly by the introduction of a new valve seat material and
partly by the improved combustion efficiency and temperature management designed into the Testastretta
11° engine.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

192kg (423lb) Multistrada sets the benchmark

Constantly reducing weight is part of the design brief for all Ducati models. Less weight enables maximum
performance both in terms of dynamic behaviour and safety. A lighter motorcycle will brake in a shorter
distance, accelerate faster and be easier to steer. Every single component of the Multistrada 1200,
therefore, has been designed to achieve weight reduction without compromising its load-bearing capacity.

With a dry weight of just 192kg (423lb) the Multistrada 1200 is lighter than any other road enduro, touring or sport touring bike currently available in this category. The lightweight and excellent chassis set-up ensures
exceptional handling, a key factor for Sport, Touring, Urban or Enduro riding.

Ergonomics and comfort

The Multistrada 1200 was subjected to an extensive ergonomic study using both CAD and repeated
prototype testing, guaranteeing a high level of comfort with a fully loaded motorcycle for long-range touring.
The ‘ergonomics triangle’ of handlebar, seat and footpegs has been designed for both the rider and
passenger, optimising comfort while providing a commanding and upright riding position.

The Multistrada 1200 feels spacious and accommodates both rider and passenger in complete comfort,
even with the top case and side luggage in place. Its 1530mm (60.2in) wheelbase ensures that not only the
weight of the passenger remains inside the wheelbase length, but also that of the side luggage when
loaded, a considerable contribution to the motorcycle’s dynamic performance. Underlining its multi-tasking
intention, ergonomic attention was even applied when designing the riding position while standing on the
footpegs, off-road style.

The wide, tapered steel handlebars have been designed for maximum comfort and ensure a commanding
riding position enhanced by a generous steering lock of 76° (38° left and right). In addition, the handlebars
have been mounted on anti-vibration isolators, specially designed to balance riding comfort with a precise
road ‘feel’.

The Multistrada 1200 seat immediately transmits a sense of comfort and for 2012 has been further
enhanced with more length front and rear for the rider. Constructed in two separate sections for the rider
and passenger, the design focussed on form and cushion density to ensure maximum comfort during long
journeys and user-friendly lateral shaping to help give sure-footed ground contact when stationary. A
confidence-inspiring passenger grab-handle offers a secure and comfortable grip.

The footpeg position represents part of the optimum ‘ergonomics triangle’ for both the rider and passenger
with added consideration to ground clearance during maximum lean angle and position of side luggage. The
footpegs have rubber inserts that insulate vibration, removable to expose a motocross-style serrated edge
that provides enhanced boot grip when riding off-road.

The Multistrada 1200’s rear view mirrors have both vertical and horizontal adjustment and increased surface
area to provide the most efficient visibility. Two handy onboard stowage areas are built into the motorcycle,
one suitable for a mobile phone or toll road tickets situated in the right cockpit side panel and a larger three
litre area situated under the passenger seat.

Ideal for long journeys

The Multistrada 1200’s screen is designed with 60mm of vertical adjustment to ensure efficient wind
protection for all rider heights and effortless high-speed riding over long distances. Two 12v power outlets
situated on either side of the area below the rider’s seat can be used to power up to 8A (fused) accessories
such as thermal apparel, intercoms or mobile phone chargers. In addition, a special connection point for
powering the GARMIN satellite navigator (optional feature) is situated near the instrumentation.

The Touring edition of the Multistrada 1200 S adds even more comfort and convenience. Easily controlled
heated grips, which have a revised power feed to the twistgrip for 2012, are ideal for journeys where
adverse weather conditions threaten rider comfort, while stylish side luggage offers a load capacity of 57
litres and a fast and secure attachment system that blends perfectly when removed. In addition, a centre
stand provides parking confidence when fully loaded and essential security in the event of tyre maintenance
during long journeys.

Character

For Ducati, design is not just creating an attractive look. It is about knowing how best to combine exciting
appearance with intelligent function and outstanding performance. Even the Multistrada 1200’s exhaust tail
pipes are a feature that perfectly demonstrates this concept.

Their innovative design is well integrated with the motorcycle’s overall shape and the positioning of the
exhaust system improves overall weight distribution. The tailpipes are short so they do not impinge on the
space needed for the side luggage. The internal structure of the silencer is designed to achieve the
characteristic Ducati sound without compromising compliance with sound and hydrocarbon emission
standards (Euro3).

Components that are far more than just aesthetic detail, include the frontal air intakes that characterise the
face of the Multistrada and also deliver air to the oil cooler and airbox, and the beautifully formed aluminium
sump guard and side plates that help to protect the engine off-road.

The single-sided rear swingarm is also a good example of Ducati’s blend of design and functional
engineering. It is made using a single piece casting, with fabricated and welded sections creating a strong,
hollow and lightweight component that contributes considerably to the Multistrada’s sure-footed handling.
The headlight is a characteristic feature of the face of the Multistrada 1200, its symmetrical layout uses four
halogen lamps, two for low and two for high beam to provide excellent illumination. In addition, the front and
rear side lights use LEDs, and feature a special shape of intense light guidance, making the motorcycle
more visible to other road users.

MULTISTRADA CHASSIS

Design

All components used in the construction of the Multistrada 1200 are of the highest quality. Their selection
and subsequent assembly is the result of a design brief based on uncompromised performance.

Chassis geometry, such as wheelbase, swingarm length, and rake, trail and offset is the result of a quest for
the best balance of stability at high speeds and dynamic agility. The chassis is designed to achieve lean
angles of up to 45° and the combination of reduced weight and generous steering lock of 76° (38° left and
right) makes tight manoeuvres at low speeds easy to manage.

Frame

The Ducati signature Trellis frame uses large diameter, light gauge tubing with two central cast aluminium
sections and a Trellis rear subframe to achieve optimum torsional rigidity. The high pressure, die cast,
magnesium front sub-frame reduces the high, frontal weight and contributes to chassis feel and control.

Suspension

The standard version Multistrada 1200 uses 50mm Marzocchi front forks, featuring a special forged fork
bottom and full adjustability in spring pre-load, compression and rebound damping. The rear is controlled by
a Sachs monoshock adjustable in compression and rebound damping and in spring pre-load by using the
handy remote manual adjuster.

The ‘S’ version features the front and rear Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) system by Öhlins. The
48mm Öhlins forks are adjustable electronically in compression and rebound damping while spring pre-load
is manual. The Öhlins TTX rear unit features twin tube technology to offer totally separate damping
adjustment in compression and rebound and uses experience gained in racing to minimise friction and
reduce the risk of cavitation under extreme conditions. In addition, the unit is fully adjustable electronically
in compression and rebound damping as well as spring pre-load.

The front and rear suspension of both versions provide 170mm of travel, the extra-long movement ensuring
excellent comfort even when fully loaded or if the rider decides to leave the asphalt for off-road routes.

Braking system & ABS

The front brakes use twin radially-mounted Brembo four piston, two pad callipers actuated by a master
cylinder with an adjustable lever. The fronts grip 320mm discs, while a single 245mm disc on the rear is
gripped by a single Brembo calliper. Typical of all Ducatis, these components ensure high performance
braking and set the standard in this segment.

The Multistrada 1200 and 1200 S are both fitted with a Bosch-Brembo ABS system as standard equipment,
delivering outstanding braking performances in all conditions and providing a major contribution towards
performance safety. An option to disable the ABS is available via the instrumentation, but is automatically
reactivated at the next ignition-on.

Wheels and tyres

Ducati’s technical partner, Pirelli, worked alongside the Multistrada’s engineers throughout the project,
developing the new Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres specifically for the four-bikes-in-one concept. The tyres
represent the first ever dual compound for on/off road use with a harder compound central section.
Combined with a special tread design and carcass structure, their 190/55 section delivers racing
performance on the road in terms of grip and lean angles, while ensuring high mileage for touring and good
off-road performance. The Multistrada 1200 rides on lightweight 10-spoke lightweight alloy wheels, 3.50x17
front and 6.00x17 rear. All colours of Multistrada 1200 use wheels finished in black.

Colours

The Multistrada 1200 is available in red or arctic white while the 1200 ‘S’ Sport is dedicated to red and the
‘S’ Touring offers red and arctic white, all with frames finished in racing grey. The ‘S’ Touring schemes are
now extended for 2012 with the new matte race titanium with racing black frame. Released early as a model
year 2012, the Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition comes proudly dressed in the Ducati Corse
official colours of red, white and black with red frame. All models in the Multistrada family roll on wheels
finished in black.

Multistrada 1200 S PIKES PEAK SPECIAL EDITION

Race proven on all terrains

Ducati built the Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition in celebration of Greg Tracy’s famous victory
in the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race in Colorado. The Special Edition underlines the racebred heritage that exists deep inside every Ducati and follows a massive success for the award-winning
Multistrada 1200.

The model year 2012 Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition is dressed in stunning replica Ducati
Corse-style paint scheme with passenger foot-peg hangers and engine guard anodised in black finish and
sport red pin-striping on the wheels. In addition to the original equipment silencer and screen the Pikes Peak
Special Edition arrives with an EU approved Ducati Performance carbon fibre silencer by Termignoni* and a
race-derived low screen in carbon fibre. A Ducati Performance carbon fibre front mudguard, and custom
made seat detailed with red stitching complete an enhanced specification well worthy of a race-winning
replica.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, or “Race to the Clouds”, is situated in a range of the Rocky
Mountains, 16km west of Colorado Springs and races 20km from a start line altitude of 2,862 metres to a
finish line at 4,300.

Winning the highly challenging and multi-surface Pikes Peak race, which climbs a mountain track through
1,438 metres of altitude change, further underlined the exceptional all-terrains versatility of the Ducati
Multistrada by demonstrating how its four different Riding Modes immediately adapt the motorcycle to any
environment.

*Not all countries.

Versions

All versions come with an additional kit of optional larger rear hugger and front fender rear section
extension.

Multistrada 1200

• Bosch-Brembo ABS braking system
• Riding Modes
• Ride-by-Wire
• Ducati Traction Control

Multistrada 1200 S Sport edition

• Bosch-Brembo ABS braking system
• Riding Modes
• Ride-by-Wire
• Ducati Traction Control
• Ducati Electronic Suspension system
• Front air intakes, cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors in carbon fibre

Multistrada 1200 S Touring edition

• Bosch-Brembo ABS braking system
• Riding Modes
• Ride-by-Wire
• Ducati Traction Control
• Ducati Electronic Suspension system
• Heated grips
• Side luggage
• Centre stand

Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition

• Bosch-Brembo ABS braking system
• Riding Modes
• Ride-by-Wire
• Ducati Traction Control
• Ducati Electronic Suspension system
• Front air intakes, cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors in carbon fibre
• Termignoni carbon fibre silencer (EU) (Supplied in addition to original equipment)
• Screen in carbon fibre (Supplied in addition to original equipment)