POWERTRAIN
At low revs it is smooth, at mid revs it has the torque of the twin but always without the kick, and at high revs it reaches the speeds you’d expect from its super sports sisters. Versatility was a goal here, and the implementation of the counter- rotating crankshaft has allowed us to head in that direction, improving the agility of the vehicle, which when touring helps us to relax while riding, while for sporting use it closes the lines at much higher speeds.” The gearbox is also unique. Derived
from the Panigale unit, it has a shorter 1st gear and a longer 6th gear in order to improve its fl exibility as a multi- use bike. The low gear is for off -road crawling, while the higher top gear is purely for fuel economy.
IT’S A FRAME-UP Ducati wanted the machine to be just as comfortable in town as on fast roads or riding where there are no roads at all. In order to help with the high-speed side, a large amount of
Electronic age
Domenicali reckons the electronics represent the state-of-the-art in the motorbike sector. “A new feature of the Multistrada is the 6.5 inch instrument panel,” he says. “This shows a signifi cant amount of information, and it’s controlled with a new switch with a joystick function. This switch is part of a set which also features all the back-lit symbols, ensuring better interpretation even while riding at night.” The instrument panel can be connected to a smart phone via an app, Ducati Connect. Domenicali continues, “You can connect your smart phone to the panel without any additional tools. You can see a map, route and instructions.
Being fully connected it is constantly updated with traffi c information or changes in journey times. The app allows mirroring of the navigation system as well as other apps, both via the Wi-Fi and the Bluetooth system.” There is a water- proof pouch on the fuel tank with a USB to keep the phone charged. The Multistrada is the
fi rst bike in the world that can be equipped with a front and rear radar system. This means adaptive cruise
control is possible, where automated braking and acceleration can maintain the same distance from the vehicle ahead. Domenicali explains, “This car-derived system has been specifi cally developed for two wheels. Braking is always progressive, specifi c to the user and the use of the bike.” The rear radar controls the blind-spot detection function. So when a vehicle approaches from behind, a light on the mirror fl ashes as a warning.
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