Ducati has released the first official images and info about the new 2013 version of their Multistrada 1200, a model that thanks to its versatility and its undeniable sporty attitude - which is always part of the equation when talking Ducati bikes - has become one of the most successful models for the Italian manufacturer in recent years. The new generation is characterized by many substantial changes, which got spawned by Ducati’s continuous research for innovation with also some input coming from the feedback provided by its many fans. Let’s have a quick overview of the most significant ones, starting from the engine.

Its Testastretta 11° DS unit - now in its second generation - is now even more docile and usable: the Italian 90-degree V-twin retains its 150 hp, but it got a little lighter and the power supply is now smoother and more suitable for every driving situation and surface. The model is also equipped with the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), which automatically adjusts fork and shock absorber according to terrain, type of use and selected riding mode, thereby raising safety. Speaking of which, all Ducati Multistrada 1200 versions will get the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP), which includes ABS and Ducati Traction Control (DTC).

The aesthetic upgrades are especially visible in the comparison with the outgoing version: the front end is the section that changed the most, with re-designed fairing, windscreen and headlight layout (now featuring LED technology as well). Then we got new rims courtesy of Marchesini - as usual - new instrumentation. The Pikes Peak version earns its new livery style Ducati racing and maintains technical equipment such as exclusive Termignoni exhaust and forged Marchesini wheels, the all-new GT version comes with hand bags and top case, tubular protective windshield and spotlights. The model is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Intermot in Cologne (October 3-7), and to hit the dealers in December. See all the ‘thumbs’ after the jump.

Continue reading: 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200

In a way, they were the true stars of the seventh edition of World Ducati Week: we are talking about the motorcycles parked in the paddock area of the Misano World Circuit that had many people watering their mouths with envy. A single day would not have been enough to check them all out, but - undeterred - our mates from Motoblog.it tried their best to get as many pics as possible of the most flashy ones. We have already published the photo gallery of the most popular models - namely sportbikes and Monsters as well as classic and special Ducatis - but we still have some left-overs that we would like to share with you. Here are a few images of the most striking Hypermotards, Streetfighters and Multistradas seen at the WDW 2012: not that many, but surely the coolest ones we could find.

View the full WDW 2012: Hypermotards, Streetfighters and Multistradas from the paddock photo galery

Last year Carlos Checa made up an original sonnet to share with fans for the Christmas season, but this year the 2011 World Superbike champion has become a modern day Santa Claus for Ducati.

No reindeers or sled for Santa Checa, but a stunning white Ducati Multistrada with a lot of ponies to help deliver Christmas gifts and wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Feliz Navidad and a Buon Natale.

Enjoy the video.

We received some pictures of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring from the 2011 EICMA. This particular model sports the new Race Titanium Matt paint scheme which actually makes it look quite sober and elegant. Maybe it’s just a little too serious.

The 2012 Multistrada range consist of Multistrada 1200, Multistrada 1200 S Sport, Multistrada 1200 S Sport “Pikes Peak Special Edition” and Multistrada 1200 S Touring.

Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 can take you anywhere, including the largerst salt flat of the world, the Uyuni Salar which is located in Bolivia at 3,656 meters above sea level.

These magnificent photos were taken by Felipe and his group of friends from Ducati Cile who made the trip with with this group of Multistradas which included two Pikes Peak Limited Editions.

Send your funny, bizarre or surprising pics to us and we’ll post them, with your name. We’d love to share what you guys find in the world of motorcycling! Send to pics@twowheelsblog.com

Source | motoblog.it

Just few weeks before the opening of the Milan International Motorcycle Exhibition (EICMA) and right after the presentation of the new Streetfighter 848 and the announcement of the arrival of the 1199 Panigale, Ducati released more information about its 2012 line-up. The models that will be affected the most by this new wave of upgrades will be the Multistrada 1200 S Touring and the Hypermotard SP.

The Multistada 1200 S Touring will adopt a new color scheme, called Race Titanium Black, in place the old black one. This new graphic scheme - whose most notable feature is the “racing black”-painted frame - is already available for order alongside the old red and white options. Besides, the whole Multistrada 1200 range will use a new saddle, more comfortable and slightly longer than the current one. The Multistrada line-up for 2012 will then be the following: Multistrada 1200, Multistrada 1200 S Sport, the exclusive Multistrada 1200 S Sport “Pikes Peak Special Edition” and Multistrada 1200 S Touring.

As for the Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP, in 2012 it will be available only in its “Corse Edition” version. In comparison to the classic model, the “Corse Edition” features increased ride height, premium suspension, higher handlebar and lower weight, all of which obviously adds up to Hypermotard 1100 EVO’s reputation for being an extremely sporty and original motorcycle.

Futhermore, the new Monster 795 will be unveiled at the next MotoGP round in Malaysia. This new rendition of the most iconic Ducati model was specifically designed and developed for the Asian markets, and will be sold in Asia only.

After criticism that the Ducati Diavel was built just for the US motorcycle market (and of course, it was pretty much), it seems that Ducati’s investment in the model has paid off with its clever guess that the Diavel would drive home the brand for American buyers. In the middle of an ongoing economic downturn, Ducati is enjoying a small heyday in the US, releasing its second quarter sales figures for 2011.

And what figures indeed! The company reports an increase on year-to-date sales of 63 percent thanks to the highly popular Ducati Multistrada and the above-mentioned Diavel. The models make for an interesting duo at the head of sales, with the two opposing styles indicating that Ducati isn’t just relying on its brand new cruiser to appeal to the American motorcycle enthusiast.

The Superbike 848 EVO and the Monster 1200 round-off a more affordable range for Ducati and here in Europe, we’re interested to see if this new US success for Ducati produces any more product development or design headed our way from over the pond, while Americans are looking to see if Ducati won’t make greater investments on their soil, too.

Source | A&R

What do you say to a tour of Italy’s lakes by motorcycle? For the lucky Italians, they can actually do that every weekend if they want. These pics from Sergio show two Ducati Multistrada bikes touring, taking in a stop by the lake. Not that we’re envious or anything as we sit in the office on a Thursday.

Send your funny, bizarre or surprising pics to us and we’ll post them, with your name. We’d love to share what you guys find in the world of motorcycling! Send to: pics@twowheelsblog.com.

Ducati Multistrada lake pics

We all know that the 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is set to go this month with last year’s winner Greg Tracy and Alexander Smith ready to take on the challenge again with their Ducati Multistrada 1200’s.

With Ducati giving the growing number fans of the Multistrada and the opportunity to have the Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition that celebrates Tracy’s victory with all the special trimmings, Ducati has released this promo video.

It’s not true, but sometimes when we see this sort of stuff, it feels like the Americans just get it all! In any case, the new Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak Special Edition is a European-specified bike with plenty of juicy details for Ducati fans. Designed to be a replica of the Multistrada that won the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race, it’s based on the Sport Edition model but with extra features.

The Pikes Peak replice gets Ducati Corse racing livery with carbonfibre components that both look good and keep weight down. The CF components include a Termignoni Ducati Performance carbonfibre silencer, low front windshield and a front mudguard. Other hot details on the special edition model include an anodised engine guard in black, red pin-striping on the wheels, and contrast red stitching on the seat.

The model will be presented at the 2011 Quail Motorcycle Gathering in the US, which will also preview the Ducati Monster 1100EVO for the North American motorcycle market. Ducati will have another crack at a Pikes Peak title this year in June, when it heads back to the mountain with last year’s winner Greg Tracy.

Continue reading: Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition