The Ducati Multistrada 1200 is gradually earning kudos in biking circles as press testing gets underway (see the Multistrada vs BMW R1200GS test from MCN for example), and it will be interesting in the future to see how the market itself reacts to this new bike. In the meantime, Ducati is bringing the message home with another three videos on the Multistrada, called “tutorials”.

These new Multistrada videos examine the overall philosophy behind the Multistrada (a flexible bike adapted to various riding styles and conditions is no news), but also the Ride by Wire technology, which might convince some riders about this technology, and everything you wanted to know about the reinvented Ducati Testastretta engine. Check out the videos after the jump.

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After the Bimota HB4 seen at the Motor Bike Expo, here is the other Bimota that was on show, the new
Bimota DB8, which is also a very sexy bike. In contrast to the return to Honda engines for Bimota with the HB4, the DB8 has a Ducati engine - no less than the 1198 Testastretta, in fact, which produces 170 hp off the back of a bike weighing 171 kg.

There is space for a passenger, but as the guys at Motoblog.it remind us, it’s not an armchair. The aluminium frame has been studied to accommodate the passenger space, and be both light and strong. The suspension has also been developed for use by two people, and with 131 Nm of torque, this makes it a fast bike to be riding duo.

The Bimota DB8 should cost about 23,000 euros, making it less entry-level than suspected, but it looks like a great bike and certainly isn’t lacking in speed and technology. A new version of the DB7 naked bike should still be developed, adding to a small range that Bimota fans should definitely appreciate. Technical specs after the jump.
Bimota DB8

Continue reading: Bimota DB8 live at Motor Bike Expo

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After the Multistrada 1200 design video explanations of last night, here are more pics of the Multistrada and the press release after the jump, with a couple of extras photos after the first pics were leaked to the internet over the weekend. We expect more Multistrada action pics to turn up during in EICMA, and we’ll have our own live pics soon as well.

As you all know by now, the Multistrada is equipped with the Testastretta 1198 cc engine, with new four-valve technology in a big front nose which will likely be the talk of the town as Ducati fans discuss whether it is better or worse than the previous version, or just plain weird.

It will be interesting to see how the new Ducati Multistrada fares. Deemed to be the potential leader in the road-touring-enduro model sector, reports from bike forums suggest that Ducati still needs to convince some customers about the quality of its product. It will also come down to how well the Multistrada pulls off its “all things to everybody” design and theory. Not everyone wants four bikes rolled into one, and some who are particularly keen on the Multistrada’s off-road capabilities will be waiting for the proof in the pudding before they rush out to buy one.

Continue reading: Ducati Multistrada 1200: new pics and details

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In this weird video (above) from Ducati, we get a look at the philosophy behind the new Multistrada 1200, spelled out through cartoon-like drawings. In case the controversial Multistrada style was confusing you, this video should explain it all more clearly. It basically takes us through the Testastretta motor and how the bike handles as a sport, touring, offroad and urban model, with different riding modes that modify suspension, traction control and power output.

After the jump is another, more sophisticated video, that builds on the original teaser we saw with its changing landscapes. The Multistrada 1200 had its official presentation this afternoon, and we’ll be bringing you more details and pics later. In the meantime, enjoy the videos - get the picture? There’s not much left to the imagination on this one.

Continue reading: Ducati Multistrada 1200 new videos

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The debut of the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 at the EICMA has been confirmed, after we first reported the Multistrada countdown site, giving Ducati the opportunity to monopolise media attention at the show. In the end, just because Honda and Yamaha won’t be present, doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t have some fun!

The EICMA runs from November 10th to 15th at Milan’s “Fiera” and Ducati will be in hall 18, showing off the Multistrada which will be presented to the public for the first time ever. The bike is set to be a mix of sports ride with versatilility and comfort, and of course, quintessential Ducati style.

The Multistrada name translates to “many roads”, which is just what the spirit of this bike is about. It’s designed to be an all-road terrain bike with top notch Ducati technology and performance which adapt themselves to the individual needs and riding style of the owner. While Honda has the head-start on sports touring models with its VFR1200F, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 is designed to include touring elements as well as being a supersports model that is flexible enough for daily use as well as some soft-offroading in the form of an enduro-road model.

Continue reading: New Ducati Multistrada has Testastretta motor: presentation at EICMA 2009

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