Ducati's 2010 Multistrada Unveiled

TESTASTRETTA 11°

The starting point for the complex and innovative Multistrada 1200 project was the engine.

As a prestigious model the motorcycle had to be powered by the most advanced, evolved twin-cylinder engine to come out of the Ducati factory. It had to be the Testastretta Evoluzione used on 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 best ever L-Twin performance engine smoother and more user-friendly was indeed a challenge, but Ducati's innovative designers and engineers met the challenge by creating the revolutionary Testastretta 11° engine.

Why 11? For a motorcycle intended for touring, the smoothness and user-friendliness of the engine is key to achieving an effortless and comfortable ride. The main engine characteristic that enabled this configuration was 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. High performance engines, which are subject to compromising smoothness for extreme power delivery, use high values of this parameter in order to benefit from the pressure waves to improve engine performance by maximizing volumetric efficiency.

On the new Testastretta 11° engine, this angle has been reduced from 41° used in the Testastretta Evoluzione engine which powers the 1198, to just 11°. As a result, the fresh inlet charge flow is less compromised by the exiting exhaust gases, resulting in a much smoother combustion in addition to 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 15% (Euro3).

With its 150hp and 87.5lb-ft of torque, the new Testastretta 11° sets a new standard for Ducati twin-cylinder engines. Tests on fluid dynamics through the ports and in the combustion chamber have resulted in a modified power delivery profile and 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 favorable torque curve at low rpm, which remains strong through a wide range. This particular characteristic considerably enhances the Multistrada 1200's ridability.

The gearbox and final drive ratios have also been optimized to enable the use of a higher-ratio 6th gear. This solution not only enables reduced fuel consumption, but also achieves increased riding comfort by reducing vibration. To give a practical example, if the 1198 reaches its top speed in 6th gear, the Multistrada 1200 is able to reach it in 5th gear and maintain it effortlessly in 6th.

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, 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.

436 lbs. sets a new benchmark

Constantly reducing weight is part of the design brief for all Ducati models. Less weight enables maximum performances both in terms of dynamic behavior 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 436 pounds the Multistrada 1200 is lighter than any other road enduro, touring or sport touring bike currently available. The light weight combined with an excellent chassis set-up ensures exceptional handling, a key factor for sports, touring, urban or enduro riding.

This weight saving is the result of applying new technologies to Ducati's design and engineering of all major components. Crankcases are now cast using Vacural technology and frame components use welded Trellis tubes, cast alloy elements and hi-tech polymers. Further savings have also been made with the single-sided swingarm in aluminum and the fuel tank has been developed using blow molding technology in pursuit of the best compromise between capacity and weight.

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

ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT

The Multistrada 1200 has undergone an extensive ergonomic study using both CAD and repeated prototype testing, in order to guarantee a high level of comfort with a fully loaded bike for long-range touring.

The "ergonomics triangle" of handlebar, seat and footpegs has been designed for both the rider and passenger, in order to optimize comfort while providing a commanding and upright riding position. The Multistrada 1200 feels spacious and seats two people in complete comfort, even with the top case and panniers in place. 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 precise road 'feel'.

The Multistrada 1200 seat immediately transmits a sense of comfort. Constructed in two separate sections for the rider and passenger, they were designed with particular focus on form and cushion density to ensure maximum comfort during long journeys. 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 pannier 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 mobile phones or toll road tickets situated in the right cockpit side panel and a larger 3 liter area situated under the passenger seat.

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.

The fuel tank has been developed using a new molding technology which enables a favorable balance between capacity and weight. Subject to riding style, the 20 liter (5.3 gallon US) capacity provides more than 186 miles of riding pleasure between fuel stops.

Two 12V power outlets situated on either side of the area below the rider's seat can be used to power up to 3A (fused) accessories such as thermal apparel, intercoms or mobile phone chargers.

A special connection point for powering the Garmin satellite navigator (optional feature) is situated near the instrumentation.

EXHAUST

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. 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 positioned so as to improve overall weight distribution.  The tailpipes are short so they do not impinge on the space needed for the large panniers. The internal structure of the silencer is designed to achieve the characteristic Ducati sound without compromising compliance with sound and hydrocarbon emission standards (Euro3).

The frontal air intakes, which are carbon fiber on the 'S' Sport version, are not just a characteristic design aesthetic, but carry out the important function of acting as air flow conveyors, one to the oil coolers and the other to the airbox to feed the engine.

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 white light guidance, which both improves road illumination and makes the motorcycle more visible to other road users.