2015 Ducati Multistrada Review

Описание: How can it be that this year’s Ducati Multistrada is described as a major overhaul when on first glance it looks relatively similar to the previous model? It’s a case of looks can be very deceptive because the new 2015 Ducati Multistrada is virtually a completely new motorcycle. The frame, geometry, electronics and even the display have been completely revamped but it’s the Testastretta DVT engine which steals the show and thankfully it’s a technology that isn’t a mere gimmick but a huge improvement on the bike.

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The previous model Multistrada was quite a departure for the Italian manufacturer and definitely saw them step outside of their comfort zone to what previously amounted to superbikes and roadsters. While the engine was smoother than what it was in its donor bike, the 1198, it was still rough at low rpm and felt less polished than competitor offerings that have continually been released ever since.

That is but a distant memory now, with the Testastretta DVT feeling smooth as silk. This is all thanks to the employment of variable valve timing with independent control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts – a first for a motorcycle engine. Yes, Honda has used its V-TEC on on their VFR and Kawasaki have employed it on the intake camshaft for the 1400GTR, but Ducati’s system is the most comprehensive.

Ducati has mainly publicsed the performance improvements of DVT which it most certainly does provide. At low to medium engine speeds power delivery is smoother and torque is higher while at the upper end of the rev range it allows for greater power – in fact an additional 10hp over the previous iteration. But perhaps just importantly is that fuel economy and emissions are both reduced. Technologies such as this will no doubt become more and more common as emission regulations get tighter. In fact we’ll no doubt see Ducati’s DVT system employed on all their large capacity machines in the near future.

Those wondering if the implementation of DVT has blunted the character of the engine need not worry – in our opinion every change made on it is for the better. It still sounds beautiful, especially on downshifts and the only real negative for some is the loss of roughness which a few might deem a part of the previous engine’s character and charm. Personally, if such character and charm is what you’re after we’d recommend buying a 20 year old bike instead.

Under about 5,000 rpm the bike feels fairly sedate. Interestingly from very low RPM it feels stronger but when hitting between 3,000 and 5,000 it almost feels like the engine is having a rest before it again explodes towards redline. Looking at the torque curve supplied by Ducati there doesn’t seem to be a reason for this, so either it was an oddity unique to our bike or just in our imagination.
Suffice to say it doesn’t feel like an engine you can cruise along on the highway in 6th gear and expect to blast past traffic, it does necessitate downshifts – at least when sitting in that 3,000 to 5,000 rpm range. That’s okay with us and we’ve got no doubt it’s okay with Ducati too – this is a bike that firmly sits on the sporty side of sports adventure bike.

That’s partly explained by the ergonomics of the bike. Looking at the Multistrada you can clearly see its far more compact than its rivals. While it doesn’t look small compared to a sportsbike, sitting next to a V-Strom or a Super Adventure you’d think that perhaps only the vertically challenged may be accommodated. And while it is a more compact cockpit than those two and many other adventure bikes, it’s still comfortable for those over 6 foot in height. Peg position is also more sporty than you may expect from a bike in this class and you’re also pushed a fair way forward too.

What that means is that the ride and handling is a mixture of sportsbike and tourer. For some that will be their ideal machine while for others it will take the Multistrada off their list in place of something more sedate. The bars on the Multistrada feel narrower too, meaning more effort is required when cornering the bike but again, that’s not a negative too us. It almost creates a perfect blend of superbike and adventure machine – a fast bike that still heavily involves the rider but provides for a comfortable journey.

Read the rest of the review at http://www.therideadvice.com/2015-duc...