Dealer Delivery Day

Four and half weeks after ordering our new 2010 Multistrada 1200 motorcycle from Ducati Newport Beach, we got the call that D-Day was here. We had traded-in two other project bikes for one by rationalizing in our favor that the 1200 four-bikes-in-one concept was the equivalent of two-bikes-for-one.

Opting for the lower cost Multistrada 1200, not the S Sport-Edition or S Touring-Edition, we were pleasantly surprised to see the super sexy Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable forks (opposed to the 48mm Ohlins) with blacked-out forged fork bottom and anodized workings.

Being one of the first of the Standard Editions to land on these shores, onlookers all agreed that the in-person look is coming up aces.

Void of the Bosch-Brembo ABS braking system and the Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), the non-S artillery specs-out at a slim 417 lbs dry-weight, 6 pounds less than the heavier-gunned S and 15-100+ lbs less than the competition. Only the KTM 990 SMT comes close, with a stated 432 lbs dry-weight.

Also missing are the heated grips, side luggage and center stand found on the Touring model or the carbon fiber front air intakes, cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors found on the Sport.

In the end, we decided on the $5,000 savings of the non-S instead and focused on the magnificent new 150 hp Testastretta 11° engine, with power-to-the-ground interface being managed by the sophisticated Ride-by-Wire (RbW) and the racing-derived Ducati Traction Control (DTC) systems. At $14,995, this is currently the lowest priced machine in the Ducati range with this combination of advancements.

Our first and only upgrade was the addition of the Ducati Top Case. We wanted the versatility of overnight convenience and the slimness to retain our given lane-splitting rights here in California. With simple instruction, the bag operation, removal and remounting is rather easy.

Aaron, from Ducati Newport Beach, also explained the easy-to-read multifunction LCD display, riding modes (Sport, Touring, Enduro and Urban) and trick hands-free ignition. Itching for a first ride, our minds were already off on the 2-hour engine break procedure from "101 Sportbike Performance Projects" written by Evans Brasfield.

Once on the bike, I could not help myself from contemplating the game-changing aspects of the new 1200. A 100-mile round trip from the coast to the backside of Ortega Mountain in the Cleveland National Forest and back help me sort a few initial thoughts:

• The re-tuned 11° L-Twin is powerful, usable, tractable, simply breathtaking; it's the best engine for street riding from Ducati yet.
• The handling is agile, supple, comfortable, incisive, simply confident-inspiring; what you give up in precision you get back in comfort.
• The two-up competence is ergonomically friendly and with the addition of the top case, your passenger will be more comfortable and self-assured.
• The sound is muffled and lacks the traditional Ducati rumble; the full-system (and dry-clutch conversion) is mostly likely the only cure for those who find this to be aliment.
• This motorcycle is so extremely capability and deliveries seemingly limitless performance; it is reserved for a select few looking for either outright performance or boastfully prestige.

Stay tuned here at UltimateMotorCycling.com for more on our long-term Ducati 1200 test in the coming weeks.

Favorite Multistrada Links

1. North American 1200 Unveiling
2. Ducati Multistrada 1200 Preview
3. 1200 Extended Service Intervals
4. Multistrada Development Video
5. 2010 Multistrada 1200 First Ride - USA
6. 2010 Multistrada 1200 First Ride - Europe
7. Dealership Deliveries Announced
8. New Multistrada Wait-Listed
9. Multistrada 1200 Wallpaper
10. 2010 Multistrada 1200 S | Euro Review

Long-Term Test

1. Multistrada Wins Ultimate Game Changer Award
2. Ordering the Multistrada 1200
3. Delivery Day - Ducati Newport Beach
4. Ducati Recalls Multistrada 1200