When Ducati announced the updates for its 2013 Multistrada 1200 lineup, the Italian manufacturer was surprisingly quiet about the line’s most notable upgrade, the Ducati Skyhook Suspension. All we were told was the system is a semi-active suspension using Sachs components that adjusts its damping settings to varying riding conditions.

Ducati has now provided more information about the DSS technology which will be standard equipment on the three “S” versions of the Multistrada 1200, the Touring model, the sportier Pikes Peak model and the new flagship Granturismo model.

DSS uses a number of sensors located on both sprung and unsprung components of the chassis. Vertical accelerometers on the lower triple clamp and rear sub-frame provide “sprung” data while sensors on the fork legs and rear swingarm. Continue Reading »

When Ducati announced the updates for the 2013 Multistrada 1200 lineup this week, it was very vague on the details. We know the engine received some updates and the Ohlins suspension had been replaced with a new semi-active “Skyhook” suspension system, and of course, we learned about the new Multistrada 1200S Granturismo variant.

It took a couple of days but Ducati has released full specifications for its Multistrada 1200 lineup, shedding some more light on the 2013 models. All versions receive the second-generation version of Ducati’s Testastretta 11° engine. The 1198cc 90-degree V-Twin engine now features a dual-spark configuration, likely introduced to help meet emission control standards.

The new engine also offers more torque than the previous version, with Ducati claiming an output of 91.8 ft-lb. compared to 87.5 ft-lb. for the previous generation model. Ducati claims the power will still max out at 150 hp, at least for the Sport and Touring ride modes. In Urban and Enduro configurations, power is limited to a more pedestrian 100 hp. Continue Reading »

Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 has attracted all types of riders to the Italian brand by creating a model that is not only powerful and playful, but also comfortable and versatile. For 2013, Multistrada models feature enhanced aesthetics, a second generation Testastretta 11° engine, the latest ABS and, on the “S” versions, the semi-active suspension system, Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).

The 2013 base model Multstrada boasts Riding Mode technologies, Ride-by-Wire (R-b-W) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) in addition to the very latest in ABS, while the Multistrada 1200 S Touring is now equipped with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), additional side luggage, heated grips and a centerstand.

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