Motorcycle specifications Ducati1200 Multistrada DVT Pikes Peak 2017 Attacking the sky

Ever been up Pikes Peak? Me neither, and not many people around. The Ducati 1200 Multistrada, on the other hand, loves to climb up there. And winning the race to boot. The Italian trail bike has won its class 4 times in this, one of the toughest hill climbs in the world. A will of metal and dust to make its way to the heavens. So it's almost natural that the brand should offer a Pikes Peak version of the MTS, after a short absence; the better to make its way back?!

certainly, because a Multistrada has heart to spare. And it shows it with a Ducati Corse deco to great effect. The scent of white against the red dress dominates the eye, instinctively captured by the exhilarating call of Bologna's sports cars. And so it is: piquant in its Pikes Peak dress, the Multistrada is resolutely sporty with its equipment that smacks of the arsouille more than the stroll along roads and trails. Only the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires and adjustable seat height maintain the illusion of a trail bike. Otherwise, it's tough.
A Termignoni carbon exhaust is just the thing for a sprinter. Wind protection loses a little with the sport bubble, also in carbon, but the styling is otherwise more established. And to perfect the ground connection, a fine array of Öhlins components will boost the bike's overall efficiency. The large 50 mm inverted fork and TTX 36 shock absorber can be adjusted in all directions, without giving in to the siren call of electronics and a controlled system. In this way, the 1200 Multistrada Pikes Peak will appeal to fans of fine-tuned settings and tools. Connoisseurs will appreciate it. But most will regret not being able to adjust with a flick of the switch when the mood changes (comfort, rigor, travel, passenger, etc...). The differences end with red stitching on the saddles and .... a little more carbon; for the front mudguard, the trim in front of the tank, the strips around the fork head.

The Pikes Peak edition takes elements from the MTS 1200 S, such as the color TFT instrument panel with Bluetooth, the IMU inertial unit, the fullylED headlamps with cornering lights, and big brakes with 330 mm discs and Brembo M50 calipers. On the 1200 Enduro, it has stolen the VHC hill-start assist.
Common to all Multistradas, the large on-board electronics include riding modes (Urban, Touring, Sport and Enduro), cornering ABS, traction control, anti-wheeling, cruise control, backlit controls and keyless start (yes, in the pocket).
Silicon, sensors, algorithms, digital delicacies... but what takes the Multistrada to the top of Pikes Mountain or for a ride in the Vercors, is above all its engine. A big twin recently fitted with DVT variable valve timing. The cylinder head is a veritable gas factory, offering greater flexibility, more torque at mid-range and a hefty ladle of power at the top end. Without hesitation, the Italian maxi-trail-sport's 160 horsepower will catapult you from bend to bend without leaving you much time to catch your breath. But with the Riding Modes, the Multistrada can also be used for less strenuous activities. The main gnashing of teeth is always the same, inherent to high-caliber machines made in Bologna. The price! The 1200 Multistrada Pikes Peak pays dearly for its race against the clouds.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos