The Ducati Multistrada was a series of touring-oriented motorcycles that debuted in 2003, powered by a V-twin or V4 engine and designed by Pierre Terblanche. The bike competed in the market with other dual-sports machines like the BMW GS.
In 2010, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the new Ducati Multistrada 1200, a half-naked machine presented at the 2009 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy. The new machine was fitted with ride-by-wire, a detuned version of the engine used by the Ducati 1198 sports bike, an optional electronically adjustable suspension, and came with a new appearance.
In the aesthetic department, the 2010 machine packed a redesigned front fairing with a new dual headlight design and a tall windscreen, a two-piece double seat with a passenger grab handle, a short exhaust system, and 10-spoke lightweight wheels.
The Multistrada was available in three versions, the standard, the S-Sport, and the S-Touring models. The S models packed ABS, which on the standard model was optional, and adjustable electronic Ohlins suspension, named Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES).
In addition, the S-Sport version featured carbon fiber air-intakes, side covers, and belt covers, while the S-Touring machine featured heated grips for more comfort, hard panniers, and a center stand.
As for power, the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 took its muscles from a 1,198cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine fed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system, delivering an output power of 150 hp at 9,250 rpm and 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.