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2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Preview
Details leaked. Think 150-horsepower BMW GS!

Ducati confirmed the existence of the long-rumored new Multistrada a couple of days ago when it launched a teaser website for the new bike, but there is nothing more than some teaser images.

However, after some gentle water-boarding of our “reliable source,” we've been able to get a bunch of exclusive details of the new Multistrada 1200!

After three years in development, Ducati's new “many roads” bike is armed with a 150-horsepower salvo to go after the lucrative adventure-touring/big-trailie market dominated by BMW's excellent R1200GS. No, the new Duc isn't intended for Dakar, but most GS owners rarely take their do-it-all steeds in serious off-road situations.

Ducati is describing the new MTS as “four bikes in one,” claiming some measure of an off-road capability. “From a sportbike for outright excitement to a tourer for long journeys with passenger and luggage,” reads an October 30 press release, “and from an everyday bike which can breeze through the daily commute to an agile enduro able to tackle off-road routes, the brand new Ducati transforms itself to suit the rider’s demands.”

We've got plenty more to tell you that the press release doesn't. First off, we can confirm the MTS1200 is powered by a variant of the 1199cc liquid-cooled V-Twin found in the 1198 Superbike. It's called “Testastretta 11°” in reference to the valve angle in the new cylinder heads that are said to aid combustion efficiency. A new fuel-injection system is controlled by Ducati's first-ever ride-by-wire throttle that is said to offer much better sub-3000-rpm fueling than the Superbike.

There is rumored to be a sophisticated electronics package that allows the ignition and fuel maps to be switched at the touch of a button. There will be perhaps four settings to choose from. The full 150-hp output will be on tap when you want it, but will be able to convert to a 100-hp setting for use in the rain or in off-road situations. Lever pull from the wet clutch is said to be quite light.

As is typical of Ducati, there will be an S version to go along with the base model. The standard bike will be suspended by a Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock, both fully adjustable. Brakes are, of course, by Brembo. Wheels look to be identical to the 1198's. An under-engine bash plate is standard equipment, as are hand guards.

A new three-piece frame underpins the MTS1200, using a new cast aluminum component around the swingarm pivot area to join with Ducati's traditional steel-trellis arrangement up front. We're told to expect a dry weight somewhere around the 425-lb mark.