Ducati 1200 Multistrada DVT Pikes Peak 2017 — Specifications

Four category victories on the Pikes Peak mountain, the most brutal hillclimb in Colorado, speaks for itself. Ducati has carved this track record into the DNA of its Multistrada, and the 2017 version bearing that name doesn't pretend otherwise. At first glance, the white and red "Ducati Corse" livery makes the intention clear: this machine isn't trying to win over the laid-back tourer dreaming of alpine passes at a leisurely pace. It targets the rider who knows the difference between a TTX36 and a stock shock absorber, and who isn't afraid to reach for the Allen keys.

The steel trellis frame receives a full Öhlins package — 50 mm inverted fork and TTX36 rear shock — both mechanically adjustable down to the finest detail. This is where the knife cuts both ways. Purists will appreciate being able to dial in the geometry to their liking, session after session. Others, those who simply want to press a button to switch between comfort and sport depending on the mood of the day, may feel somewhat left behind. The Multistrada S with its electronically controlled semi-active suspension remains a more flexible option in that regard. Here, the choice of raw mechanics is assumed, offset by an otherwise very comprehensive electronic package: IMU inertial measurement unit, cornering ABS, traction control, anti-wheelie, cruise control, four riding modes. The color TFT dashboard with Bluetooth rounds out a package that has nothing to envy from the best German saloons in terms of onboard silicon.

What truly makes the difference is the 1198 cc 90° L-twin equipped with DVT variable valve timing. This technology, borrowed from the automotive world, continuously adjusts camshaft timing according to engine speed. The practical result: the Testastretta twin becomes tractable in the city, generous at mid-range on the road, and genuinely violent when the needle approaches 9,500 rpm where all 160 horsepower are fully unleashed. The 136.3 Nm of torque arrives at 7,500 rpm, placing this machine in a class of its own against a KTM 1290 Super Adventure or a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. Both rivals offer more raw versatility, but neither delivers that electric sensation that runs through your hands when the Ducati twin lets loose.

The carbon Termignoni exhaust, sport screen, front fender, tank covers, and fork legs all contribute to a visually cohesive package, but they also add to the bill. At 235 kg fully fueled, the Multistrada Pikes Peak is no lightweight, even if it remains within category norms. The adjustable seat at 825 mm will raise the usual question for shorter riders. The Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires in 120/70-17 and 190/55-17 dimensions represent the only true trail compromise on this machine: everything else leans clearly toward fast roads and racetracks.

The verdict on positioning is unambiguous. This 2017 Multistrada is aimed at a specific audience: the experienced rider, physically comfortable with a substantial frame, who seeks sporting emotion in a trail format with no concessions to comfort or daily practicality. For that profile, 24,290 euros represents a coherent investment. For everyone else, the Multistrada S or its Germanic competitors will offer a more balanced usage-to-enjoyment ratio. But none of them will tell the story of a race in the clouds of Colorado.