As part of Click Tempus’ new motorbikes feature, new contributor Di Davidson-Amadi reviews the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

Motorcycle manufacturing giants Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A have been crafting masterful machines that boast timeless engineering for decades. They’ve carved the inner-city roads with elegant cruisers, gone off the beaten track with dynamic tourers, and sought to develop their pedigree within sports racing, fitting their models with their irrepressible trademark v-twin engine, and mostly they’ve succeeded, winning numerous competitions including the British Superbike, MotorGP and Superbike World championships.

Something old, something new

2013 has brought a new take on some classic angles: Introducing the Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo – the bike that embodies everything great about the Italian marque over the years and so much more.

Essentially the S Granturismo is the bike that can do it all, so there are no more decision-making headaches at the dealership. This is a multi-purpose vehicle, built with the cosiness of a cruiser, fortified by the resolve and efficiency of a sport tourer and blessed with the punchiness of the speedsters we have become accustomed to from Ducati.

Power and precision

The second generation Testastretta 11° DS engine bolted into this bad boy leaves little to be desired. There are 150 horses on tap that, ingeniously, you can regulate via the on-board Ride-by-Wire (RwB) computer technology. This allows the specific rider to tune torque and power delivery to the travelling purpose.

Skyhook Suspension: a Godsend

Ducati’s brand new Skyhook Suspension is a Godsend. Like the engine, its output is fully customisable. The system is constantly on call assessing the irregularities of the road beneath it, and then it recalibrates its performance to provide an optimum front and rear balance for the rider.

Brembo braking system

Safety is always paramount, and Ducati has done it best with the Bosch ABS 9ME controlled Brembo braking system that adds level-headed intelligence to the raw power by offering levels that detect the relationship between surface grip and speed, then assisting your application of the brakes accordingly for consummate control.

Different Stroke for different folks

Here comes the kicker; here’s what separates Larry the 50 year old Investment Banker with the Honda Fireblade and quasi-suicidal midlife neuroses from the considerate buyer – I’m referring to Ducati’s four-bikes-in-one concept.

The four configurations – courtesy of the RwB system – adjust small details in the traction control, power delivery, ABS and suspension resistivity to produce the most efficient and effective performance for the particular terrain. Each has its own cool use-appropriate nickname too, making the S Granturismo the most splendiferously camp technological companion since the Hoff’s Knight Rider…but in a good way.

1) The Enduro option is all about durability and the need to adapt for minimal performance loss on the most obstinate courses. With this configuration operational, the engine settles at 100hp, the suspension introduces more give and the ABS works uninterruptedly.

2) For use in your typical living environment, the Urban preset atones for a rider’s misgivings whilst accounting for the complications of more complex or densely populated routes. Therefore you can expect a lot less horses but almost no beef either (see what I did there?)

3) The Touring mode provides more power at 150hp, but it enhances the bike’s suitability to long-distance travelling  taking into account smoothness, balance and weight. This is a mid-range setting, where everything is set to a factory default type arrangement.

4) Finally, Sport transforms business into pleasure and is a dream for expert riders who want to get to grips with the beast underneath – that Testastretta 11° DS. ABS is reduced to level two and “lift-up” detection becomes nonexistent, so be careful how you gun it on the bucolic thoroughfares.

The ‘People’s Champ’

Ultimately the S Granturismo can be seen as the conscientious big brother to its slightly more flamboyant S Pikes Peak and less well-equipped S Touring siblings. Its ergonomics and accessories make it one of the best utility vehicles on the market, though. Comfy when it has to be; hard working when you need it to be; even fun when you want it to be, the multi-talented Multistrada S Granturismo can now surely add the title of ‘Peoples’ Champ’ to Ducati’s long list of accolades.

Tudor Fastrider Ducati

You’d be disappointed if we didn’t bring this story back to watches. A couple of years ago, Tudor, sister brand to Rolex, entered into a partnership with Ducati to produce the Tudor Fastrider Ducati collection. And what a beauty it is. Note how the grey and black strap version shown here would match perfectly with the new Multistrada.

Both companies were founded in 1926, and share remarkably similar visions albeit for two very different products. The two companies continuously achieve high performance and original design, which becomes instantly recognisable when complemented with a sophisticated sports style.

The speed and performance of the powerful Desmodromic engine in a Ducati motorcycle, enhanced by a strong and high-tech chassis can be compared to the outstanding resistance, reliability and precision of a Tudor watch.

Interestingly, Tudor’s 1952 printed advertisements portrayed a motorcyclist wearing one of their watches to underline its combination of style and sporting spirit.

Known as the “Fastrider” collection, the series of stainless steel chronographs incorporate the Tudor 7753 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 46 hours in a 42mm diameter waterproof casing with satin-polished finish.