Since Ducati announced the first major update to the Multistrada with the new 2015 model, I’ve wanted to get my mits on one. And whilst I haven’t had a chance to take it for a blast (I feel a morning to Frasers coming on), this morning I saw my first 2015 model “in the flesh.”
What a beauty!
The styling is a clear update on the previous models that haven’t changed significantly since 2010. The beak is body coloured, with the plastic inset extending back over the tank, and the Ducati logo further forward.
Here are a couple of the (admittedly cosmetic) updates from my 2014 model:
Finally the hand guards have grown up, and pay more than lip service to protection. Not to mention they won’t get snapped off by inconsiderate scooter riders catching the hand protector whilst pushing their bike off its centre stand. That little incident that happened to my last Multi at the airport cost $140 to fix.
I do like the indicators on the hand guards though. The Multi’s handlebars are positioned just above most cars rearview mirrors, and in line with most SUV’s. So you get plenty of presence in drivers’ mirrors. Visibility is always a good thing.
The Windshield has gone back to a 3 bolt configuration, like the original model. The 2014 model, distinctive with the grey forks and HID lights, has a 4 bolt attachment of the windshield.
The windshield also seems to be somewhat smaller than the 2014 model, although this could be a specific windshield. I’ll be honest though, this will be one of the things I test when I take one for a ride. Both the 2010 and 2014 models dump a bunch of turbulent air at eye level. Even with my Puig Touring Windshield that adds 2″ to the height, I still get turbulent air and wind roar at sustained speeds.
The Left Handlebar Controls see a pretty significant update. Chunky grey buttons, clearly marked. With the Menu select button separated from the indicator.
Also, it seems Ducati have added a Cruise Control.
Frankly, I doubt this will make much difference on our roads, although clearly on the motorways in Europe this will be awesome on those long journeys.
Personally I don’t like the cruise control on a bike, even when riding long distances on motorways. I had one on the 2014 1200GS I rented last year from LA to San Francisco, and ended up switching it off. Controlling the changes in speeds with the buttons, as cars sped up or slowed down, was a pain in the rear. A lot more intuitive with the throttle.
The Right Handlebar Controls have also undergone transformation. The starter button is bigger, and in the same chunky grey styling of the rest of the controls. With the kill switch again chunkier than before.
There is an addition though, which is the lock button underneath ignition. On previous models once switching off the bike, you hold the kill switch down for a number of seconds to engage the steering lock. This is invariably a nuisance because you forget to keep it down the first time, then power on the electronics, only to switch them off again. And if your handlebar isn’t pulled tighter than the lock, sometimes the locking mechanism won’t engage, or disengage.
So a separate button makes sense. Power off the bike, then swing the wheel and lock it with the button.
It seems they’ve kept the handlegrip heaters controlled by the starter button, i.e. once the engine is running. That’s ok, but not ideal. The best I’ve seen is a rocker switch on one of the BMW’s.
Whilst we’re up at the handlebars, check out the handlebar fixing. This is another departure from previous models, and looks pretty cool with the embossed Ducati logo.
The dashboard itself has changed. Still all digital, no legacy analogue gauges here. I’d love to see this powered, given the change in display resolution, I’m sure Ducati can squeeze a whole lot more info onto the screen now. I like the warning and alert lights surrounding the dash, and the move away from a primary and smaller secondary screen.
But seriously, where’s the heads up display?
Check out the new body coloured beak, with the Ducati badge in the middle. I reckon that is pretty awesome.
Checking out the rear, one of the first things “serious” riders did when picking up their new Multi was to replace the stock exhaust with a Termignoni race pipe. Personally I couldn’t justify the $’000 for an extra 12 bhp. Especially when I already will never use the 150 I have.
The new Multi, however, has updated the slim dual exhaust with a meaner looking set of pipes. Still in keeping with the style of the bike. I reckon this allows the engine to breathe better, and gives the new bike that 162bhp that is the same on the Diavel
That’s pretty much it. The fairing panels are extended out slightly, giving the rider’s leg a touch more protection from the elements. And just ahead of the saddle is a new tank protector. Oh yeah, the trellis chassis is painted red now.
Apart from that the OEM’d Givi Top Case Rack, the pannier mounts, tail light, rear indicators, side and centre stands, rider and passenger foot pegs, front and rear shocks, chain, alloys and wheel sizes all look identical to arguably the best Adventure Tour Bike on the market.
Yep, definitely time to go and test ride one. Although I’ve another couple of years with the current Multi unless something significantly happens with my finances 
