On paper, Ducati’s Multistrada 1200S that was released in June last year seems like the perfect bike for Australian riders, favouring long distance endeavours while still being more than capable of a sporty spin.

With its unique ‘four bikes in one’ transformation capabilities, the brand new Multistrada range – featuring a Sport, Touring and more standardised ABS model – packs a heck of a lot of punch.

Featuring a modified version of the beautiful 1198cc twin-cylinder superbike engine, albeit designed for better engine response at a lower rpm, the Sport model is a high-performing all-rounder – with a keyless ignition to boot!

Touring is obviously a great purpose even on the Sport – although the panniers, heated grips and centre-stand that come standard on the Touring version make it an even better option – but it was a series of shorter, more exciting rides where the Sport shone so bright in our test.

That being said, there’s still plenty of storage available under the seat, as well as a neat little section in the fairing that will hold the vital necessities such as phone, licence, cash or whatever else you may need on the go.

Ducati's Multistrada 1200S makes for the perfect all-round ride when it comes to Australian touring.

Straight off the bat the comfort of the seating position with its spongy, low seat and high handlebars make for a ride that’s comparable to your favourite couch, although it’s still sporty enough to ‘attack’ the roads if you’re down for it.

There’s plenty of room to move around on the seat and I found myself adjusting my position according to the surroundings I was in, plus the footpegs lean more toward being sport-orientated than tourer-like.

All said and done, you’ll be comfy from the get go on the Multistrada 1200S Sport, and its adjustable windscreen comes in handy with great wind protection that’s also highlighted by the leg surroundings toward the front of the bike.

Chassis handling- and engine-wise, the four settings adjustable via the Ducati Mode Selector (DMS) – Sport (110kW), Touring (110kW), Urban (110kW) and Enduro (110kW) – make for a vast playground of opportunity waiting to be explored.

The parameters for the settings can be revised via four separate load settings that are dependant on whether you have a pillion or luggage on board (neither of which I ever did during the short pre-Christmas test). This can be done by a simple three-second hold of the indicator button at a standstill or while the throttle’s closed.

The DMS alters the Ohlins-based Ducati Electron Suspension (DES) settings, ride-by-wire throttle, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and ABS at the push of a button, all (except for the ABS) which is linked via the DMS system. Otherwise, you can adjust the settings individually via the left-hand switch block.

Ducati claims four bikes in one with its multiple settings, which are very much different as you work through them.

In short for the 100-200 kay bursts that I was carrying out during the test, the Sport mode and its more aggressive engine character with a nice touch of DTC and sportier suspension proved my favourite, however the Touring mode’s more relaxed engine setting and minimal DTC does come in handy over a longer stint featuring long, sweeping turns.

Not to rule out the Urban and Enduro modes (Enduro is more designed for hard-packed dirt roads), because the Urban mode’s calm nature with less power, more DTC and plusher suspension works a treat in the ’burbs.

As for the Enduro, I didn’t get as much time in the dirt as I’d like, however the complete package was surprisingly user-friendly considering the 17-inch rims and general styling of the Multi.

Needless to say, the ABS is everything you’d expect in the current era, and the MotoGP-derived dash is absolutely phenomenal in both function and appearance.

Also impressive in a variety of circumstances are Pirelli’s Scorpion Trail tyres, which work a treat on the tarmac and also seemed positive in the little off-road riding completed.

It looks superb, goes even better and marks a great new era for the Multistrada range. Ducati is at the forefront when it comes to making the most of electronic aides in motorcycling.

Best of all, the Multistrada 1200S Sport manages to make life extremely simple once you begin to explore the possibilities it offers at the push of a button.

At $29,990 + on-road costs you’ll be paying a premium price for the MTS1200S, however if this is the kind of riding you live for then it’ll be worth every cent.

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