Ducati has announced the recommended retail price of the Multistrada 1200 and 1200 S ahead of the anticipated May/June 2010 arrival of what is one of the most versatile and advanced motorcycles on the market.

Pricing will start from just $22,990* for the Multistrada 1200, with Ducati stating that no motorcycle at any price can rival the Multistrada 1200’s revolutionary “four-bikes-in-one” electronic riding-mode adjustment and 150horsepower performance from the superbike-derived Testastretta 11 engine.

With a dry weight of just 189kg, Multistrada 1200 is also lighter than any other large capacity sport-touring, touring or road-enduro bike currently available. Features such as “keyless” starting and a comprehensive trip-computer further enhance its functionality.

“The Multistrada 1200 is an absolute dream motorcycle that’s four bikes in one – it’s a sports bike, a long distance Tourer, Urban or Enduro, now all separated by just one click of a button,” said Warren Lee, NF Importers CEO. “The emphasis is certainly on Multi – a sportsbike which is powerful and fun, also very easy to ride, has crossover versatility and whose first priority is the safety and comfort of its rider.

“So in designing the new Multi, Ducati wanted to produce a motorcycle to tackle any kind of journey and road surface, a motorcycle that used technology derived from its Bologna-made race bikes in MotoGP and World Superbike.

“A bike with no limits, that can transform itself with the click of a button through advanced electronics to suit the rider’s demands, from a supersport to a tourer for long journeys with a passenger and luggage, to an everyday bike which can breeze through the daily commute and also tackle off-road routes with the agility of an enduro.”

The Multistrada 1200 ABS model adds the safety of Antilock Braking System to its impressive suite of electronics. With an RRP of $24,490*, it comes in at just $1500 option up from the standard version.

The standard Multistrada 1200 and 1200 ABS versions are available in red or white, over a Racing Grey frame with black wheels. Australian deliveries will commence in June 2010.

The range-topping Multistrada 1200 S goes even further in its sophistication and versatility. Öhlins suspension front and rear features Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), which provides push-button settings for four configurations of rider, pillion and luggage.

“By combining three different engine maps (standard on all model versions), eight levels of Ducati Traction Control – DTC (also standard on all versions) and latest generation Öhlins suspensions, encompassing the exclusive Ducati Electronic Suspensions System –DES (standard on S versions), the four different riding modes are created, each available at the touch of a button: Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro.”

The Multistrada 1200 S is available in two versions, being Sport and Touring. Both have a recommended retail price of $29,990*.

The S Sport version as standard is enhanced with striking, carbon-fibre components for its front air intakes, cam-belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors.

The S Touring version as standard provides side panniers, a centre-stand and heated hand grips, ideal to immediately set-off for adventure.

Multistrada 1200 S is available in black, red or white, over a Racing Grey frame with black wheels. Australian deliveries of this premium model will commence in May.

“Without doubt there is no other motorcycle currently on the market that can offer what Multistrada 1200 can to a rider,” continued Lee. “Ducati have once again pushed the edge of motorcycle design to the limits, by adding Italian innovation to the elegance, style and technology which characterise all the motorcycles that leave the Bologna factory.”

*RRP excludes Dealer and Statutory Charges.