While Ducati didn’t invent the modern adventure-bike segment, the Italian manufacturer certainly advanced it with the performance-oriented Multistrada line. As its name suggests, the Multistrada (meaning “multi-street” in Italian) is an interesting amalgam. Powered by a 1,262cc desmodromic V-twin, the pavement-oriented 1260 S features a tall touring windshield and fairing, an upright seating position, a rear luggage rack, and long-travel (for a streetbike) suspension. Electronics include various power and ride modes, a quickshifter, cornering ABS, Ducati’s adjustable Skyhook suspension, and cruise control, and such novelties as wheelie control and vehicle hold control.
The Multistrada earned a robust following at its 2003 debut, and its three overall wins at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have since made it a performance icon. As such, the aptly named Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak ups the feature list (at a $4,000 premium) to include a Termignoni exhaust system, Öhlins front and rear suspension, forged aluminum tri-spoke wheels, a shorter windshield, numerous carbon-fiber components, and a bespoke red, black, and white paint scheme.
Likes: Race-winning engineering mixed with all-roads versatility
Dislikes: Öhlins-equipped Pikes Peak model is pricey
Verdict: A genuine ADV superbike
