After 18 months and 15,000 miles, we pronounced the 2010 Ducati Multistrada S Touring the most versatile motorcycle in the world. This was due to its blend of great handling with the punch of a superbike engine, more low-rev thrust than most tourers, superb comfort and even some off-road ability. While we were reeling at how its electronic control system would modify the traction control, throttle response, peak horsepower and the suspension settings, Ducati was working on the next generation – and has moved the game on once more with its Skyhook semi-active suspension. This derives from the concept of the bike’s electronics trying to maintain a stable chassis in relation to an imaginary datum point in the sky above. Sensors report on suspension movement, throttle opening, brake line pressure, speed and other parameters, and a central ECU then strives to keep the bike as stable as possible by continuously altering the damping settings. The Skyhook system can switch from the softest damping to the firmest in 10 milliseconds, despite the difference between the softest and hardest damping being far greater than with a conventional system. There’s a full explanation at ashonbikes.com. The engine has been improved with re-angled fuel injector nozzles and twin-plug cylinder heads for smoother, more efficient combustion. There’s also a boost of up to five per cent in torque, which you don’t really feel because the throttle response is smoother across the range. The Multistrada has a shocking punch in its mid-range, even in the higher gears, while it puts most touring bikes to shame with its huge thrust at low revs. Then you rev it and 148bhp floods in with a bellowing V-twin soundtrack, hurling you forward with near-superbike velocity. But the big gain is in smoothness during normal riding, while Ducati’s claim that economy is improved by up to 10 per cent doesn’t hurt either. Source:Ducati Multistrada MTS1200 S Touring 'Skyhook' review - Telegraph
