The Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak proves that 170 horsepower and Italian flair can coexist beautifully with real-world practicality and touring comfort.
The Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak: When Raw Power Meets Real-World Usability
Sometimes you need a bike that can do it all – and do it with Italian flair.
There's something intoxicating about Ducati's approach to motorcycle engineering. They take what should be sensible, practical machines and inject them with enough passion and performance to make your pulse quicken. The Multistrada Pikes Peak is the perfect example of this philosophy. It's one of the most powerful bikes in the sports-tourer crossover segment, but unlike some fire breathing Italian exotics, this one you can actually live with.
The Heart of the Beast
Let's start with what matters most, that glorious 1158cc V4 Granturismo engine. With 170 horsepower at 10,500 RPM and 125 Nm of torque at 8,750 RPM, the numbers tell only part of the story. What they don't capture is the mechanical symphony this engine produces, or the way it delivers power with such authority that you can feel the bike's character in every twist of the throttle.
This isn't some hair-trigger superbike engine that's trying to kill you at every opportunity. The Granturismo strikes that perfect balance, it's undeniably Ducati in its delivery, with all the drama and excitement you'd expect, but it's controllable. You get all the benefits of Italian V4 engineering without the downsides that can make some Ducatis feel like barely-tamed race bikes.
The rear cylinder deactivation system keeps things civilised in traffic, and valve checks every 60,000km mean you can actually ride the thing without bankrupting yourself on maintenance. Progress, Italian style.
Suspension Wizardry
Where this bike really shines is in its suspension setup. The electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment might sound like marketing speak, but the real-world results are nothing short of impressive. The preset options make perfect sense, select the set up, it adjusts, and you get on with riding.
During my Central West adventure, covering about 1,000km over two days through the Southern Highlands and up to places like Crookwell, Trunkey Creek, and onto Bathurst. I had the suspension set for rider with luggage. The transformation was remarkable, the bike felt planted, composed, and ready for anything those country roads could throw at it.
Italian Style Meets Practical Design
The 17-inch wheels front and back contribute to that superb handling, while the stunning single-sided swing arm reminds you this is Ducati at its finest. It's not just about looks, though it does look spectacular, you can see the entire rear wheel, showcasing the engineering artistry that makes Ducati’s special.
The adjustable seat height is a thoughtful touch. At the lower 840mm setting, the bike becomes accessible to a wider range of riders without compromising the commanding riding position that makes long distance touring so comfortable.
Technology That Actually Works
Modern Ducatis come loaded with electronics, and the Pikes Peak doesn't disappoint. The large TFT display is clear and informative without being cluttered. The Ducati Connect app integration worked smoothly, a pleasant surprise in a world where motorcycle connectivity often feels like an afterthought.
The quick shifter deserves special mention. It's beautifully raw in the lower gears, giving you that mechanical connection that reminds you you're riding a motorcycle. The hill hold start is one of the best I've used on any bike, obvious to engage, obvious to disengage, and it never activates unless you want it to.
Rider modes (Urban, Sport, Touring, and Race) actually make sense. I spent most of my time in Touring, finding it perfectly calibrated for real-world riding. Race mode? Save that for when you want to remind yourself why this bike commands respect or when you've grown tired of having a clean driving record.
The Real-World Test
My adventure through the Central West proved this bike's credentials. From freeway cruising to attacking twisty mountain roads, the Pikes Peak handled everything with aplomb. The adaptive cruise control (30-160km/h) made highway sections effortless, while the cornering ABS and traction control provided confidence when the roads got interesting.
The weather protection is excellent, and that adjustable screen works brilliantly in its upper position. Even the little details impress, like the phone holder with USB charging that keeps your device powered while running the navigation app.
The Verdict
At around $47,000, the Multistrada Pikes Peak isn't cheap. But when you're ripping through country roads with 170 horsepower on tap, sophisticated suspension keeping everything composed, and that intoxicating V4 soundtrack providing the accompaniment, you understand where the money goes.
This isn't just another sports-tourer. It's a statement about what happens when Italian passion meets real-world practicality. It's a bike that can handle your daily commute, devour highway miles, and then tear through the twisties like it was born for them when the mood strikes.
Sometimes you need a bike that can do it all. The Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak proves that "all" doesn't have to mean "boring."
Want to see the Pikes Peak in action? Head over to our YouTube channel and watch our full video review where we put this Italian beast through its paces on those Central West roads.