WITH THE BEAUTIFUL and practical Multistrada, the engineers at Ducati, those illustrious purveyors of two-wheel dreams, have created an almost perfect amalgam of high performance and versatility. They obviously recognize that in the real world, battered, uneven asphalt is as common as glass-smooth thoroughfares, and that the Multistrada will encounter its share of both surfaces.

The joy of riding the Multistrada, which is priced at $11,500, emanates from the bike’s ability to deliver impressive performance on several fronts. Whether you are enduring the juggernaut of a daily commute or savoring the freedom of the open road on a weekend getaway, the Italian mount offers what we all want from a motorcycle: fun.

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With its signature Ducati trellis frame and powerful 992cc Desmodromic V-twin engine that delivers 84 hp at 8,000 rpm, the Multistrada is also at home on a racetrack and capable of impressive lap times. An abundance of low-end torque enables the motor to deliver a solid punch right off the bottom and continue to pull evenly throughout the powerband. Transmission, clutch, and brakes have the well-engineered and refined feel characteristic of a Ducati bike.

Its precise handling and its light weight, along with the added leverage and tall line of sight provided by the upright seating position, make the Multistrada a charm to ride in narrow canyons and along sweeping mountain roads. These same attributes offer the rider confidence and comfort in daily stop-and-go situations.

With unpaved-road capability, optional side bags, and ample room for a passenger, the Multistrada presents seemingly endless options for travel and adventure. Ducati has created the two-wheel equivalent of a luxury, high-performance SUV without surrendering the attractive lines and provocative stature that have become the Italian brand’s signature design elements.

The Multistrada represents Ducati’s ability to master the range of possibilities without making any compromises. The bike excels in the most mundane applications while maintaining the adventurous spirit essential to the ideal of two-wheel machines.