58. Gaurav's Ducati Multistrada 1200, 2012

Name: Gaurav Sharma
Age: 32
Profession: Head - Operations - TORQUED APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
Motorcycling Club: G.O.D.S.( Group Of Delhi Superbikers)

1. What did the leap from a Hypersport Tourer to an Adventure Tourer feel like?

A. Theres a huge difference in the way both the machines perform. The busa is more of a ferocious Tiger just waiting to be unleashed. The MTS is practically everything you want it to be, from a tame animal in the urban mode to a wild beast in Sports mode - all with just a flick of a button :).

2. How tortuous was the waiting period?

A. 2 months,18 days and 6 hours ( Why 6 ? - Because the bike was supposed to be delivered on 18th nite around 12 whereas the guy landed on 19th morn - A sun on our 5th G2G at 6am ) I am sure you can make out how torturous was the waiting period now :)

3. What do feel is the best aspect of the Multistrada?

A. There's too many to name. The entire character of the bike changes with the mode. The modes are different in what I experienced in busa. With these modes - its not just the power delivery which changes, its the Traction control and ABS settings as well. Secondly its an AMAZING TOURER (thats the main reason I bought this bike), this was one of the star bikes on our lansdowne trips. Dont believe me?? Ask those poor fellows who were on their busas and litre bikes. I barely got a chance to ride this bike in the entire trip as no one stopped for me to hand over the bike. Thirdly, the weight - looking at the size of the bike, one would think its kinda heavy,  Surprise! Surprise! - It weighs 181 kgs as compared to busa which is around 275 kgs :)

4. Do feel Ducati could improve upon anything?

A. The ONLY drawback I would say is the seat height adjustment. Its setup at the lowest level and its still a little high for me (Unfortunately I am not that tall )

5. Did the tall saddle ever create any manoeuvrability problems?

A. The first few rides were a  little difficult for me. I've been riding supersports and sports tourer for a very long time. This is a different bike altogether. Now that I've settled, I can even lean on this bike. The weight reduction also helps in easy manoeuvrability (181kgs remember) :)

6. How has your experience been with the dealership? 

A. Its a mix bag. There were some problems which could have been avoided. Overall out of 10 I would give them a rating of 7.

7. Any mechanical/technical issues so far?

A. None what so ever - Its just so damn perfect!

8. What questions does the public have when they see the bike on the roads?

A. Well it takes them a while to realise what went past them(doesn't have any exhausts right now). But yes the usual questions - Kitne ki hai, kitna deti hai, ye kaun si company hai (this was new). Iske badly gadi le lete ;)

9. Do they confuse your bike for a Jap bike?

A. Not realy Its only once when a college going guy just came in and asked which bike I said Ducati and he said Ye Yamaha walo ki hai na?? I mean - Seriously.

10. What made you choose the Multistrada over the R1200GS?

A. The GS1200 weighs almost 100kgs more than the MTS.  Secondly the ride height - there was no way I could adjust the height to my level. Then there was the GIZMOS , the MTS is loaded and the GS has - wait what Gizmos??

11. Have you done or intend to do any modifications?

A. I have ordered exhausts. That is the first thing I wanted, also placed order for K&N. Well this is just to start with.

12. How long have you had her and how many kilometres have you covered so far?

A. I've had this bike for 3 months 18 days 18 hours and now 35, 36, 37, 38......well you get the picture ;)
As for no of kms , I have clocked 1800 kms.

13. Which fuel and oil do you use?

A. 97 Octane and sometimes speed or Xtra Premium in case I don't find 97 Octane. As for Oil - I still have to get the first service done - too lazy because of the Delhi heat :)

14. Narrate your best trip on the Strada so far?

A. Well I just had one trip on this bike or should I say half, I got a chance to ride this bike on my way back from Lansdowne. This bike was nick named, the "Ghoda" on the trip because of high seating position and comfy saddle. Also cuz of the fact that people just used to run away with the bike, literally! As mentioned I actually had to look for my machine as to who was riding it!

15. Have you taken her for some off-roading?

A.Considering Indian roads and highways, I don't think I would ever need to get off roading with this bike. Our sbks take a lota thrashing on our roads and highways, the MTS or an adventure tourer just glides over these pot holes - Literally. I just hope the bike manufacturers get more of these in India - we just have the Impulse which is grossly underpowered.

16. Do you have your eyes set on another bike?

A. Oh hell yeah. The list is long, starts with a Can-Am Spyder, Then there's the Speed Triple, the Ducati Monster 1100 Evo, the Diavel, the Brutale 1090RR. As Doc says, "MORE IS NEVER ENOUGH" :)

17. Here's a tough one - the Busa or the Multistrada? 

A. Hmm that's like choosing your kids -  I love em both. My son n my niece have a fight though. My son is in love with the MTS and wants me to ride it every Sunday. My niece loves the busa and she wants me to ride it every Sunday. So every Saturday there is a huge argument as to which bike I will be riding on sun :D