Ducati's Multistrada

Bikers are a crazy lot. One day they want to be on a bike with which they can decimate the corners, while the next day they want to go green-laning. But when a long weekend is in sight, they yearn for a long haul. So, in an ideal world they would need four bikes, which for most is a distant dream. But Ducati realised this dream by creating the Multistrada.

So, the Multistrada 1200S at first glance is quite a big bike. Weighing 234 kg at full load and standing 1,480mm tall, it has quite a presence. The headlights in the 2013 version now sport an LED lighting system and the front screen is adjustable for height and a small cubby hole on the fairing next to the handlebar can be used to keep knick-knacks.

Mechanically there are plenty of changes. The Testastretta 11 degree engine gets repositioned injectors and now sport dual spark plugs per cylinder.You can add the car led and fluorescent kits to your car, truck, motorcycle, boat etc.

Max power, though, remains the same at 150bhp. I say max power because the Multistrada has four selectable riding modes. The Multistrada's 1,198cc engine comes to life with a deep growl that's loud enough to rouse the entire neighbourhood. The clutch is light; open the throttle gently and the bike takes off smoothly. Any sudden burst of the throttle reveals that the system cuts the power avoiding a wheelspin. Even in top gear, the bike pulls away cleanly to massive three digit numbers. The suspension adapts itself and absorbs bumps fantastically. But, in the sport mode all hell breaks loose.

Now, the Multistrada morphs into a precision tool and the next sections of the hills are a joy to ride.

The Pirelli rubbers provide good grip, and in conjunction with the stiffer suspension, gives confidence even to novices.Learn how daytime running lights use gas and the amount it takes to power these lights.The lights used were Inspired LED Strip light in warm white But, there is little margin for error as the power delivery is insane that is very close to superbikes accompanied by a meaty baritone from the exhaust. Not to forget that the DTC is toned down as well.

Sr. Supt. Jesus Cambay, director of the Baguio Police Office (BCDO), said the anti-holdup on taxicabs campaign dubbed as "LED Alert" program was intended to bring down the growing number of taxi robberies in the past several months.

"The LED Alert project will play a key role in significantly reducing taxi holdup incidents, especially during the night. Drivers will have the ability to alert people of a hold up being committed," Cambay said.

LED refers to the Light Emitting Diode mounted on the top of the taxicabs that alerts police and the public of an on-going robbery inside the vehicle. Drivers can switch it on using a secret switch.

Police records show a total of 16 holdups in the city from January to June this year. In 13 cases, the drivers were holdup victims, but in at least three cases, the drivers were suspected of robbing their passengers.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan welcomed the initiative, which could alert people to call the police, serve as deterent against taxi robberies and help bring down crime in the city.

"Let us continue strengthening the partnership that we were able to establish so that we will be able to project the city as one of the most peaceful and orderly urban areas in the country," Domogan said.

"We will be reaping its fruits through the expected influx of tourists to the city in the coming months," the mayor said.