2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 – Ducati’s Top Selling Model Returns

For a company best known for its sportbikes, it may surprise some to learn Ducati’s hottest selling model is its Multistrada 1200. But it’s true: the Multistrada 1200 family, consisting of the base version, the 1200S Sport, 1200S Sport Pikes Peak Special Edition and the 1200S Touring is topping Ducati’s sales charts.

It makes sense then for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 to return relatively unchanged for 2012, though it appears the Pikes Peak edition is the only version of the Multistrada to come in the 1200S Sport trim. The only update for 2012 is a revised seat with an increased front and rear length for all versions of the “four-bikes-in-one” Multistrada.

All versions (except the special edition Pikes Peak version of course) will be available in the same red and arctic white as the 2011 models (the black version will no longer be offered) while the Touring version gets a new “race titanium matte” color with a black frame.

Ducati is keeping pricing the same as its 2011 levels, which means $15,495 for the base Multistrada 1200, $21,995 for the Multistrada 1200S Sport Pikes Peak, and $19,995 for the Multistrada 1200S Touring.

2011 Honda CBR250R Unveiled In Canada

Honda Canada revealed the new 2011 CBR250R last night, and from the looks of things, the Japanese manufacturer is expecting big things from its new entry level sportbike.

The new 2011 Honda CBR250R will be available both in Canada and the U.S. in Spring 2011 with an aggressive pricing plan that places the Kawasaki Ninja 250R directly in its sights.

Honda Canada has been offering the CBR125R for years and it has consistently been Honda’s top selling sportbike. Last night, Honda Canada invited CBR125R owners and a small group of journalists to see the new CBR250R and it’s clear Honda is banking on it being just as successful on the sales floor.

Check out the Honda CBR250R Forum

The U.S. unveiling will be held on Thursday and Motorcycle.com‘s Jeff Cobb will be there for a full, more detailed report. He’ll also have a chance to ride the bike next week so check back to read his impressions of the CBR250R.

Honda CBR250R Payment Details

As the Honda CBR250R launch comes closer, pricing details of the bike are starting to emerge. We inquired with a few Honda dealers regarding the price of the 250cc Honda and were told Rs. 1.63 lakhs for the non-ABS variant and 1.92 lakhs for the ABS variant (all prices on-road, Mumbai). The dealer also informed us that the down payment for the CBR250R is 50% and a buyer has to cough up Rs. 75,000/- plus the registration and insurance charges. This equates to a cash down payment of Rs. 85,000/- to buy the CBR250R, which makes the bike out of the reach of many.

The 50% down payment strategy is being conveniently used by Honda to ensure they can eliminate waiting period on the baby CBR. But with most buyers being restless, we expect many to cancel their bookings and opt for the upcoming 2011 Yamaha R15 which is expected to get a significant revision to counter Honda’s 250cc motorcycle. Deliveries of the CBR250R will commence in the last week of April.