Wednesday, May 07, 2025

Unleash Your Wanderlust: A Chat About the Ducati Multistrada

 Hey fellow riders! Ever find yourself staring out the window, dreaming of open roads that twist and turn through breathtaking landscapes? Yeah, me too. And when that wanderlust hits, there's one family of bikes that always comes to mind: the Ducati Multistrada. I went to the hills with fellow biker Chetan, who has a Ducati Multistrada V2 S.

Chetan with his Ducati Multistrada V2 S

For years, Ducati has been synonymous with passion and performance, and the Multistrada range perfectly embodies that spirit, just with a healthy dose of versatility thrown in. It's not just a one-trick pony; it's a whole stable of capable machines ready for pretty much anything you can throw at them.


Think about it – the name itself, "Multistrada," literally translates to "many roads." And that's exactly what these bikes are built for. They've evolved from being that trusty all-rounder to a complete lineup designed to tackle everything from your daily commute to epic cross-continent adventures and even some light off-roading.




Now, when you're looking at bikes in this premium adventure and sport-touring category, you know you're in good company. The Multistrada goes head-to-head with serious contenders, like the legendary BMW GS family and the adrenaline-pumping KTM Super Duke GT. Each has its own flavor, but the Ducati brings that unmistakable Italian flair and a focus on sporty handling that's hard to ignore.


One of the coolest things about the entire Multistrada family is the brains behind the brawn: those sophisticated riding modes. Seriously, this is a game-changer. It's like having multiple bikes in one! Whether you're carving up mountain passes in "Sport" mode, cruising comfortably on a long haul in "Touring," navigating city traffic in "Urban," or even venturing onto some gravel in "Enduro," the bike adapts to you.



Multiple modes - Touring, Sport, Urban, Enduro

- Video clip -


Dash features

We're talking about instant adjustments to power delivery, throttle response, traction control kicking in just when you need it, and the ABS behaving exactly as you'd want it to. And if your bike has electronic suspension, even that adjusts on the fly! It's not just a few presets either; some of the newer models let you really fine-tune things, and even have track-focused "Race" modes for when you want to unleash the beast.


For those looking to jump into the Multistrada world, the V2 and V2 S are fantastic starting points. They offer that classic Ducati feel and performance without being overly intimidating. That sweet 937cc Testastretta V-twin (or the newer 890cc V2) packs a punch, delivering around 113 to 115 horses and a healthy dose of that Ducati torque – around 96 Nm. Trust me, that's plenty to put a smile on your face.


And Ducati hasn't skimped on the tech either. The newer V2 models boast a sharp 5-inch full TFT display. It's bright, easy to read, and gives you access to all the vital info and settings without feeling overwhelming. Plus, who doesn't love a full LED lighting system? The Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) are a brilliant touch, lighting up the inside of those twisty roads at night – a real confidence booster.


Load Adjustment with DSSOne of the major benefits of DSS is its ability to automatically adapt to changes in load. Within the riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro), there are often sub-menus or settings specifically for adjusting the load. You typically select options like: 

  • Rider Only: For solo riding.
  • Rider + Luggage: For solo riding with luggage.
  • Rider + Passenger: For riding with a passenger.
  • Rider + Passenger + Luggage: For riding with a passenger and luggage.


What happens when you select a load setting: When you choose a load setting in the electronic menu, the DSS control unit adjusts the preload on the rear shock (usually via an electronic actuator) and optimizes the damping settings in real-time to compensate for the added weight. This ensures the bike maintains proper ride height, steering geometry, and responsiveness without you having to manually reach for any tools.


Load setting options


Now, if you're the type who loves those seamless gear changes, the V2 S often comes with the optional Ducati Quick Shift (DQS). Clutchless up and down shifts? Yes, please! It makes spirited riding even more engaging and those long rides a little less tiring.

  


So, what are your thoughts on the Multistrada? What's your favorite feature or the model that catches your eye? Let's chat in the comments below! I'd love to hear your experiences and what draws you to this incredible family of motorcycles. Keep the rubber side down, folks! 


Cheers!

Biker BT


Friday, January 24, 2025

How to cancel hypothecation on your RC in less than 2 hours: A step-by-step guide

Hey there, rider! You might consider an easy way to cancel your hypothecation on your motorcycle RC is through an RTO agent paying hefty fees? I just paid less than Rs.500 as RTO processing fees! It just takes less than 2 hours at the RTO office Gurgaon to get the process done easily.

 




Prerequisite: You will need a smartphone and an Internet on your mobile. Reach there at 10 AM preferably

See steps below on how I got it done.

Info: What is hypothecation? Ever bought a vehicle and noticed something called "hypothecation" on the RC? That basically means the financier (the lender you borrowed money from) has a stake in your motorcycle until the loan is paid off.  But once it's all settled and you're the sole owner, you can get that hypothecation cancelled.

 Here's how to navigate the process: 

A. Gather Your Documents:

First things first, you'll need some paperwork. Don't worry, it's not a mountain! Here's what to keep handy:

  •    Form 35 with Hypothecation Closure Letter: This form, usually provided by your financier, needs your signature in two places.
  •    Self-Attested Copy of Insurance: Make a photocopy of your motorcycle insurance and sign it, declaring it's a true copy.
  •    Self-Attested Copy of Aadhar Card: Same thing with your Aadhar card - photocopy and sign.
  •    Letter Stating Your Request: Write a quick letter mentioning you're submitting your RC for cancellation of hypothecation for your vehicle (mention your motorcycle's number plate).

B. Let's Get This Rolling! (Gurgaon / Gurugram RTO)

With your documents in order, head to the RTO (Regional Transport Office). Here's the breakdown of what happens next:

1. Verification Counter: Get your documents verified at the counter. You'll likely pay a small fee (around Rs 10) and receive a token number. They'll staple your documents together with the RC.

2. Data Entry Counter: This is where the magic happens! They'll enter your details into the system. Keep your phone handy, you should receive an SMS with a link, username, and password to access the Vahan portal (vahan.parivahan.gov.in).

3. Online Payment: Login to the Vahan portal using the provided credentials. Read through the details and make the payment using debit card, UPI, or any other available option. It might take an hour or so for the payment to reflect on the website.

 

4. Verify Payment: Once the payment shows up, log back in and click the "Verify" button. This will generate a payment receipt. You can save it as a PDF or take a screenshot for your records.

5. Printout Time: Head to the xerox/print counter within the RTO premises and get a physical copy of the payment receipt.

6. Submit and Wait: Attach the printed payment receipt to your document set and submit it back at the data entry counter. 

 

The good news? Your new RC, free of hypothecation, should be ready within 15 to 30 days!

You'll either receive it by post or can collect it from the RTO itself after 15-20 days! 

So now you know how to cancel your hypothecation!

 Ride Safe !

Cheers Biker BT  


Pic credits:
https://unsplash.com/@gbcaptured
https://unsplash.com/@aydinghadakchi
https://unsplash.com/@onlysiamak



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