Ducati set to take on BMW R1200GS by 2010

HERE'S WHAT the French are saying will happen to the next generation Ducati Multistrada - an all new motorcycle with a bigger motor.

According to their spies, there was an announcement at the Milan Show last month to selected dealers that outlined the plans for the multi-purpose machine. In it the dealers were told that the current Multistrada would be replaced in 2010 by a bike that would be very much directed at the BMW R1200GS.

The new bike will not only get a bigger motor (the 1198 lump, no doubt) but new styling sharing key elements from the 1198 too, like the same headlights and fairing cues. Cool.