Ducati Multistrada

Multistrada DS1000S 1000cc version

2006 Multistrada DS1000 Equipped for Touring

Multistrada 620cc version

The Multistrada is a model of motorcycle introduced by Ducati in 2003. The word Multistrada is Italian for "many roads" as the bike is designed to handle asphalt and dirt road riding with equal agility. Its upright riding position gives it a stronger appeal for those who like touring but want something smaller than a touring bike. Designed by Ducati's head designer Pierre Terblanche, the Multistrada has always received mixed reviews for its aesthetics. One magazine reviewer said the bike looked like a "wet cat with a large forehead". The Multistrada's most impressive technological advancement was the fuel tank that runs all the way to the rear of the back seat. The bike inspired the Ducati sponsored Centopassi "Competitive Motorcycle Adventure" in Italy in July of 2003.

The first version to be sold in 2003 had a 1000 cc engine, but a smaller Multistrada 620cc version was introduced in 2005. The 2003 model Multistrada received most of its criticisms because of its miserable seat, described as "a vinyl covered sheet of plywood" by Motorcyclist magazine, and windscreen that caused undue buffeting. The fuel gauge is also known to be extremely pessimistic, showing the low fuel light when there are 2.5 gallons remaining in the 5.5 gallon fuel tank.

In 2005 the 1000DS Multistrada received an improved side stand (the 2003-2004 side stand was too short and made the bike prone to accidental tip-over), redesigned seats with softer padding and less angular shapes, improved mirrors with longer stems for better visibility and the optional touring screen from the 2003-2004 model year became standard. 2005 also saw the introduction of the 1000DS S model that came with Ohlins suspension, black wheels and carbon fiber belt covers and front fender. The S-model also came with an aluminum oversized handlebar that was said to reduce vibration and improve handling.

In 2007 the 1000cc motor was replaced with a 1100cc motor that was claimed to produce five more foot pounds of torque and the 620 model was dropped. Both the S and standard models came with black wheels but the suspension on the standard model was downgraded from the top-shelf Showa components of previous years to a Marzocchi front fork and a Sachs rear shock in order to make the S-model more appealing. Ducati also claimed to have fixed the infamously inaccurate fuel gauge, improved vibration isolated handlbars were introduced to reduce rider fatigue.

The Multistrada competes in the same niche market as do other multi purpose motorcycles such as the BMW GS but even according to the Owners Manual the Multistrada is not indended for off-road use despite its off-road inspired design. The Multistrada is much lighter, more responsive and has better handling manners than most of the bikes in the same genre such as the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and KTM Adventure due to many of the Ducati's race-track components such as the Brembo Brakes and extremely light wheels. In 2007 Triumph released the 1050cc Tiger, which has become the only bike to directly compete with the Multistrada.

It is rumored that Ducati will feature a completely redesigned Multistrada in 2009, confirmed also by a.d. Ducati Gabriele Del Torchio in an interview to the italian magazine "Motociclismo"

References

• Gabriele Del Torchio interview about Multistrada (in italian)
• Motorcyclist Magazine Multistrada Road Test
• Motorcycle USA Multistrada Road Test
• English Multistrada Forum