Ducati Multistrada

Ducati Multistrada (1000DS/1100DS)

Ducati 1000DS Multistrada Compared to the 1100DS S
Manufacturer	Ducati
Production	2003–2009
Successor	Multistrada 1200
Class	Sport-oriented touring
Engine	992 cc, L-twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder Desmodromic; air cooled
Power	92 hp (69 kW)
Torque	92.1 Nm (68 ft.lbf) @ 5400 rpm
Transmission	6-speed, constant mesh, final drive chain
Wheelbase	57.6 in (1462 mm)
Fuel capacity	5.3 gallons US (20 litres)

2006 Multistrada DS1000 equipped for touring

Multistrada 620 cc 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 as well as some unpaved surfaces. Essentially the bike is a hybrid of a supermoto and a sport touring motorcycle. Its upright riding position gives it a stronger appeal for those who like touring but want something lighter than a touring bike. The Multistrada competes in the same niche market as do other multi-purpose and dual-sport motorcycles such as the BMW GS, but even according to the owners manual the Multistrada is not intended for off-road use despite its off-road inspired design.

Designed by Pierre Terblanche as an evolution to Terblanche's previous design the Cagiva Gran Canyon, 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".

Models

The Multistrada 1000DS was released in 2003. There were two basic Ducati Multistrada models in 2005, the 1000DS and the 620. There was also the 620 Dark entry model. For 2007 there are the Multistrada 1100 and 1100S models.

Ducati Multistrada 1000DS

The 2005 Ducati Multistrada 1000DS has a 992 cc air cooled 90° V-Twin with a 40 degree included valve angle, based on Ducati's existing engines, with twin-spark plug heads, pressure fed plain camshaft bearings, redesigned crankshaft, higher oil pressure and volume, and new alloy clutch basket, drive and driven plates. The 2006 1000DS uses Ducati's signature trellis frame with fully adjustable 165 mm travel Showa forks up front, and a single-sided swingarm, with an Öhlins fully adjustable rear shock coupled with a rising rate, height-adjustable suspension system at the rear. Brembo "Serie Oro" four piston brake callipers are used in the front and rear disc brakes. Front 320 mm discs, single 245 mm rear disc, and steel-braided brake lines are used throughout. The discs are now mounted directly to oversized hubs, eliminating the disc carriers.^[1]

Ducati Multistrada 620

Entry level Multistradas feature a number of individual components, like the double sided "Monster" style swing arm, the integrated die cast front and rear footrests, and the three spoke alloy wheels. The cheapest Multistrada is the 620 Dark, with its matt black colour scheme and single 320 mm front disk. There are also parts that look the same, but aren't, like the smaller fuel tank that holds 15 litres, and the simpler instrument panel without on-board computer functions.

The frame is as big as the Multistrada 1000 DS frame, but is different at the rear, where the single sided swing arm has been replaced by a double sided swing arm. Suspension features Marzocchi 43 mm upside down front forks and a Sachs rear monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound. The braking system has a rear disk and two 300 mm front disks with floating callipers operated by a new front master cylinder.

The 620 has an APTC wet clutch. According to Ducati, the wet clutch reduces lever operating effort, ensuring gradual engagement, and incorporates a racing derived "slipper" device to reduce the tendency for the rear wheel to lock-up or chatter during aggressive downshifting.^[2]

History

2003–2004

The first version to be sold in 2003 had a 1,000 cc engine, but a smaller Multistrada 620 cc version was introduced in 2005. The 2003 model Multistrada received most of its criticisms because of its seat, described as "a vinyl covered sheet of plywood" by Motorcyclist magazine, and windscreen that caused undue buffeting.

2005–2006

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 Öhlins 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.

2007

In 2007, the 1,000 cc engine was replaced with a 1,100 cc engine that was claimed to produce an extra 5 ft·lbf (6.8 N·m) 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 changed from the 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 improvied fuel gauge accuracy, improved vibration isolated handlebars were introduced to reduce rider fatigue. A closed loop fuel injection system replaced the open loop FI system on the 1,000 cc models and the characteristic dry clutch was replaced with a conventional wet-clutch. Ducati also increased the valve adjust interval from 6,000 to 7,000 miles (9,700 to 11,000 km) for a claimed 50% reduction in maintenance costs.

2008

In 2008, the bike received minor tweaks to the decals changing to a font that closer resembles the graphics on the Ducati 1098 and Marchesini stickers adorn the lip of the wheels (although the wheels are still made by Brembo and are unchanged from previous years). The closed loop FI systems also got some fine tuning to make it more refined. Finally a small sticker proclaiming "Moto GP Campioni Del Mondo" (Champion of the World) was added to the top of the fuel tank in honor of Casey Stoner's Desmosedici Moto GP Championship in 2007.

2009

The Multistrada was essentially unchanged from the 2008 model.

2010

Main article: Ducati Multistrada 1200

A new model called the Multistrada 1200 was presented at 2009 EICMA in Milan. It includes throttle by wire, a detuned version of the 1,200 cc liquid-cooled engine from the Ducati 1198 sportbike, and optional electronically adjustable suspension.^[3]

References

1. ^ [1] Ducati.com Multistrada chassis specifications (retrieved December 31 2006)
2. ^ [2] WebBikeWorld.com Multistrada 620 (retrieved December 31 2006)
3. ^ Ducati 2010 Multistrada 1200, WebBikeWorld, http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-motorcycles/multistrada-1200/, retrieved 2010-01-04 

External links

• new model official page
• Official model information at Ducati.com
• Motorcyclist Magazine Multistrada Road Test
• Motorcycle USA Multistrada Road Test
• CanyonChasers Multistrada 50,000 Mile Review