Ducati Multistrada

Ducati Multistrada (1000DS/1100DS)

Ducati 1000DS Multistrada Compared to the 1100DS S
Manufacturer	Ducati
Production	Since 2003
Successor	Multistrada 1200
Class	Standard[1] / Dual-sport
Engine	992 cc (1000DS), V-twin, 2 valves per cylinder Desmodromic; air cooled
Transmission	6-speed, constant mesh, final drive chain
Wheelbase	1,462 mm (57.6 in)
Fuel capacity	20 l (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal)

2006 Multistrada DS1000 equipped for touring

Multistrada 620 cc version

First introduced in 2003, the Ducati Multistrada is series of V-twin "street trailie" motorcycles. Essentially a hybrid of a supermoto and a sport-tourer, the Multistrada competes in the market with other dual-sport motorcycles such as the BMW GS; but, like the Yamaha TDM850, the Multistrada is neither intended nor suitable for off-road use.

Designed by Pierre Terblanche as an evolution to his previous design, the Cagiva Gran Canyon, the Multistrada has drawn mixed reviews for its unconventional aesthetics. The word Multistrada is Italian for "many roads". Motorcycle Consumer News categorises the Multistrada as a standard.^[1]

Reception

Motor Cycle News described the original Multistrada 1000 as "a truly versatile motorcycle", but let down by "a smallish tank and limited performance".^[2][3][4]

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 were Multistrada 1100 and 1100S models.

Ducati Multistrada 1000DS

The 2005 Ducati Multistrada 1000DS has a 992 cc air cooled 90° V-twin engine 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 a Showa 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.^[5] The wet weight is 504–505 lb (229–229 kg).^[1][6]

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.^[7]

History

2003–2004

The first version to be sold in 2003 had a 1,000 cc engine, but a smaller 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 11,300 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. The closed loop FI systems also got some fine tuning to make it more refined. It also got a timer switch for the lights (the lights come on with the ignition and have no off switch) that shuts them off after 60 seconds if the engine has not been started, helping to increase battery life, plus a factory fitted immobiliser for better security.

2009

The Multistrada was essentially unchanged from the 2008 model.

2010

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.^[8]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ducati Multistrada.

• Official model information at Ducati.com
• Motorcyclist magazine Multistrada road test
• Motorcycle USA Multistrada Road Test