Ducati Multistrada
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2008) |
| Ducati 1000DS Multistrada Compared to the 1100DS S | |
| Manufacturer | Ducati Motor Holding |
|---|---|
| Production | since 2003 |
| 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) |
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. Essentially the bike is a hybrid of a Supermoto and a Sport Touring bike. 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 as an evolution to Tereblanche'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". 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 2003.
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.
History
2003–2004
The first version to be sold in 2003 had a 1000 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. The fuel gauge is also known to be extremely pessimistic, showing the low fuel light when there are 2.5–3.0 gallons remaining in the 5.5 US gallons (4.6 imp gal; 21 L) fuel tank.
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 1000 cc motor was replaced with a 1100 cc motor 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 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 handlebars were introduced to reduce rider fatigue. A closed loop Fuel Injection system replaced the open loop FI system on the 1000 cc models and the characteristic dry clutch was replaced with a conventional wet-clutch. Ducati also increased the valve adjust interval from 6,000 miles to 7,500 miles 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 but the S model was available in Pearl White with a "racing grey" frame. Both the S and the standard model are both available in red and black.
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 1200 cc liquid-cooled engine from the Ducati 1198 sportbike, and optional electronically adjustable suspension.[1]
References
- ^ Ducati 2010 Multistrada 1200, WebBikeWorld, retrieved 2010-01-04
External links
