Ducati Multistrada

The term Multistrada implies “many roads” and this touring cum Supermoto bike from Ducati does justice to its name. The bike was introduced by Ducati in 2003 and has come a long way ever since. Designed by Ducati’s lead designer Pierre Terblanche and has received mix response from critics and regular users ever since. Some people simply love the design for its innovative mould (most important of all innovations that have gone into the bike include a large tank that extends all the way to the back) while others just find it a pain to the eyes. On the whole, however, the bike has been well received as a sports bike with touring capabilities.

The Multistrada had its initial hiccups and the first model that was launched in 2003 with a 1000cc motor received criticism for its uncomfortable and hard seat, an inefficient windscreen and a relatively incorrect fuel indicator that would show the “low” sign in spite of the tank being almost half full.

The 2005-2006 variants of the Multistrada were ramped up to include a softer seat and optional windscreens that were larger and prevented most of the air splash. The side stand was improved and made longer since the side stand in the earlier versions was too short and often resulted in an accidental tip-over for the bike. The 1000 DS Multistrada that was launched in 2005-06 had Ohlins suspension and black wheels.

2007 saw the 1000 cc motor being converted into the more powerful 1100 cc one. The smaller 620 cc Multistrada model was also dropped in this year. The suspensions were changed from Showa to Marzocchi suspensions in the front and Sachs in the rear- much like other Ducati bikes. This helped in keeping the cost of this new model in check. The Open Loop Fuel Injection System was replaced by a closed loop one and the typical-Ducati dry clutch was replaced by a wet clutch because of the increase in the motor capacity from 1000 cc to 1100 cc.

2008 did not see too many changes in the basic 2007 model apart from some minor facelifts and some more refinement of the Closed loop FI system. 2009 was also relatively non-happening in terms of any major changes to the engine. In 2010, however, a more powerful Multistrada was launched with a 1200 cc engine, a wire-throttle and an electronically adjustable suspension. The bike was showcased at the EICMA 2009 in Milan.

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