Ducati Multistrada

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".

Reception

Motor Cycle News described the original Multistrada 1000 as "a truly versatile motorcycle", but let down by "a smallish tank and limited performance".Motorcycle Consumer News categorised the Multistrada as an "Open Standard".

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 1200

The Multistrada 1200 is a motorcycle manufactured by Ducati since 2010. The engine is a retuned version of the Testastretta from the 1198 superbike, now called the Testastretta 11° for its 11° valve overlap (reduced from 41°). All models include throttle by wire, selectable engine mapping (full power with sensitive or relaxed throttle response, and reduced power with relaxed throttle response) and traction control adjustable through eight levels, called DTC (Ducati Traction Control).

The bike comes in three equipment levels, the base, the S-Sport and the S-Touring. The S models include ABS (optional on standard model) and electronically adjustable suspension, called DES (Ducati Electronic Suspension). The S Sport model features carbon fiber air intakes, cam belt covers and rear hugger, while the S Touring model comes with heated grips, hard luggage and a center stand.

Over 10,000 units were sold in the first year.

The Multistrada 1200 won the 1205 Division of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2010, 2011 and in 2012. In 2012 a Spider Grips Ducati Team Multistrada ridden by Carlin Dunne achieved the first sub 10 minute time for a motorcycle with a 9:52.819, only a bit over a second slower than the 2011 overall record.