2004 Ducati Multistrada

The Multistrada, Ducati's new-generation sport bike that delivers extraordinary performance and design while offering the possibility to ride wherever there is pavement, has become one of the hottest topics in the motorcycle industry in years. Designed to stand up to and thrive on all road surfaces, the Multistrada represents a new family of bikes in the Ducati line.

Inventing a new product line is never a simple task, but the Ducati technicians successfully rose to the challenge and produced an entirely new motorcycle, capable of satisfying the demands of even the most demanding riders.

During the development of the Multistrada, Ducati Design and R&D carefully studied two popular types of motorcycles: sport bikes, with their pinpoint handling, power and verve; and the big dual-purpose or enduro models, with their comfort and versatility. By combining their strengths, the formula for the Multistrada was born: a high performance, lightweight, comfortable and versatile sport bike - equally at home on mountain roads, highways, city streets and even at the occasional track day.

The outstanding performance of the Multistrada is not only the result of advanced design. It is also thanks to the 1000cc engine and the highest quality Superbike components. The Multistrada combines the signature Ducati trellis frame, advanced Superbike suspension, race-bred brakes, a new single-sided swingarm and performance wheels and tyres.

With a full compliment of accessories - dedicated saddlebags, rear rack, satellite navigation system, performance enhancing components and more -- riders can extend their boundaries even further.

The Multistrada 1000 DS is the first entry to a new family of motorcycles for Ducati. It builds on, and compliments, the successful high performance Superbike and Supersport lines, the Sport Touring family born of the European Gran Turismo tradition, and the aggressive and trend-setting Monster family.

The Multistrada 1000 DS is a complete motorcycle for riders who want to challenge the myriad of roads around the world.

The Multistrada never fails to turn heads. It showcases original styling solutions, such as an integrated tank/seat/tail section, a two-part front fairing and a single under seat silencer. These innovative design elements required the use of new and emerging technologies so advanced that they are rarely used in motorcycle engineering. The tank, seat base and tail section are moulded into one piece giving the Multistrada a unique and functional look. This technical solution has created a bike that is as narrow to a typical single cylinder motorcycle while still providing an exceptional fuel capacity of about 20 litres. The unique fuel tank, essentially two tanks created as one piece, required the R&D engineers at Ducati to develop a system that ensures the correct airflow and fuel distribution when re-fuelling and as the fuel level gradually goes down during use. The technical engineering solutions are unique, and in fact, one device in the system has been patented by the Ducati R&D Department. Every styling detail has been designed to make the Multistrada unique while remaining practical and functional. A new instrument cluster includes an oversize electronic/analog readout tachometer. An LCD screen can be cycled to display a variety of readouts including speed, in kilometers or miles, engine temperature, low fuel warning, trip meter and time. The front turn signals are integrated into the mirrors, saving weight and adding a 'clean' look to the bike. The newly designed headlamp includes a projection lamp and a wide field main beam. The headlamp's aim (height) is electronically adjustable by remote control from the instrument panel, offering easy adjustment for maximum visibility as cargo loads change.

As a bike that is intended to be comfortable and practical, yet perform like a sport bike the Multistrada's chassis specifications are very similar to those of the 999. The seat height is just a few millimetres higher and the fork angle is the same. The wheelbase is slightly longer and the Multistrada has greater ground clearance. Ducati Design has made the Multistrada as slim as possible - as narrow as a typical single cylinder motorcycle. Its layout strikes a balance between the rear-set foot peg and low clip-on handlebar position of a super sport, and the raised handlebar, feet forward position of big dual sports. The Multistrada utilizes the signature Ducati trellis frame. It's strong and light thanks to its ingenious trellis design using welded ALS 450 tubing. The mitered and welded tubing gains its rigidity from triangulation and material integrity, not volume as is the case with the more common extruded aluminium frames. Furthermore, our incredibly strong engine cases are an active component of our frame, a "stressed member," saving weight and contributing to rigidity for confiden and consistent road holding. Ducati chose some of its best Superbike suspension and layout for the Multistrada 1000. Showa fully adjustable forks ensure plush, accurate and confident handling. For the Multistrada, we've added more travel for a total of 165 mm to tackle and smooth-out uneven and changing road conditions.

A new single-sided swingarm features a new larger axle carrier and bearings. Additionally, the swingarm pivot is fixed to engine cases and frame, further increasing rigidity and reliability. It combines with a Showa fully adjustable shock with convenient remote pre-load adjuster to handle rear damping duties. The Ducati Superbike derived rising rate, height adjustable suspension system has been utilized, which allows you to adjust ride height independently from spring pre-load, so your chassis can be modified to suit your riding style and road conditions. Both front and rear suspension are fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, plus spring preload, ensuring that the Multistada can be tuned to any riding style or road condition. The Multistrada's braking system is also a direct descendent of the Ducati Superbike family. Only the best Brembo "Serie Oro" calipers are used front and rear. Up front newly designed 320 mm discs are gripped by Brembo four piston calipers and a single 220 mm disc is used in the rear. Performance is enhanced with steel-braided brake lines front and rear. And to complete the system, a newly designed lightweight, compact and space efficient fluid reservoir is mounted to a Superbike Brembo PSC 16 brake pump.

Technically, the "1000 DS" is an all-new 90° L-Twin power plant. The design starts with completely new cylinder heads, and further innovations that extend to the very heart of the motor, the crankshaft. The Desmodue, air-cooled, DS (dual spark) 992cc 90° L-Twin is new from top to bottom, and is the next generation Ducati air-cooled motor. With very high torque output and twin spark plugs that improve combustion efficiency and lower emissions, the 1000 DS motor is the perfect match for the Multistrada Just like the 999, the Multistrada also uses innovative electronic technology to improve reliability, reduce weight and ensure maximum performance while still respecting the stringent emission limits. An example of the applied technology is the CAN line electronics, introduced as a worldwide first by Ducati on the 999. This technology enables direct communication between the engine control unit and instrument panel, using only two electric cables instead of the usual bundles of wiring. Electronic fuel injection, CAN line electronics and Ducati engineering ensure that the 1000 DS engine delivers years of reliable high performance riding pleasure.

• Engine Type - L-twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
• Displacement - 992 cc
• Bore and stroke - 94 x 71.5 mm
• Compression Ratio - 10:01
• Power - 62 kW - 84 HP @ 8000 rpm
• Torque - 84 Nm - 8,5 Kgm @ 5000 rpm
• Fuel injection - Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45 mm throttle body
• Exhaust - Exhaust Exhaust system with single steel muffler, with pre-silencer and catalytic converter (non-catalytic for USAversion)
• Emissions - Euro 2
• Gearbox - 6 speed
• Ratio - 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 24/28
• Primary drive - Straight cut gears; ratio 1.84
• Final drive - Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 42
• Clutch - Dry multiplate with hydraulic control
• Frame - Tubular steel trellis frame
• Wheelbase - 57.6 in / 1462 mm
• Rake - 24°
• Steering angle - 35° right and left
• Front suspension - Showa 43 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork
• Front wheel travel - 6.5 in / 165 mm
• Front wheel - New 6-spoke design in light alloy 3.50 x17
• Front tyre - 120/70 ZR 17
• Rear suspension - Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock; hydraulic remote pre-load control. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
• Rear wheel travel - 5.6 in / 141 mm
• Rear wheel - 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17
• Rear tyre - 180/55 ZR 17
• Front Brake - 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, 4-piston, 2-pad caliper
• Rear Brake - 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
• Fuel capacity - 5.3 US gal (of which 1.7 US gal reserve)
• Weight - 441 lbs / 200 Kg
• Seat height - 33.5 in / 850 mm
• Max height - 50.6 in / 1286 mm
• Max length - 83.9 in / 2130 mm
• Instruments - Speedometer, rev counter, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, warning light for low oil pressure, fuel level, oil temperature, fuel reserve,neutral, turn signals, average speed, average fuel consumption, remaining fuel metre, fuel injection diagnostic system, immobilizer.
• Warranty - 2 years unlimited mileage