BAD IN BLACK: The Multistrada 620 Dark comes in fashionable matte black.

BASIC BRAKES: The Multistrada 620 Dark makes do with one front brake.

MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER: Ducati's Multistrada 620 join a crowded category.

620 Multistrada faces strong competition

September 15, 2004

Ducati's new-for-2005 Multistrada 620 is entering one of the most hotly contested classes in the motorcycle market, the mid-sized enduro-styled street bikes, where it will have to face tough competition.

Lined up against it are:
Honda's TransAlp
Suzuki's 650 V-Strom
Yamaha's XT660
…and, of course, BMW's all-conquering
F650
to name but a few.

It's 13kg lighter and 20mm lower than the original 1000DS with 43mm upside-down forks and Brembo Gold Series brakes and it has most of the power and even more agility than its bigger brother.

The redesigned seat is lower, flatter and more comfortable, with a storage compartment under the pillion section.

The Multistrada 620 Dark comes in matte black with only one front disc brake.

The 2005 Ducati models will be available in South Africa in November; prices will be confirmed when they get here.

Specifications

Motor: Air-cooled four-stroke 90-degree L-twin.
Capacity: 618cc.
Bore x stroke: 80 x 61.5.
Valvegear: SOHC with two desmodromic valves per cylinder.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Power: 46.4kW at 9500rpm.
Torque: 60Nm at 6750rpm.
Induction: Marelli electronic fuel injection, with two 45mm throttle bodies.
Ignition: Electronic.
Starting: Electric.
Clutch: Hydraulically actuated APTC "slipper" wet multiplate clutch.
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox with final drive by chain.
Suspension: 43mm Marzocchi inverted cartridge forks at front, Sachs monoshock adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping at rear.
Brakes: Twin 300mm discs with Brembo twin-piston floating callipers at front, 245mm disc with Brembo twin-pot opposed piston calliper at rear.
Tyres: Front: 120/60 ZR17 tubeless. Rear: 160/60 ZR17 tubeless.
Wheelbase: 1459mm.
Seat height: 830mm.
Dry weight: 183kg.
Fuel capacity: 15 litres.
Price: When they get here.

Additional Resources:

Click here for Motorcycle Books