Custom Search

THE RIGHT STUFF: The Multistrada 1000S DS gets racing-spec Öhlins suspension at both ends, together with more power and less weight.

HOOLIGAN TOOL: It may look like an adventure tourer but the Multistrada 1000S DS is also a canyon carver's delight.

Ducati Multistrada 1000S DS - blacktop hooligan

September 16, 2004

Ducati has promoted the Multistrada from its inception as the ultimate blacktop warrior, despite its enduro styling.

It's comfortable and stable enough to ride all day, yet still agile enough to carve a few tight lines before sunset; indeed, the upright seat position and wide bars have plenty leverage to throw it around.

Even the factory was a little surprised by how capable this "practical all-rounder" was when it came to unstraight roads – and by how hard some hooligans were riding them.

For 2005 it has come up with an uprated S model with top-drawer suspension components taken directly from the Superbike racing parts bin and some expensively lighter ancillaries to reduce weight.

The S variant also gets all the 2005 updates of the standard model: redesigned seats, a taller windscreen and repositioned mirrors. Now the rider can see more than just his elbows.

There's also a better, more stable, side stand.

The suspension at each end is by Öhlins with 43mm, fully adjustable upside-downies with TiN-coated stanchions in front and a piggyback Öhlins monoshock adjustable for preload (via a remote knob), compression, rebound and even ride height, on the single-sided rear swing-arm.

Deceleration is taken care of by Brembo Gold Series four-pot callipers on 320mm discs hooked to braided stainless-steel hoses.

Although Ducati's media release says very firmly "more powerful", the engine specs for both the standard and S models quote the same 68.6kW at 8000rpm and 92Nm at 5000rpm – which, it must be said, is a considerable improvement over the 2004 version's 62kW and 84Nm.

Maybe that's what the spin doctors meant.

The two kilogram weight reduction on the S was achieved by fitting tapered aluminium handlebars and using carbon fibre for the front mudguard and cam belt covers.

The S also gets CAN bus wiring; only two wires take care of all the bike's electrical needs rather than the double handful of multicoloured spaghetti so beloved of Fiat mechanics.

If you really need to embarrass your sports bike-riding friends while sitting bolt upright on what looks like an overgrown beetle-crusher, this is the bike to use.

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: 992cc.
Bore x stroke: 94 x 71.5.
Valvegear: SOHC with two desmodromic valves per cylinder.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Power: 68.6kW at 8000rpm.
Torque: 92Nm at 5000rpm.
Induction: Marelli electronic fuel-injection through two 45mm throttle bodies.
Ignition: Electronic, two spark plugs per cylinder.
Starting: Electric.
Clutch: Hydraulically dry multiplate clutch.
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox with chain final drive.
Suspension: 43mm Showa inverted cartridge forks at front, adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping, Showa monoshock adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping, with remote hydraulic preload control, at rear.
Brakes: Twin 320mm discs with Brembo four-pot opposed piston callipers at front, 245mm disc with Brembo twin-pot opposed piston calliper at rear.
Tyres: Front: 120/70 ZR17 tubeless. Rear: 180/55 ZR17 tubeless.
Wheelbase: 1462mm.
Seat height: 850mm.
Dry weight: 198kg.
Fuel capacity: 20 litres.

Additional Resources:

Click here for Motorcycle Books