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Ducati 1000DS
MultiStrada Test
Submitted by Smeggy
Post a comment about this bike test!
(Our N. Ireland resident Davy Filson takes Ducati's new MultiStrada
for a spin on the beautiful roads around Belfast...and gives us his
real world opinions on it.)
I was able
to sort out a test ride of the new Ducati MultiStrada and luckily for
me, the day dawned dry and bright. So off to Belfast to the main
Ducati dealers (Hurst Motorcycles) and met Ken who is a senior
salesman. I've known Ken for quite some time, so I was looking forward
to this ride as he had told me how good this bike is.
After he had ran over
the basic operations required for the bike and with it being fuelled
up, it was off into the wide blue yonder.
So
off I went and onto some dual carriageway for the first part of the
ride. I was impressed by how this new dual spark engine picked up.
Instant stomp and rapid acceleration with a mere twist of the wrist.
Onto the slab and quickly up to 70, then 80 mph. This seemed to be the
bikes "sweet-spot" on a motorway as I noticed that the
windblast coming over the small screen made things slightly
uncomfortable if I went faster. My first thoughts were that I'd change
the screen for the higher one that is available from the extensive
after-market parts catalog.
However,
this didn't last too long as I made my way onto the test route that
I've become familiar with over the years. This is a road that has it
all. Fast sweeping curves, blind corners, hills and crests with plenty
of opportunity to test out just how good a bike handles and brakes.
So
far, things were going well. The bike gave me loads of confidence
through the bends with the suspension soaking up everything thrown at
it. In fact, there's plenty of places on this route that has me out of
the seat of my Vtec, but the 'Strada took them all in its stride.
Ducati have done a first class job of setting this baby up for all
types of roads and conditions. The new Pirelli tyres designed for this
bike gave no cause for concern no-matter how hard I tried to make them
misbehave. I can't comment on their wet weather ability (thank
goodness) but they certainly do grip well in the dry.
I
also noticed that I seemed to be entering corner about 10 mph faster
than I usually would which speaks volumes for the good handling nature
of this machine. And do those brake work ? You bet ! Stacks of feel
and progression at the 'bar helped no doubt by the stainless braided
hoses that come as standard.
The
most amazing thing was the way the engine just seemed to keep on
pulling out of corners. it wasn't even a case of being in the right
gear at the right time. Top gear roll-ons were equally impressive, though'
the top handlebar fairing and clocks tended to shake quite a bit from
lower speeds while in top gear. I guess that's because of the vibes a
big V twin puts out, but it didn't detract from the experience I was
having and it does calm down once the engine is turning over above
3000 rpm. It's also hard to believe that this motor "only"
puts out 84 bhp. I know that doesn't sound a lot given today's mega
power outputs, but that's missing the point with this bike. You really
have to try one to see what I mean. The type of road that I was on
really suited the Ducati brilliantly and I must admit to having a
great time hoofing down these country roads.
By
now, I'd covered about 75 miles and I'd found the ergos on the Duke to
suit my 5' 11" frame nicely. The only complaint was from my bum.
The seat is just too hard for longer trips, but yet again, Ducati do
offer a "comfort seat" for those wishing to do some serious
miles. So that's a screen and a seat on my up-grade list. What's next
? Well, the mirrors are useless. Although I didn't notice any real
vibration through the handlebars, the mirrors seem to blur quite a
bit. there's certain times through the rev-range that they do appear
pretty clear, but that's also no good as all I really saw were my
elbows. No matter how I tried to adjust them I just couldn't get a
clear view behind me. I think if they were an inch longer, they'd be
able to give you a better view of the blur behind.
But
that's really all my main gripes dealt with. I've been very taken with
this bike and could see one in the garage. I don't know if I could
give up my viffer just yet, but who knows ? What I do know is when I
got back on my own bike, it seemed rather lacking in soul.
Yes, the Vtec is smooth and refined compared to what seems like a real
character of a bike which seems to have great charisma, and I did end
my ride with a grin running ear to ear. So I have to ask, when was the
last time a bike make you feel like that ?
Ducati's
ugly duckling may not appeal to the younger sportbike riders, but
that's their loss. I've found a bike that is a hoot to ride and even
in my short 100 mile spin, the MultiStrada could be a serious
contender for a place in the Smeggy garage. It's definitely in the
fantasy one as of now.
Reader Comments
 - The Author |
6:43 AM PST - 6/20/2003 |
| I'd just like to state that Ducati (or Hursts) didn't pay me to do this glowing report. Damn!!
IP:80.1.28.140 |
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| - Nozz |
1:54 PM PST - 6/20/2003 |
| Just be careful parking the new Duck on the side of the road, like in the first picture. Oncoming traffic would be a waste of a good weekend ride. (Just kidding). Maybe it's me, but I like this new Duck. The hard bags do it justice as well. I wonder how it will be received in the US.
IP:198.26.118.36 |
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| - Liberal Redneck |
3:53 AM PST - 6/22/2003 |
| I wonder if Mrs. Redneck would let me have a third bike? Maybe I could sell her car, give her the CB 400. Yeah, right! The bike does look awesome though, I have it on my short list of sport-touring bikes to look at when I get back to the US.
IP:61.22.93.109 |
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 - Gregzilla |
9:47 PM PST - 6/22/2003 |
| I just saw one this weekend at the local Ducati dealership. I want one! Red please.
IP:68.101.163.70 |
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 - Wellman |
12:06 PM PST - 6/23/2003 |
| All we need next time is some video. Nothing sweeter than hear and seeing new bikes.
IP:134.134.136.2 |
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| - KingKraz |
6:46 PM PST - 6/23/2003 |
| Thanks for the great report!
I wish I could ride one myself. Big fan of the Duc here... well, almost ALL Ducs in general.
Mike
IP:24.220.35.45 |
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 - Tyrroneous |
9:27 AM PST - 6/24/2003 |
| Great report Smeg. Nice photos too! Everything I've read about the Multi has been positive...I just wish it wasn't so ugly.
IP:207.243.118.1 |
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 - bcmike |
9:34 PM PST - 6/28/2003 |
| Stopped in at local Duc dealer today for a look but this model is not expected until August. Only 10 coming to Canada, not even one per dealer. I mentioned the lack of fenders. Salesmans answer? No one rides a Duc in the rain...
IP:24.64.223.204 |
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 - Ruefus |
6:39 AM PST - 7/01/2003 |
| Yes - but has anyone ridden it two-up. If it's good that way - I may have found my next bike.
IP:204.254.175.249 |
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| - traveller |
5:07 AM PST - 7/03/2003 |
| The multi-strada has drawn a lot of interest from ALL the riders that I know. I think they're waiting on more rider impressions, but they seem to be very enthused about the Multi-stroodle
IP:152.163.201.207 |
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| - Elseanno |
10:36 AM PST - 7/15/2003 |
| I'm doomed......I always like the oddball bikes. I drool over this and the V-Strom. WTF? Well it will probably be a V-Strom for me, cuz $$$ talks......
IP:64.169.160.96 |
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| - V-StromGeezer |
5:56 PM PST - 7/16/2003 |
| Elseanno,
<>
And I just passed through 20,500 miles on my year old Strom. Worthless below 4,000. Clutch basket? Strada for me!
IP:64.170.154.118 |
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| - DucDoc2 |
3:22 PM PST - 7/22/2003 |
| I am a Duc lover. Have two; a 900SS and an ST4s. Just checked out the Multistrada. Looks like three Ducs for me.
IP:63.231.34.16 |
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| - Il Mostro900s |
11:46 PM PST - 8/10/2003 |
| Looks like my 1998 Monster 900s is going in for a trade.... I just have to buy the new Multistrada...
IP:213.187.163.178 |
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| - activator |
7:11 AM PST - 8/28/2003 |
| Went to the Ducati dealer ride the MultiStrada. Checkbook in hand. This was the bike for me.
Looks better in person. Well put together. The engine is sweet, powerful, and that Ducati sound... 'nuf said. Brakes are ace. Shifts are smooth, click in without a hitch. Guages are high, easy to read. Overall, a really nice bike.
Bad news.
The seat felt comfy at first, but, after only 30 minutes, I couldn't wait to get off! The wind blast feels like it has NO fairing! The mirrors vibrate so much they are un-useable. The clutch is really heavy. Dissapointing, to say the least.
I'm crushed.
IP:216.15.88.248 |
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| - GettinOne |
8:16 PM PST - 9/13/2003 |
| I just rode a Multistrada today. I also drove a Buell Lightning 9 and a Lighning 12. I am a dualsport rider at heart. The ergo's are perfect, the power band is SOOOO useable, the handling is absofrigginlootly fantastic. If there are turns and twisties in the road, the Multistrada is less likely to crash. If I am at a stoplight with a Buell, I am NOT going to engage in a duel. The Buells have the "brute force" thing down. Not the handleing or ergonomics though... I believe there will be a Multistrada in my garage by the end of this week! I can't wait!!!
IP:24.26.176.197 |
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| - It´s mine |
6:30 AM PST - 11/08/2003 |
| Two month ago I bouth one Multistrada..a really really nice bike.
IP:213.199.76.35 |
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| - ksann |
10:32 PM PST - 12/02/2003 |
| Great write up. Why didn't you stop by my house on your trip? Next time tell your friend at the dealer that you will be stopping by my house......
IP:66.215.69.71 |
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