Ducati Multistrada 1000DS reviews

I have had this bike about eight months and have only about 2500 miles on it. I ride mostly for pleasure early on Sunday mornings on back roads at naughty speeds - "sportbike land.I have done it all, from the 1968 GreenStreak dirtbike to the more recent Roadking, Victory, and an entire range of heavy BMWs. My previous favorite was the BMW K12RS. This new Ducati concept bike outdoes them all, and mostly because it can do it all. It is strictly for riders who happen to like an upright, highly natural seating posture, know how to actually ride a bike well, but are not wanting aggressive posture, due to age, knees, or whatever, and still want performance. The word for the Multistrada 1100S is "nimble. It is very light and feels that way, but has wonderful frame rigidity, excellent braking, and a certain overall accuracy/quickness that makes the curvies more fun. Thanks to the amazing Ohlins struts it cannot be forced to misbehave like a cruiser, yet the bike is comfy for hours droning down an interstate, no kidding. And city street/parking lot handling is like no other bike I have had in the last thirty years. Easy, just easy. Thanks to the highly-developed unique engine, it has enough power to do everything any person ought to settle for (about 50 horsepower less than my K12, but torque-city and also way more than three hundred pounds lighter). The transmission takes some getting used to and it comes geared slightly too high (change sprockets, problem solved), but after some hours it is easy to manage, nearly as smooth as the BMWs, and quicker. The one thing I would recommend is to make sure about your dealer, as Ducks are special. My dealer is a quarter mile from home and of the best quality going. Lucky me. Show less

I bought a silver/grey 2003 model with 20,000 miles on it. With full service history. I've just come back to biking after a 12 year gap and I have to say I love this thing! Handles superbly with good tyres-Pirelli Scorpions(original fitment here)are fine and the tread pattern really suits the look of the bike. The weather here in Ireland really does not suit Ducati's - corrosion is a real problem on any exposed metal surface especially the engine casings and brake/clutch levers. I was really suprised how light and narrow the bike feels compared to a Japanese straight 4 - as a result the seat height is not a problem even for someone of my stature and I felt right at home after only a few short miles. Wind protection is only okay -anything over 75mph is a real pain if you intend on covering any distance. Jesus - that side stand is plain dangerous!- very unstable. Ducati will offer an improved version to anyone who contacts them - I believe that 2005 onwards models do not have this problem. However, overall the feel good factor I get riding this thing more than makes up for any minor gripes I may have. Show less

Near perfect in every respect. Aside from the exhaust being quiet (although visceral) I've yet to find a flaw in this bike. I have complete confidence in every situation when riding. I'm never left wanting more power. Wind protection is surprisingly good. No silent pocket mind you but I always wear a good full face and earplugs. I wish I could be more subjective but to point out any bad habits in this bike would be an exaggeration of something very minor. Show less

I bought an 04' MTS, in red this spring. It was a demo bike from Ducati Richmond. It is a great bike! Much more comfortable with its riding position. I like it b/c it's an all-rounder. I can take it on long trips, ride it around town, to work. And it's got a perfomance enough to rival sportbikes! The DS engine is, I think, one of Ducati's best. Only problem has been an exhaust leak, which has been known to occur on bikes fitted with the Termi exhuast. It's being remedied, but it is my only real problem I've had with the bike. I will be looking into a touring seat in the future! Show less

This is my second new bike in 2 years. Traded the C50 Boulevard on the Ducati. I rode both the 1000, and 620. If I had the cash at the time, I would have chosen the 1000. But the 620 still impressed me enough to sign on the dotted line. The bike can be challenging to throw a leg over the rear, but once mounted up the riding position is comfortable. The fist thing you notice when cruising down the highway, is how well the faring directs wind over you for its size. It also seems to have an endless gearbox at times, keep forgetting it has 6. Once off the highway, and on to some back roads, you'll find that the bike really comes into its nature. It fits narrow between the legs, and with the bar width, and riding position, this thing CARVES through the corners like none other I've ridden. It inspires confidence, and never leads you a- stray. Although not quite as sexy as the 1000, no matter where I park her, it always draws a crowd. Very few Ducs in my area running around. So yes, it's a great ego-stroker too. For the price, you get some top-of-the-line standard equipment you don't see on many bikes. To name a few...Marelli FI, steel braided brake, and clutch hoses, Brembo brakes, Awesome headlight, Desmo valve actuation (no valve springs) composite fuel tank...never rust out or dent. What can I say, it's a great all-rounder, and I would recommend the product. I think my next bike might be the 1000S Multistrada, with factory tuned Ohlins suspension............OH YEAH! Show less

I just bought this bike one month ago and it is in a league of its own. I researched it before I bought it and decided to test drive it (do not test drive this bike unless you are prepared to buy it). I grew up on dirt bikes and enjoy the similar stance that the multistrada offers. I admire the sport bike hunch but for the all purpose riding that I need, this bike has it all! The bike is light and maneuvers with ease. Response out of the dual spark is incredible! Fuel capacity is a problem if you need distance but it won't be a problem for me. That is the only thing I can say about it that could be a problem for some. THIS BIKE ROCKS! Show less

After considering many other bikes - I just purchased a Multistrada 620 (2006 Model). I had not ridden for 15 years - and after test riding the Mutlistrada, immediately knew it was the "re-entry" bike for me. I have put only 200 miles on it over the past few days - but aleady know that the ergonomics of the upright riding postion suit me perfectly. Previous negative comments regarding the position of the Multistrada's mirrors must have been addressed by Ducati - because I have no problem with their placement. The seat height(32.5") could be a little high for some - and there is not a real graceful way to lift your leg over the pillion because of its raised positon above the exhaust - but I wouldn't change anything with the overall look of the bike. I've received nothing but positve comments regarding the Ducati's unique style. I'll follow-up with a more comprehensive reivew after 2K miles - but so far - this bike makes me smile every time I ride it. Show less

With the Sargent seat, the brider is comfortable all day. Handling improves from very good to excellent by continual suspension adjustments, add tension to spring and dampening to the rear, add heighth to the rear (1/4 inch), add dampening to the front forks. Delivery of bike was marginal, too much play in throttle, brakes needed air bleed within a few hundred miles. Handling and comfort are best features. It's the king of Loveland Pass! It's easy to scrap the pegs & heat shield, without drama...really a grat ride in the Mountains, cooks BMW's and many UJM 600s. People are always commenting on how ugly or beautiful it is, adds to the fun. Show less

Finding a bike that can double as a sport bike and tourer is not easy, but the Multistrada is pure magic, fantastic on the open road and brilliant on the twisties. Computer system had to be replaced and just needed to be cut out, which is just like hitting the kill button... very unerving when it happened. After replacing the command unit, no more problems. Front brakes suffer from juddering in the last few feet before stopping. That will need to be sorted. Useless mirrors and crazy fuel gauge are the only real gripes. Superb riding position for the taller riders, short riders might find it hard getting their feet on the ground. Handling is magnificent and this bike will teach the R1s and GIXXER's a thing or two. Not ballistic in the power range but more than ample to dispose of most other machines, here's hoping they stick the 999 lump in it one day and then it will be untouchable. Show less

This bike feels very light, more like an open class motorcross bike with killer tires! The throttle response is like nothing else you will ever ride; really. So smooth, linear but nicely intense. Dry clutch has been fine. Best shifting bike I've ever owned. Mirrors are a crime! Zero problems the first year of ownership. Riding from Texas to South Dakota in August on it, so I trust it 100%. I have no problem strongly recommending this bike. Show less