2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100 – 1100S

It’s been a huge week for Ducati, with multiple model and update announcements. In fact, there has been such a plethora of Ducati news, that our very own Dirk B went three hours without thinking about breasts, and that’s never happened before.

Next cab off the Ducati rank is the 2009 Multistrada family of sport bikes. In Ducati’s own words, the Multistrada is “a real-world motorcycle for real-world riders, a dream come true, a high performance sports bike that doesn't compromise comfort, versatility or practicality” . We just think it looks horn.

For 2009 the Multistrada is available in two versions: the Multistrada 1100 finished in red and, the Multistrada 1100 S in red, black or in a new pearl white colour. Both versions share the same basic Ducati Trellis frame and 1100 Desmo L-Twin engine.

The Trellis frame is made from high quality steel (ALS 450) for maximum rigidity and precise directional control and in the case of the Multistrada 1100 features upside-down 43mm Showa forks adjustable in compression and rebound damping as well as spring preload. The Sachs rear monoshock is equipped with a practical hydraulic remote control to adjust spring preload, which operates through Ducati's rising rate linkages.

Stopping the Multistrada 1100 is a piece of cake. Up front there is two 320mm semi-floating discs with two 4-piston Brembo calipers, while rear braking is looked after by a single 245mm disc with a Brembo 2-piston caliper.

Choose the Multistrada 1100S and you’ll enjoy a number of added features derived from Ducati Superbikes. The front fender and cam belt cover are carbon fibre units, while the tapered alloy handlebars are fitted with vibration isolating mounts. The standard 1100 suspension is swapped out for a full Öhlins setup, (derived from the Ducati Superbikes), including fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins forks with low friction TiN fork sliders up front and fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock with remote preload adjuster for Superbike-class road holding.

The top-of-the-range Multistrada 1100S is now available with a new pearl white livery, that combines with a racing grey frame and engine outer casings that are finished in carbon grey.

Both versions of the Multistrada are equipped with Ducati’s Desmodue air-cooled twin-cylinder engine. For this model the Ducati 1100 Dual Spark has a displacement of 1078cc and a power output of 95hp at 7750rpm and 10,5kgm (76lb-ft) of torque at 4750rpm and is Euro 3 compliant.

Ducati use a 'wet' clutch in the Multistrada range, claiming it provides a lighter lever action, is quieter than a dry clutch, and provides exceptional wear-resistance.

If you're in the market for a new sport bike, one you can use on a daily basis, and something with a bit of class, then the 2009 Multistrada could be just the ticket.

Colour Schemes

[Gallery=710]