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Modern motorcycles have evolved into very specialized machines, often designed to perform best for a specific kind of riding at the expense of broad- range versatility. While this may be a luxury for multi-bike owners, what if your budget or garage only has room enough for one?
Ducati's Multistrada was conceived as a multifaceted bike that would transcend several categories, a jack of all trades and master of patched 'n' potted backroads. When slotted into last year's lineup, the Multistrada 1000DS proved highly versatile and fun to ride, but had a few rough edges that were difficult to overlook. Refined for 2005, most of the bike's shortcomings have been addressed, while Ducati has also expanded the Multistrada family to include a pair of 620cc versions and this bike, a more sport-focused 1000S model.
Having an '04 1000DS in our long-term fleet the past year has provided first-hand experienced with the issues surrounding the first-generation machine. It also offered an opportunity to seek solutions. The first thing to go was the stock saddle, which was about as comfortable as a vinyl-covered plank of pine. We replaced it with a Ducati accessory "comfort seat," but found an aftermarket saddle from Sargent better yet. Ducati has your backside covered with this year's much-improved standard seat, featuring thicker padding and a new shape that offers long-range comfort.
We were also disappointed in the lack of wind protection and degree of helmet buffeting the '04 model's stubby windshield produced. Installing a taller screen available from Ducati's accessories catalog offered an effective fix. Here again, Multistradas now come equipped with the tall screen. Other improvements to this year's bikes are new mirrors set farther outboard to provide a much better rear view. A new, longer and more robust sidestand has addressed the tippy nature of last year's machine when parked with heavily loaded saddlebags. Installing the bike's accessory centerstand has kept our long-term unit from capsizing and is a convenient addition in any case.
Having grown to love our massaged long-termer, we were eager to test the new 1000S. Similar to the DS model in most every way, the S serves up more sport appeal with its top-shelf Öhlins suspension, carbon-fiber front fender and cam-belt covers, and an attractive Magura tapered-aluminum handlebar. It's surprising how much a handlebar can alter perception of a bike, particularly considering the S's riding position feels much the same as the DS, but the S's supermoto-style bar imparts a much sportier appearance.
Thumb the starter button and the dual-sparked, air-cooled, 90-degree Twin slowly cranks over, coming to life after a couple revolutions. Riding away while "Lo" (temperature) flashes on the LCD dash poses no hiccups or hesitation, and with plenty of torque right off the bottom, upshifts at 3000 rpm or so provide quiet and casual cruising in town.
The Multistrada takes to city streets with the prowess of a dual-sporter on steroids. Its light handling and abundant steering lock make child's play of tight parking-lot maneuvers and it sifts through city traffic with feline finesse. The upright riding position and 33.3-inch seat height puts you eyes-level with SUV drivers, boosting confidence thanks to enhanced vision and visibility. While my 32-inch inseam proved enough to allow solid, heels-planted footing at stops and the ability to back out of parking stalls while straddling the seat, shorter riders should plan on doing the tiptoe tap dance.
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