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Imagine if one motorcycle-a single, solitary machine—could fully satisfy all the street-riding needs of a beginning or re-entry rider. In fact, that's the idea behind the Ducati Multistrada 620.
A lower-cost, smaller-displacement spin-off of the popular Multistrada 1000 DS (and the brand-new, top-of-the-line, Öhlins-suspended 1000S DS), the 620 was designed to combine the acceleration and handling of an entry-level middleweight sportbike with the upright seating position and weather protection of a globe-trotting adventure-tourer.
If all this sounds too good to be true, well, it isn't. Power is provided by a fuel-injected, sohc, air-cooled, two-valve-per-cylinder, 618cc, 90-degree V-Twin, the same smooth-running, stone-reliable engine found in the Monster 620. Ducati claims 63 horsepower at 9500 rpm and 41 foot-pounds of torque at 6750 rpm—plenty of pep for spirited around-town and backroad running. A new addition to last year's mini-Monster, the Power Torque Clutch reduces effort at the lever and provides more gradual engagement. Plus, the racing-derived "slipper" design minimizes rear-wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifting through the six-speed transmission.
Framing this entertaining engine is a traditional (for Ducati) steel-tube "trellis." Dimensions are virtually identical to those of the 1000 DS, though steering geometry is slightly more conservative for greater stability. Also, seat height is nearly an inch lower—32.7 versus 33.5 inches—to make the bike friendlier for shorter riders and/or those with less saddle time.
Regarding other chassis changes, while the 1000 DS uses a stylish, single-sided aluminum swingarm, the 620 makes do with a conventional dual-sided steel design. As for the suspension, the new bike wears an inverted 43mm Showa fork and a Sachs shock. The latter is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.
Fuel capacity is less than on the 1000 DS, and for good reason: cost reduction. Whereas the bigger bike carries a full five gallons in an expensive, specially constructed tank that runs partly under the seat to help lower the bike's center of gravity, the 620 uses a more conventional 3.9-gallon design located above the engine. Despite the reduced capacity, range still should be 150-plus miles.
Ducati offers two versions of the 620. The least-expensive model is the $7495 Dark, which, as its name suggests, is characterized by matte-black paint. It also has a single 320mm front brake disc. The $7995 standard model is available in red or yellow and comes with dual 300mm front brake discs. Both versions have black frames and wheels. There also is a long list of optional equipment, including saddlebags and a rear rack.
Suffice it to say, the Multistrada 620 has it all—comfort, performance and versatility. Imagine that.
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