The Multistrada is immense fun around town and really does attract some attention with its ‘out there’ looks. I am sure a set of aftermarket pipes will unleash quite a few more ponies and definitely add to that all important ‘grin factor’. And I definitely spent plenty of time grinning during my time with the Multistrada.

However I do really struggle to come to terms with the fact that at $18,495 the Multistrada is a full $1,000 more expensive than the SS it derives its engine from. With that in mind for me the SS wins hands down. While the Multistrada proves more comfortable for short trips around town, the SS is certainly more comfortable for longer hauls and to my mind is the smarter proposition of the two.

I am sure that an aftermarket seat and fruity pipes could transform the Multistrada but in standard guise I must say it left me a little let down. Perhaps this is because I approached it with unreasonably high hopes after riding the 1000SS. Other press reports had certainly given the Multistrada a great wrap. I certainly don’t think it is a bad bike, just perhaps not quite as good as I had expected.

The red bike at the bottom of this page is Ducati Australia boss Warren Lee’s Multistrada complete with Ducati Performance muffler kit which includes the rear muffler, higher flow air filter and airbox lid along with a recalibrated ECU. Ducati claim an 8% increase in power but Warren says that it certainly feels like more from the seat of the pants and the bike monos off the throttle much more eagerly than standard. This sounds like exactly what the Multistrada needs to round out the package.

SPECS - Ducati Multistrada

Engine: 992cc, L-Twin, air cooled, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 794 x 71.5mm
Compression: 10.1:1
Induction: Marelli EFI, 45mm throttle bodies
Starter: Electric
Transmission: Six speed
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 1462mm
Seat Height: 850mm
Weight: 200kg with battery, lubricant and full cooling system but empty fuel tank
Fuel Capacity: 20 litres
Tyres: Front _ 120/70ZR17; Rear _ 180/55ZR17
Suspension: Front _ 43mm inverted fully adjustable Showa forks; Rear _ Fully adjustable Showa monoshock
Brakes: Front _ Dual 320mm discs with four piston calipers; Rear _ Single 245mm disc with twin piston caliper
Price: $18495
Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres