2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100 S Review - Ducati.ms

**admin** · May 1st, 2009, 4:07 pm

There's a collection of bikes on the market that doesn’t seem to fit neatly into one category or another. One of these odd beasts is the Ducati Multistrada. Like its Island of Misfit Toys brethren – Suzuki V-Stroms, Kawasaki Versys, Yamaha TDM, Triumph Tiger, and a few others – the upright Duc causes division among bike fans with its ambiguous intention and quirky styling. Is it a dual-sport? Is it a streetbike that's meant to look like a dual-sport?

The Multi, like its stable mates, doesn't perform with quite the same confidence in two worlds – off-road and pavement – like the BMW R1200GS or KTM Adventure, but no one says you can’t take it off the beaten path. After all, the name Multistrada is a bastardization of English and Italian meaning "many roads."

Whatever you think a dual-sport (purpose) bike is, or what acceptable percentage of off-road prowess is necessary for a bike to wear the on/off-road hat, is your call. But of two things we here at Motorcycle.com are certain: there likely won't be a consensus on criteria defining dual-sport anytime soon, and the Multi's paved-road performance doubly covers any dirt-handling deficiencies it has.

More: 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100 S Review articles on Motorcycle.com

**John** · May 2nd, 2009, 1:20 pm

I registered on Motorcycle.com after reading some of the reviews. I had to give the Mutlstrada a hand due to the unknowing responses.

Ghola · May 4th, 2009, 12:31 pm

Nice of you to jump in and defend the Multi. I keep getting not-so-gracious comments about the looks of the Multi but I've grown to be indifferent to them the more I ride the bike. The Multi does beautiful as opposed to look beautiful.

I personally like the design of the bike and think that it simply does not photograph well. Heck, I ignored it when it first came out in 2003. However, in 2006, I tried a friend's Multi "S" with a Termi kit and it was everything I wanted in a bike.

Ducquack1098 · May 14th, 2009, 5:01 pm

Its good.

RedDuke999 · May 15th, 2009, 1:17 pm

I actually think it's a good looking bike. Except for those saddle bags. Take those off and I'm game.

mixemongpete · May 16th, 2009, 12:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducquack1098

Its good.

i second that

Lapped1 · May 16th, 2009, 6:54 pm

this is quickly becoming my favorite light sport touring option
What other bike competes?

Tiger is intriguing too

Lapped1 · May 16th, 2009, 6:55 pm

and...
the looks are growing on me everyday

spyvito · May 19th, 2009, 6:35 am

The Multi's versatility is beautiful. As we get more of these Transformer-looking bikes it reveals that the Multistrada was ahead of the curve. I don't get what people think is ugly in a bike, I think the 749/999 is fantastic.

Peter998 · May 20th, 2009, 5:18 pm

I have a MTS DS 1000 with lots of modifications, and think that it looks hot!!

I am not a huge fan of the front faring, but from every other angle I love it.
It has great power handles very well, and stops very well.

My bike is geared towards street only use especially as I have the Pirelli Corsa III tires on it.

I love my superbike, but for everyday street use it is hard to beat the Multi.