Issue 140 : April - May 2005
Tribute to Simon
Milward in Africa
MZ 1000SF
Ducati 620 Multistrada
Fred's Run
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Tribute to Simon
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Ducati 620 Multistrada
Two years ago the Ducati Multistrada burst on to the motorcycling scene and showed it was truly worthy of being called an all-round motorcycle. For the first time there was a bike capable of tackling mild off-road terrain, but also being capable of holding its own on the race track as well, despite being predominately a road bike. Launched as a one litre machine it quickly become their best selling model, therefore like all their other models it has spawned a range in the same mould. For 2005 a very sporty S DS model joins the basic 1000 DS and also a smaller sibling tested here, powered by the 620 motor from the Monster range. Aimed to be another entry level Ducati it is also priced to tempt buyers, at a modest £5,495 which is something of a bargain, despite some cost cutting having been done along the way. For instance, gone are the fully adjustable forks, these like the new rear shock absorber are shorter, helping to bring the redesigned seat height down to 830mm. Other changes have reduced the overall weight by 13kgs, it now weighing in at 183 kg dry. One of these reductions is the use of a lighter two-sided swing-arm, similar to the one used on the Monster S2R. In fact quite a few items on this new model, like the front brakes have been taken from the Monster range, which has of course supplied the motive power. Perhaps the most obvious change visible to the onlooker is the higher screen and the wider mirrors which incorporate the front indicators as before. Those familiar with the larger bike may well notice the lack of the small side compartment in the fairing on closer scrutiny. The storage space is now located under the seat thanks to a reduction in the 20 litre petrol tank size to just 15 litres. Ducati claim it will still have the same range as the larger bike thanks to its smaller engine and the need for less fuel.
The engine then is the air-cooled 618 cc Desmodue 'L' complete with a power to torque ratio of 63 HP @ 9500 rpm - 5.7 kgm @ rpm. The Desmodromic engine has two valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection and like all Ducati's, complies with Euro 2 emission standards. Linked to the engine is the instrument panel, because the in-built Immobilizer system utilises and is dependant on it and the engine control unit. The fairing mounted unit has been re-designed and simplified and features an analogue rev counter driven by a step motor. The Multistrada 620 is also available as a 'Dark' version, and both are also available in a European standards 25 kW limited power version. And for all of the Multistrada models, there's a long list of options to accentuate either the sporting or touring side of the bike's character. So in essence there is not a lot new, it is just an evolutiont that is aimed at tempting more riders to try out the concept of one bike for everyday of the year. Ducati chose Sicily in February to launch the bike in what turned out to be some pretty adverse weather conditions. Snow, torrential rain and very little sun were the order of the day fully testing the durability of the bike, if not all the handling capabilities! However, there were some dry patches and a chance to test the bike on some excellent roads as well as some mild off-road going. I must confess to being a big fan of the Mutistrada having now covered literally thousands of miles on them as well as competing on one. Sitting astride the bike it all looks and feels familiar as well it should. Once under way you do notice the lack of power from the motor, but not in a negative way. It is obviously softer and more manageable especially in traffic and as it turned out snowy conditions. When ridden in sport mode it is actually more fun than the larger mount as it can be pushed quite hard and you feel that you are riding the bike to its full potential, rather than just scratching the surface of its performance envelope. You can play tunes on the gearbox and really enjoy point and squirt type riding, especially on climbs. Conversely it is quite pleasant on open roads and is reasonably relaxed in touring or cruising mode. Certainly the taller screen is a real boon and the wider mirrors with their built-in indicators, do give more view to the rear. Motorway or Autostrada's, should now be reasonably pleasant without the cost of having to add a higher screen after purchase. The new extra grippy seat is very comfortable, but we did not have enough time in the saddle to see whether it has really made a noticeable difference when you are in the saddle for a whole day. The brakes are fine given the standard of tune and the front twin discs will lift the rear wheel if needed in anger. In general use they haul things down quite quickly, giving a reasonable amount of feel and feedback. As far as the budget suspension is concerned on standard settings without a pillion the bike will give a good account of itself on the twists and turns. You can take it over as far as you like given the feedback from the tyres, the bottom line being that it gives a reasonably comfortable ride. Off the road the bike is more manageable than its bigger brothers thanks to the softer engine. Like them though the gearing and the tyres let it down when the going starts getting tough. One day is never enough to really find any shortcomings or to fully test any bike. However, this is just a scaled down version of a bike that has an impressive pedigree and has very few knockers, other than in the looks department. Obviously a rider used to a surfeit of power will find the 620 motor lacking, but for anybody moving up to this bike from novice status this will not present any problems. This is a good basic motorcycle that will do stirling service as a commuter mount and as a weekend plaything and you get the Ducati pedigree and Italian style for very little money in the great scheme of things. Ian Kerr |
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Ian Kerr goes riding in Sicily and finds snow!
In essence the frame remains the same with just the swing-arm change at the rear. Mounted in this is the power unit from the latest 620 Monster complete with the recently developed Power Torque Clutch (APTC) which, as well as drastically reducing lever effort, is also equipped with a slipper device to prevent rear wheel lock up.