Ducati Multistrada, The Model That Changed The History of Ducati, Turns 20

Ducati Multistrada, the model that changed the history of Ducati, giving rise to one of the most successful families of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, turns twenty.

The Multistrada was born in 2003 with the aim of offering a Ducati both versatile and sporty, capable of tackling any terrain. The first version of the bike was the Multistrada 1000 DS. Twenty years and more than 100,000 bike sales later, the Multistrada has brought with it a rich history of innovations and technological evolutions that have redefined the standards of the motorcycle industry. The most recent models are now based on the V2 and V4 Granturismo engines.

Among the most important innovations introduced for the first time, thanks to the Multistrada that must certainly be mentioned are the Riding Modes of the 2010 model, a solution now widespread on most high and medium-range motorcycles.

The Multistrada V4, the technological benchmark of the Bologna-based manufacturer introduced on the market in 2020, was at the time the first motorcycle in the world equipped with front and rear radar. A solution that has made it possible to introduce the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) systems, which improve riding comfort and safety.  The Multistrada V4 also features benchmark maintenance intervals, with valve clearance checks set every 60,000 km.2003.Multistrada 1000 (First Generation)

2003 marks the start of the Multistrada dynasty. With its 17” front wheel (other adventure tourers of the time had an 18-inch solution), the newly created Multistrada promised supermotard-style corner entry and sports-style performance. The 2003 Multistrada 1000 featured a trellis frame, single-sided swingarm, 1100 cc air-cooled Desmodue engine, and a dry clutch. And a record-breaking weight of just 195 kg. T

[nd_gallery images="40807,40808"]2010.Multistrada 1200 (Second Generation)

The most symbolic bike in Multistrada history and the one that, at least until the arrival of the V4, represented the real turning point.

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Compared to the Multistrada 1000, the Multistrada 1200 has a more modern styling. The bike features a voluminous front section that characterises all Multistradas to date.  Characterising the overall aesthetic is the beak, extending beyond the 17” front wheel and offset with a slender tail section, which appears thinner thanks to the lower exhaust.

Thanks to its new engine, the Multistrada 1200 boasts a maximum power of 150 HP at 9250 rpm, record-breaking in its category, and a maximum torque of 118 Nm at 7500 rpm. The Testastretta Evoluzione 11° engine ensured full delivery right from low revs.  Then there is the riding mode revolution, with four modes - Sport, Touring, City and Enduro.

2015. New Multistrada 1200

With the third generation of Multistrada, Ducati once again raised the technological bar.  The brand-new Testastretta DVT with its 160 HP and 136 Nm of torque is equipped with double variable timing. Both the intake and exhaust valves can vary the timing, and this is an absolute first.

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The 2015 Multistrada also stands out for its cutting-edge electronics, the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), which monitors the entire system, managed by various control units. The IMU processes the data collected by electronic sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, all contained in a box smaller than a pack of cigarettes. It reads roll, pitch and yaw as well as the rate of their change, improving the ABS Cornering, traction control and semi-active suspension functions. The IMU also boosts comfort and travel safety thanks to additional functions such as cornering lights and cruise control.

The evolution of the 2015 Multistrada continues with the Multistrada 1260 and the Multistrada 950.

2020. Ducati Multistrada V4

Just like the 2010 bike, the Multistrada V4 changes the paradigm and turns the tables. And, naturally, it continues to raise the bar when it comes to technology.

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The Multistrada V4 debuts the V4 Granturismo engine from the Panigale and the Streetfighter. The V4 Granturismo introduces timing with a spring valve return system allowing for extended maintenance intervals of 60,000 km. Performance once again proves to be the best in the segment, with the V4 Granturismo delivering 170 HP at 10,500 rpm. Added to this are the electronics with front and rear radar, the chassis with a monocoque frame and the 19-inch front wheel, for a design that is even more oriented towards function.