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(Above) The motor is the same basic torquey beast that is in the 5upersport 1000D5 or the Monster 10005. (Above left) This is a view of the Multistrada's dash, Including the optional Ducatl Performance GP5. (Left) Other available options include the color-matched saddlebags and an available topcase. panel. It's lockable but doesn't really fit more than a wallet and a pair of sunglasses - still, better than not having one at all. And finally we come to the Multistrada's aesthetics - a point that's polarized the biking public since the bike's initial debut at the Milan Show in 2001. Personally, I think it looks great - from the rear and sides, at least. That front fairing, I'm not so sold on - but since actually riding the bike, I'd have to say it is growing on me, and it could look a whole lot worse and I'd still want one purely to enjoy the ride it delivers anyway. The quality of finish is typical Ducati, and its trick instrumentation underlines the feeling that you're aboard a special machine - at $11,495, it might not be the cheapest of motorcycling options around, but it's worth every penny, even if you're not 100-percent sold on its distinctive looks. As designer Pierre Terblanche says himself: "What is important is that it doesn't pass unnoticed - it must be striking, it must stand out in the crowd, and it must work extremely well." As far as I'm concerned, it's a case of mission accomplished on all counts - Ducati has gone all out with the Multistrada and created a machine which will redefine the way people think about the marque and· for those The Multlstrada comes with a cast aluminum single-sided swingarm. fortunate enough to buy one - perhaps the way they think about their preferred style of bike and riding, too. CN UST PRICE $1 1,495 DISPLACEMENT 992cc ENGINE TYPE Air-cooled, L·twin four· stroke, two valves per cylinder BORE x STROKE 94 x 71.5mm COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1 CARBURETION Marelli EFl w/45mm throttle bodies IGNITION Electronic TRANSMISSION ........•.••••.................................Six·speed CLUTCH Dry, multiplate STARTING SYSTEM ...•••.•......................................E1ectric FUEL CAPACITY ..............•............................... 5.3 gal. FRAME .............•.•.•••...........................Tubular steel trellis WHEELBASE .....••••.•.•.••••.•............................... .57.6 in. RAKE/TRAIL 24°/N/A SEAT HEIGHT , ...........•.••.•............................. .34 in. WHEELS ...........•.......•..•..•....•..................Six-spoke alloy FRONT TIRE 120/70ZR17 Pirelli Scorpion Sync REAR TIRE 180/55ZR 17 Pirelli Scorpion Sync FRONT SUSPENSION Upside·down Showa 43mm forks, fUlly adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL ...•..•.................................... 6.5 in. REAR SUSPENSION Showa monoshock, fully adjustable REAR·WHEEL TRAVEL .5.64 in. FRONT BRAKE .........••.....Twin 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston calipers REAR BRAKE Single 245mm disc with Brembo two·piston caliper FINAL DRIVE Chain CLAIMED SEMI-DRY WEIGHT .441 Ibs. COLORS ....................•....Red or two-tone Gray, with Red or Black frame Beware t'he Scorpion's Bite As it transpired, the Multistrada launch was also the launch of an entirely new tire, the Pirelli Scorpion Sync. Developed in conjunction with the Multistrada project. these new PireWs are targeted specifically at what Pirelli calls the ·Sport and Recreation Bikes" mar· ket - high performance road bikes with enduro styling. The Scorpion Syncs sit between Pirelli's new Diablo range of outright sports tires and the Dragon GTS range of sport touring tires and have a zero-degree belted radial structure, with a high smca compound for high grip in wet or cold conditions. On the winding Sardinian roads I sampled over the course of the Multistrada launch, I found them ideal, their excellent grip allowing the bike to be leaned over to silly angles and affording good feedback at all times, especially under heavy braking. As the day was conducted in dry conditions. I can't vouch for their performance in the wet, although they did appear to offer good grip even when they were cold· another feature of the Scorpion Syncs Pirelli is pushing. For pricing, availability and more information, contact your nearest Pirelli outlet, or visit www.pirelli.com tibn.s... Underlining the importance with which Ducati is treating the entire Multistrada venture is the dazzling array of genuine factory options and accessories available for the model. which can be found within the 64 pages of the Ducati Performance Multistrada accessories catalogue. Aside from the options listed below, there's also a vast array of go-fast and look-good bits and pieces available. from racing clutches and lightweight flywheels to carbon fiber or titanium rims. billet alloy clutch and brake levers and Termignoni exhaust kits. For those with the money and desire to turn their Multistrada into a sheer two· wheeled work of art, the sky - and your wallet - is the limit. cue I e nB,",S MAY 7. 2003 37