Latest pictures of Ducati 1098 Multistrada

New pictures have emerged of Ducati’s new 1098 superbike-powered Multistrada replacement.    

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The pictures tell us little more than previous spy-shots of the new bike, which will use the 1099cc Testastretta Evoluzione liquid-cooled v-twin from Ducati’s 1098 superbike, not the newer 1199cc from the 1198 as reported elsewhere.

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The chassis is similar to the Monster 1100 – using a short tubular steel trellis extending to the centre of the engine, though unlike the Monster the new machine has a cast aluminium rear section providing mounting points for the subframe and pillion.

Two versions will be sold – a base model with Marzocchi forks and an Ohlins shock absorber, and a higher-spec ‘S’ model which will come with Ohlins forks and carbon bodyparts. The difference in price between the two isn’t expected to be massive – the difference between the two is less than the different versions of the superbike range. A price gap of £100’s rather than £1000’s is rumoured.

The name is yet to be revealed – Strada Aperta, meaning ‘Open Road’ has been rumoured from early on, but insiders have yet to confirm Ducati’s final choice. The Multistrada tag will be dropped to sever any links with the old bike – aside from the humiliation of the outgoing bikes poor sales, the new bike won’t seek to compete directly with other adventure bikes. Instead, the bike will marketed as a sensible superbike – high performance mixed with a comfortable riding position and more practicality than a Ducati owner is used to.

The new motorcycle will be unveiled at the Milan show in November.