Ducati Multistrada 1000/1100 DS (2004-current)

I bought my 1100 6 months ago and use it for commuting with the occasinal longer trip (LeMans in 3 weeks). Nice bike, very well put together, strong motor but gearbox is a weak point. Can be clunky and neutral is non-existent until it has warmed up (but if it wasn't quirky it wouldn't be a Ducati, would it?). Looks great from behind, not so good from the front (where have I heard that berore?)

Since purchasing my Multistrada 1000S DS a couple of months ago I have been very impressed by the whole package. Previous bike was a Yamaha Faser 600 (2000) which was my first big bike. I always thought the Faser was a good if not slightly dull do it all. But the MStrada is of a different class. Everything feels solid and is finished to a very high standard. The Ohlins forks and shocks and top notch, making the ride responsive and highly customisable (I am 6'2" and big boned! I also carry my lady on the back who is not big boned, but a quick adjustment of the pre-load and we are ready to rock). The brakes are excellent and handling is sharp (front end feels a little twitchy/light sometimes but that is probably due to front suspension setup requiring a tweak to come into line with the rear adjustments I have made - suspension settings have a steep learning curve!). The engine has plenty of Ducati grunt too! Test ride it and you will fall in love with this ugly duckling... Strengths:
Suspension, Engine, Handling, Brakes, Looks (trust me, they grow on you!), Exclusivity and the sound of a L-twin! Weaknesses: Ducati Service and accessories are not cheap!!

Shit-hot! Strengths: Comfortable riding position, excellent brakes and acceleration, great poise and balance. Weaknesses: Still getting to grips with the looks.

I've always admired Ducatis, and had (and still have) a mint, 1997 900 Superlight in the garage when I first went looking at Ducati's ugly duckling. The test ride totally sold me on the comfy upright riding position but still with near superbike handling, the grunty 1000 twin spark engine was everything I expected too, plenty of go and that fabulous Ducati thunder. What I didn't spot on the 20min test spin was the arse crunchingly painful seat! I actually bought the demonstrator with just over 800 miles on the clock and two days later fitted the factory gel seat along with a few other goodies. Since buying the bike I've done just over 1800 miles and apart from the seat (even the gel seat is nasty after 100 miles)I can honesty say that I love the bike and yes, even as a rookie fast road rider, have had my knee down in total safety - how many big trailies can you do that on? Strengths: Grunty V twin, mega handling, image and unusual, attention grabbing styling. Weaknesses: Standard of finish (dry rides only if you want to keep it mint!) and that horrible seat!

I had the bike fitted with the DP luggage comfort screen & comfort seat which has made the bike really useable for me. I have also fitted a number of carbon fibre bits such as a hugger. One of the best bits that I have fitted is an after marker clutch slave cylinder which has improved the action of the clutch considerably. I have done most types of riding on it (excluding track days)and like it's name says it is a bike for all roads. Strengths: The fun factor. It's different from the main stream bikes. It's a Ducati. Weaknesses: Quality of finish needs plenty of TLC comfort with standard seat/screen heavy clutch as standard.