Ducati keep it in the family with a brand new baby Multistrada. Tim Dickson braves the worst of Sicily's weather to find out more.
Multistradas rock, and Ducati know this - the current Multistrada 1000 is their biggest-selling single model, both in the UK and worldwide. And now they're looking to capitalise on that success by expanding the family in a modular, Monster-like style, both with the tricked-up 1000S and this, the new, entry-level Multistrada 620.
And 'entry-level' is the key, because Ducati have clearly recognised the advantage in hooking riders as early in their bike riding - and bike buying - career as possible, and engineering-in brand loyalty from the off. And it's a brand that's as tangible an asset to Ducati as the motorcycles they make. While serving motorcyclists may hanker after Ducatis for their heritage and racing success, people otherwise not into bikes are being drawn to two wheels because they want in on the Ducati name. And that's something most other motorcycle manufacturers can only dream of.
Outwardly, and certainly aesthetically, the new 620 is very similar to the basic 1000. Differences between the two, motor aside, are aimed at keeping the 620's weight and cost down. Most significantly, the 620 is a whole 13kg lighter than the 1000 at a claimed 183kg dry. A lighter, double-sided, hydro-formed swingarm replaces the 1000's heavy single-sider and a smaller, 15-litre fuel tank means there's now some storage space under the seat. Seat height itself is 20mm lower, making the 620 more manageable for less surefooted riders. On top of that, all new Multistradas, this one included, now come with a re-designed and more comfortable seat, a taller screen, less precarious sidestand and more sticky-out mirrors for better seeing behindness. Everything you could ask for, really.
Except a bit more power, perhaps? It's been a while since I last rode a Monster 620, source of this new Multi's engine, and I don't recall its motor leaving a particularly favourable impression. Heading to the Multistrada 620's launch expecting to be underwhlemed once again, I couldn't help thinking Ducati had missed a trick by not deciding on a Multistrada 800 instead, using the excellent motor from the new S2R. But I must have been having a bad day with the Monster 620, because the mini-Multi took me by surprise. Not in a 'bugger me' fast way, more 'oh, that's alright, actually', with decent low down punch and a free-breathing, revvy - if not ultimately rapid - top end. Both internal and final drive gear ratios are identical to the Monster 620's, so perhaps it's the off-roadish riding position dulling expectations of performance.
