More pictures of the Multistrada: will they change your view?

NEW PICTURES ADDED ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2001

We’ve added new pictures of the new Ducati Multistrada in the wake of some cutting comments from some on our TALK NEWS bulletin boards. See below for some samples.

The new pictures give you some, as yet unseen angles. Some call the bike brave and radical, a bike to stand out in the crowd in an increasingly jelly-moulded world. Others find it too challenging. Some simply call it ugly.

Take a look at the new pictures and tell us what you really think, by following the link on the right, under the pictures.

Story updated on Wednesday September 19, 2001

Oh dear… looks like the Ducati design team might have to start again if they want to impress the majority of users of our TALK BIKES bulletin boards.

Since we put up first pictures of the new Multistrada, direct from the Milan Show on Tuesday, you’ve been quick to point out its failings.

” Bad, bad and ugly. What a mess. Did the work experience boy do it? ” asks slim shady on our TALK NEWS board. And miauw echoed those sentiments with ” Good heavens, this thing is ugly. It even makes a Varadero look beautiful. ”

Mudsa said: ” It look slike they gave the tail end to one person, the fairing to another and the rest came off the MH900. Back to the drawing board please. Must try harder. ”

There were some voices of dissent, notably, misterpink, who said: ” It’s gotta be the best! It makes the others look so safe and boring. I would be glad if some people didn’t like it! ”

Check out what others have to say about it and add your voice by following the link, right.

Given the strength of feeling against the big Duke it may be just as well that it doesn’t go into production until 2003. Plenty of time for some design focus groups, then.

The prototype of the long-awaited giant-trailie-style machine was unveiled with a new 992cc air-cooled 90-degree V-twin ” 1000TS ” engine.

The engine is based on the old 904 engine used in the 900SS but it has new cylinder heads and valve angles, among other changes.

The Italian firm is thought to have shown the bike so much in advance of its actual launch because revealing it next autumn would have meant the Multistrada making its debut in Germany rather than on home soil.

The Multistrada is intended to be a bike for all roads (hence the name) and comes equipped with superbike-standards of kit, according to Ducati.

It has a dry weight of 195kg and a wheelbase of 1450mm.

COMING SOON: Pictures and details on the new Ducati 998