2007–2009 · Sport Tourer · A variant of the Multistrada 1100
Differences between the standard Multistrada 1100 and the S
Air-Cooled Soul, Real Character
The Multistrada 1100 S is built around a 1078 cc air/oil-cooled L-twin making 95 hp and 76 lb-ft, hung in a steel trellis frame with an upside-down fork, adjustable suspension at both ends and 17-inch wheels on road rubber. That's the whole recipe: a tall, upright bike with sportbike-sized tires and a twin that's about character rather than peak numbers. At 487 lb (221 kg) wet it's light for a sport tourer, which is why the modest output works. Electronics? There aren't any to speak of: no ABS, no traction control, no ride modes. You're the rider aid.
On the road it's a jack of all trades with a clear preference for twisty back roads. The chassis is taut and talkative, stable at speed, and it leans a long way before anything touches down. It's for the rider who wants curves and comfort in the same day, solo or two-up, and who values feel over a spec sheet. The honest caveat is age. The plastic tank swells on ethanol fuel, the LCD dash lets water in, the engine paint peels, and there's a fuel pump flange recall (NHTSA 11V-020) to verify by VIN. Buy on condition. Check everything!
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 95 hp (70 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 76 lb-ft (103 Nm) |
| Displacement | 1078 cc |
| Engine | L-twin |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Seat height | 33.5 in (850 mm) |
| Wet weight | 487 lb (221 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 gal (20 L) |
| Fuel economy | 35 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Comfort
I've spent years listening to the people who actually own these bikes: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats, and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. For the Multistrada 1100, the picture is remarkably consistent. Riders praise how it steers and how its twin feels, they argue about how it looks, and they keep bringing up the same handful of fragile details.
The most common praise is for the chassis. Owners describe low steering effort paired with a bike that holds its line with complete confidence, and they keep coming back to how much it tells you on a winding road. Several add that it stays nimble and composed when the pavement turns rough. That theme never goes away.
Riders talk about the air-cooled L-twin as much for its character as for its shove: grunt down low, punch in the mid-range and a rush at the top. They say it's easy to ride lazily and rewarding to rev, and plenty mention that aftermarket pipes turn the soundtrack into a roar. The same owners use the bike for everything: canyon runs, commuting, two-up trips. The upright riding position and comfort come up constantly, and those who travel with a passenger point to proper pillion accommodations, compliant suspension and decent fuel range. A do-everything bike, they say.
No topic splits the community like the styling. The bulky front end and what riders call the 'scooter face' remain an acquired taste, and most people land firmly on one side. Love it or hate it. The practical gripes are smaller. Owners report that the low-fuel light tends to come on with the tank still about half full, which creates range anxiety that isn't warranted. The instrument cluster fogs after rain, and many cover it with a shower cap when the bike is parked outside. The stock mirrors vibrate, their stalks are described as brittle and prone to snapping at the base, and the integrated indicators don't take even minor knocks well. Small things, repeated often.
Fuel pump flange leak (NHTSA Recall 11V-020)
A recall was issued for a fuel seepage/leak at the fuel pump flange seal due to a non‑compliant O‑ring. Affected VIN range: ZDM1VACP67B018087 to ZDM1VACP79B022815. Dealers replace the O‑ring with an X‑ring.
Fuel tank expansion
The plastic fuel tank absorbs moisture from ethanol‑blended fuels, causing it to swell. This can make removal and refitting difficult, and in extreme cases distorts the tank shape and paintwork. Drain and dry the tank or Caswell coat the interior to mitigate.
Instrument cluster water ingress
The LCD dashboard is poorly sealed, leading to fogging and eventual failure of digits, backlight, or the B‑button used to cycle trip info. Replacement units are expensive; a waterproof cover is a common preventative measure.
Peeling engine paint
The air‑cooled engine's silver paint can bubble and flake off, particularly around the cylinder heads and crankcase. This is largely cosmetic but mars the bike's appearance.
Warped front brake discs
Front brake discs may warp over time, causing pulsing at the lever and judder under braking. Some owners had discs replaced under warranty.
Inaccurate fuel gauge reading
Owners report the fuel gauge indicating empty prematurely, often when there is still a significant amount of fuel remaining. This is a known quirk of the model.
Mirror and turn signal fragility
The original equipment mirrors and integrated turn signals are prone to breakage from vibration or minor impacts.
Hard starting when cranking
Starter motor turns but engine fails to fire, sometimes requiring multiple crank cycles, especially after a ride when hot. Possibly related to fuel pump wiring or ignition interference during cranking.
Abrupt throttle response at low opening
On/off throttle transitions can be jerky, with a noticeable lurch when reopening the throttle after deceleration, making smooth riding in tight corners challenging.
Where this Ducati Multistrada 1100 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Multistrada 1100 is actually built for.
For days of curves and scenery, this fits: upright, comfortable, sharp in the twisties, with luggage as an option. It's an old Ducati though, so budget time for the tank, dash and that fuel pump recall.
Made for Black Hills · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If you're chasing technique rather than speed, 95 hp and a talkative trellis chassis are exactly right. Plenty of lean clearance, no ABS or traction control: every mistake and every gain is yours.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
Sporty Saturday loop, relaxed ride home: it does both with real character and a sound worth the trip. Just keep an eye on the plastic tank if your pumps serve ethanol blends.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Twisted Sisters · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
