Mix-And-Match Ducatis

MIX-AND-MATCH DUCATIS

By cleverly blending existing parts and concepts, Ducati continues to broaden its product line. Biggest news from the 2005 dealer meeting is a new Multistrada powered by the 618cc two-valve V-Twin from the Monster 620. The "Ministrada" will benefit from many of the upgrades made to the ’05 Multistrada 1000, including a more comfortable seat, longer sidestand, taller windscreen and wider, more rigidly mounted mirrors. Cost-saving features include a double-sided steel swingarm, non-adjustable fork and the omission of the 1000’s fairing storage compartment. It will be offered in two versions, a $7995 dual-front-disc standard model in red or yellow and a $7495 single-disc Dark model. Joining the $11,995 Multistrada 1000 to complete the family lineup will be a new $13,495 “S” version with Öhlins suspension.

The other new mix-and-match model for ’05 is the Monster S2R, based on the four-valve S4R but powered by an 803cc two-valve engine. Again, it will be offered in two versions, an $8495 standard model in red, yellow or black and a $7995 Dark model. -Brian Catterson