2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S

The 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S represents Ducati's ambitious entry into the adventure-touring segment, blending the brand's L-twin sportbike DNA with practical touring capabilities. This was Ducati's answer to riders who wanted Italian character without sacrificing versatility for longer rides and varied terrain.

What you get is a bike that handles more like a tall sport-tourer than a true adventure machine. The desmodromic L-twin delivers its trademark character — lumpy at low revs, sweet in the midrange, and eager to rev. The riding position strikes a reasonable balance between sport and comfort, though the suspension leans toward road-focused rather than dirt-capable. It's happiest on twisty tarmac with occasional gravel roads, rewarding riders who appreciate mechanical character over clinical efficiency.

The 2009 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 2008 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences.

This 2009 Ducati Multistrada 1100S appeals to riders stepping up from standard sport-tourers who want something more distinctive, or Ducati loyalists seeking their first non-supersport machine. Expect higher maintenance costs than Japanese alternatives, but you're buying into Ducati's unique mechanical personality.