First time poster with a dream.
I have a2003 ducati multistrada and I.am beginning to think that this would make an ideal bike to travel on.
I have already done several European trips on it with some old hard cases and a top box fitted. It just fits me so well and is so comfy I really don't want anything else. Use it most days to commute to work Uk based.
Has anyone done any long trips on a multi ? Does anyone know where I could get some items fabricated for it? Anyone know where I might be able to get some wire wheels for it. I found a usa.site that sells crash bars high front mud guard fork protectors ect so I have a decent start point.
I have a few years yet before I retire and can spread the work out over time.
The more people tell me I shouldn't the more I just want too.
Thanks for any help our advice based in Yorkshire

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Hi Canazei,

Luckily, people have ridden pretty much every type of bike on trips all over the world. There is a lot of group think about bike selection, and granted there are bikes with a more natural setup and an actual selection of aftermarket parts to choose from to make your setup easier and more cost effective, but the Multistrada will work fine if that is the bike that you are most comfortable with and know the best.

Back in 2008 I rode with an Italian guy and a South African down the east coast of Africa and they were on Multistradas. The bikes worked perfectly fine. Used soft luggage with a hard top case. The skid plate was a custom fit. Don't think they had crash bars but would be useful.

There is surprisingly little difference between where one bike type can go versus others. Each have pros and cons. By managing speed, riding well, and working within the limits of your bike you will be able to go most places within reason.

I'm sure you can search google to find out more about set ups. If you can't find any info and want to get in touch with the guys directly, let me know and I can pass along their contact details. Great guys, and always happy to help.

Happy planning.

Thats just brilliant your the first reply that I've had from posting this on several forum's.
Most people just think I'm mad.
The ducati it's the most reliable bike ive owned done 14000 miles in just over 2 years love it too bits and due to its age it's not worth massive amounts of money so off I do drop it I won't be too upset.
I was thinking top box soft luggage and aqua.role for camping stuff fancy Australia then onto new Zealand.
One question how did the his on the multis cope with fuel range. I've run mine dry after 171 miles and im worried this might not be enough.
Thanks again for your help.

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I don't reckon you're mad at all.
What's wrong with the Multi for travel?

I see you have the early two valve, air cooled model. I prefer it actually. I've ridden the new HOTTED up Testastreta Multi too ... it's Hella fast but I liked the original Multi more. Lighter feeling, more nimble, more fun for me ... and much easier/cheaper on maintenance than the Testa Multi.

Of course you didn't mention in any great detail where you'd like to go and what sort of roads you intend to travel. This makes a big difference.

17" tires/wheels aren't great off road or if going FAST on nasty, pot holed or rocky Pistes. But if riding mostly EU or N. America, no worries. Don't ever mistake your Multi for a Dual Sport .. it's not, but with some care and and careful route choice, I'd think you'd do fine.

A good riding buddy has a Multi and we've done many long group rides (long weekend or 4 or 5 day rides) We often cover 400 miles/day, back to back. His Multi has worked out great. No break downs or even a flat. But NONE of our rides have involved any serious off road. A few dirt roads, sure, no problem. But if things get rough, I'd be a bit careful with those wheels ... and a 17" street tire ain't much good in deep sand, ruts or mud either!

If you're doing mostly paved roads I'd fit hard bags. If not, then soft. Soft are lighter weight. I use Inner bags with my soft bags, never remove bags from bike. Much faster/easier upon arrival.

Also, think hard about camping .... and if you really intend to camp everywhere. Example: Most Latin American travel novices find out camping sucks in most of Latin America.
Only Chile and Argentina have good camping. Riders carry 20 kgs. of camping stuff for 20,000 kms ... and never (or rarely) use it. Hotels and Hostels are the way in that part of the world ... and in much of Asia as well.


I rode this big Multi S for a day ... but really preferred this :

Tiger and Multistrada take on California Sierra in late Fall. (Autumn to Ango-files)

Pic of my multi.
I will.be traveling with my wife who has a 1200gs which will have its final drive rebuilt and suspension upgraded before we go also we will carry a storage fpc.and red for it gets is a2005
We have camped for many years were have a small 2 person tent and a tarp which works well for us.
Plan is over the next couple of year s do mainly European trips got 3 week's in so Spain in sept. Then we'd like to do corsica.and Sardinia. Norway is.on the list and a return to Slovenia.beautiful country all before I finish work.
This will give us lots of time to sort out the bikes reduce what we carry and see exactly what works.
This also gives us time to get the bikes how we want them and give us time to complete some off road schools.
I.did some off road riding as a youth many years ago but my wife never has.
Our plan is to get more experience on the trips above get the bikes and kit how we want them then when I finish (debt free hopefully and living in rented as our house will be sold with a small lump sum and a pension) ship the bikes to Australia whilst we fly out and have a nice 2'or3 week holiday.
Get the bikes sort out any local issues no rush and then travel around aus mixing some lighter outgrowing with tarmac mixing rough camping campsites hostels couch surfing and the odd hotel.
Being uk we can get a visa for a.year we'd also like to sees Tasmania.
The rough plan after that it's 6 months or so in NewZeland then see where we go.
Our kids are already grown up and left home so we will have the time and if we are not daft the money.
So I need my bike to be able too cope with some off road riding bit of loose stuff quite a bit of tarmac riding.
Both bikes would be better suited with wire wheels not much of a problem for a gs but a bit harder for the multi.
A usa company does bash plates crash bars fork protectors ext a Dutch company does wire wheels but they are expensive I have a good mechanic will look at upgrading the ducati wiring better battery cooling fan for the rectifier new internals for the front forks and a bespoke rear hugger/protector oh a decat.retune bash guard.for the center stand and a touring scotoiler or similar.and maybe some so spots that should do it.

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