|  Ducati's Multistrada range got two additions to the range in 2005 in the 620 and the 1000S DS. Multistrada 620 shares its engine with the smallest Ducati Monster, the 620 i.e. Multistrada is a concept where Ducati has mixed up supermoto, slight trail styling and sports touring. The original philosophy was that the Multistrada should be 85% functional on all roads. We rode it on motorways, A-roads and B-roads (and 50 metres on gravel) There is no doubts the 1000 works better on the motorway due to a good extra portion of torque, but the 620 is surprisingly not bad at all on the motorways. The weird looking fairing windshield makes sure a good portion of the wind resistance is lead away from the rider.  We tried to creep under the fairing and it is possible to hide completely from the tiring wind on the motorway but at the cost of a very cramped riding position. The small L-twin e ngine needs more than 7-8000rpms for good drive on the motorways for overtaking and pillion work. With only 63bhp and a dry weight of 183kg the MTS 620 loses out big time to its donor Monster 620 that only weighs 168kg. This makes the twin quite demanding on the revs.  The MTS620 might be 15kg heavier than Monster 620, but the MTS620 is 13kg lighter (thanks to the double-sided swingarm) than the 1000DS and when we hit the B-roads we can finally start exploring why the 620 should be on your list of options. Specially if you are looking at bikes like Suzuki SV650S and Honda Deuville or a budget Ducati Multistrada. The handling is possibly the MTS 620's strongest side. With Sachs rear shock, Marzocchi 43mm USD forks and trellis frame the Multistrada allows you to go very fast through technical back roads and slow bends. Here the engine plays to our advantage. We use the whole rev range much more often than you can on a bi g 1000 and this makes the riding great fun.  You don't have to worry about your aggressi ve downshifting either with the new Adler Power Torque slipper clutch. It is worth mentioning that the MTS 620 has got some excellent brakes as well. We have total confidence in the twin 300mm discs with 2 twin-piston calipers. There is even a budget version of the MTS 620 in the MTS 620 Dark. One of the few differences is that the Dark has got a single 320mm disc with 4 piston calliper. I have to mention that is not necessarily a worse option but maybe less appealing. Get the Dark if in doubt. Go here to download the owners manual. Click on the title for video.
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