Ducati Multistrada 620 (2005-2007) - Review & Buying Guide

Ducati really got the tall-rounder class going in the early 2000s with the launch of the Multistrada 1000DS – a practical, stylish (depending on whether you approved of the bike’s distinctive lines, penned by South African Pierre Terblanche) all-rounder with a sports bike heart. Now numerous manufacturers offer tall-rounders, from BMW’s S1000XR to Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, but the Multistrada name still underpins the class.

The 620 Multistrada was an entry-level to the tall-rounder theme. Stylistically similar to the 1000DS, but simpler in design and less cluttered by electronic tech, the 620 was an exciting alternative for new and young riders, particularly those too tall to feel comfortable on a Monster or an SV650. With a proven air/oil-cooled engine lifted from the 620 Monster and a simple yet mightily effective steel trellis frame and Marzocchi/Sachs suspension set-up, the entry level Strada proved to be as fun and sure-footed as it was effective.

Two decades on from its launch the 620 can still be a introduction to the charm of a V-twin engine and the brilliant practicality of the tall-rounder class. And with prices for clean examples starting from under £2000 this is a Ducati that works for pretty much every pocket.

Pros & Cons

2005 Ducati Multistrada 620 - Price

The 620 Multistrada lasted just two years in Ducati’s range, but during that time it proved to be a popular middleweight and an interesting European alternative to the mainly Japanese competition. Model upgrades were minimal; the most notable being the slightly lower spec ‘Dark’ sold alongside the normal bike, which featured matt black paint and a single front disc brake in place of the 620’s twin disc set up.

2005-2007 Ducati Multistrada 620 values
Rough £1200-£1500; Tidy £1800-£2500; Mint £2650-£3000

Ducati’s entry level Multistrada, styled like the original 1000DS and powered by the same 618cc air/oil-cooled L-twin as the Monster 620. Dark model comes in matt black (surprise) and with a slightly lower spec – easy to spot because of the single front disc brake in place of the normal twin set up. Claimed 61bhp, 183kg. Colours: red, yellow, black, matt black (Dark model)

2005 Ducati Multistrada 620 - Engine & Performance

A 90° L-twin – it’s a Ducati, after all. Borrowed from the 620 Monster – itself a development of the original SS/Monster 600 unit – the engine had already had all its rough edges smoothed off long before being slotted into the Multistrada.

Simple and solid in design, it’s an air/oil-cooled mill running single overhead cams and just two-valves-per-cylinder. But that’s all it needs to thrum along with satisfying charm and produce 60bhp and 39lb.ft.

Performance is adequate rather than startling, but all-day autoroute cruising (at 80-90mph) is perfectly possible. Carrying a pillion (and luggage) presents more of a challenge, especially out of turns or when faced with an incline, but if you’re not in a desperate hurry the Multistrada 620 unit is always up to the task.

Like all Ducatis, the 620’s top end is belt driven and failure to keep on top of belt maintenance can be catastrophic for both the engine and your pocket. Refresh the belts every two years (some mechanics say you can go three years with modern belts) and you won’t go far wrong. Valve clearance adjustment is every 10,000 miles.

Overall, the 620’s engine is solid, ultra reliable if cared for, and great as a first V-twin for new riders or those looking for more than utilitarian plod from a commuter.

2005 Ducati Multistrada 620 - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Again, no surprises. The Multistrada 620’s tubular steel trellis frame is classic Ducati. Handling is sweet, even fun, but this Multi was built to a budget with new and young riders in mind, so suspension quality is lower end. Non-adjustable Marzocchi usd forks control the front, but many owners complain that it can feel overly firm. The rear Sachs shock is pretty basic too, but it at least offers scope to suit different riders and styles with preload and compression damping adjustment. By now, any 620 worth buying should have been treated to a fork refresh and a better aftermarket shock – the latter will help with both solo and pillion rides.

The ‘strada’s relaxed, upright riding position is perfect for manhandling it around tight and twisty mountain hairpin bends, through town, or between the hedges of a winding B-road. Braking is sharp too – the standard twin 300mm disc/Brembo four-pot caliper set-up is perhaps overkill on this 183kg twin, especially given that 620 Dark owners say that model’s single front disc is more than adequate.

Ducati learnt lessons from the original 1000DS, upgrading the 620 with a more comfortable seat, a slightly higher screen and more generously proportioned mirrors. The plastic fuel tank, however, can be problematic, swelling in size due to the hygroscopic effects of modern ethanol-rich unleaded fuel. This can cause leakage around the fuel pump mount and make the tank difficult to remove from the bike as its position within the frame tightens as its structure swells.

The 620 Multistrada isn’t particularly fast or high tech, but if kept in good working order this entry level tall-rounder can still be really pleasurable to ride and a perfect introduction to this relatively new class of machine.

2005 Ducati Multistrada 620 - What to look for

Service intervals:

Ducati recommend servicing every 10,000 miles. That’s fresh oil and filter, air filter, timing belt tension check (replace every two years or 20,000 miles, whichever is sooner), valve clearance check, and spark plug check – replace if necessary. The air/oil cooled engine is very reliable and capable of huge mileages if serviced correctly. Timing belt replacement every two years is essential; if a previous owner has skipped this, be wary – they’ve probably skipped other service jobs too.

Plastic fuel tanks:

The 620 features a plastic fuel tank that can become problematic over time. Modern fuel contains high levels of ethanol, which is hygroscopic and therefore retains moisture that swells and warps the tank. Swollen tanks become hard to remove and can also leak around the fuel pump attachment – a larger O-ring can solve this issue. Many American market Multi 620s were recalled for new tanks following these issues.

Earth strap:

The electrical earthing strap, which attaches to the frame at the front of the engine, can work loose. Tell tale symptoms are the bike refusing to start. Check, clean, and reattach.

Electrics:

Some owners report water getting into the clocks, particularly after the bike’s been out in the rain or parked up in damp conditions. Switchgear is equally vulnerable. Check everything works as it should when viewing. Sidestand switches are also known to fail, as are reg/rec units and starter solenoids.

Corrosion:

Finish is hit and miss. Engine and frame paint flakes off – especially where stone chips have created an ‘in’ for moisture. The pillion footrest hangers, cast from aluminium, start furring up at the slightest hint of moisture, so a winter coating of ACF50 or similar is advised. Likewise, the seat lock barrel sits right in the firing line of road filth flicked up by the rear wheel, so regular cleaning or perhaps even covering with tape when not in use is a worthwhile ownership hack.

2005 Ducati Multistrada 620- Rivals

2007 Kawasaki KLE 560 Versys - Kawasaki’s popular parallel-twin allrounder has gone through several iterations. Early models present the same basic, non-nonsense approach as Ducati’s 620 Multi – you get what you need and little else. But as a package, they work. Now very affordable too, easy and cheap to maintain, and powered by a solid and extremely reliable motor. Look for handy extras when buying – panniers, top box, touring screen, comfort seat. 

2007 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom - Another strong contender in the class. Suzuki’s proven 650cc V-twin engine is a gem, with a touch more poke on tap than the Ducati. Build quality is ok, but if you ride all year round ACF50 is your friend. Lacks the Multistrada’s inbuilt Italian glam, but the Strom is such a brilliant workhorse it doesn’t have to seduce potential buyers. A decent, solid, proven package that’s friendly on the pocket, too. 

2004 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer - An absolute belter and arguably the pick of the late 1990s middleweight allrounders. This, the second-gen, Fazer lost a bit of the earlier bike’s fun factor and personality, presenting a slightly more serious package, but owners speak highly of the bike’s blend of performance and handling. Can get very tatty very quickly if not regularly cleaned and lubed. In terms of performance, it beats the Ducati hands-down.

Kawasaki Versys 650, 2007 | Approx Price: £1600-£2400

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Power/Torque

64bhp / 44.9lb-ft

Weight

181kg

Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, 2007 | Approx Price: £2300-£3200

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Power/Torque

67bhp / 45.5lb-ft

Weight

194kg

Yamaha FZ6 Fazer, 2004 | Approx Price: £1500-£2200

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Power/Torque

98bhp / 46.5lb-ft

Weight

187kg

2005 Ducati Multistrada 620 - Verdict

A great choice if, a) you’re new to riding, b) tall in stature, and c) looking for something with an air of charm and character. If you keep your expectations realistic – the 620 isn’t going to stretch your arms tendons or set your heart racing like a bigger Multistrada – this Ducati delivers fun, practical, affordable (both to buy and run), and different enough to stand out from the crowd.

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2005 Ducati Multistrada 620 - Technical Specification