Ducati Multistrada 1200 S D Air vs Buell S3 Thunderbolt (2017)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S D Airstacks up against the Buell S3 Thunderbolt. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Ducati Multistrada 1200 S D Air | Buell S3 Thunderbolt |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2017 | 1998 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 1198 cc | 1203 cc |
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 86 hp |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Weight | 213 kg | 204 kg |
| Seat height | 33 mm | 30 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted. | Single disc |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. | Single disc |
| Tires | 120/70-17 / 190/55-17 | — |
Ducati Multistrada 1200 S D Air vs Buell S3 Thunderbolt — which should you buy?
Picking between the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S D Air and the Buell S3 Thunderbolt usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S D Air brings 160 hp in a 213 kg package, while the Buell S3 Thunderbolt counters with 86 hp at 204 kg.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: