Motorcycle specifications Ducati950 Multistrada 2018 Several starting points

The Multistrada is first and foremost a Ducati. That means sporty DNA, whatever form the bike takes. This turbulent Italian in the trail segment is far from meeting the original canons of the genre: light stature, off-road practicality and measured power. The MST is a maxi-trailer with a big heart. The concept is appealing, but it has one drawback. There's no way to go below 158 hp and have a more accessible machine. Until this 950 version.

like the big one? You'll love the little one. As with the Monster and Panigale, mimicry is the order of the day. Both in silhouette and technical aspects, the 950 Multistrada is a faithful reproduction of the 1200. Every line, every curve, every nook and cranny is based on its predecessor. Yet once you've made the descent to the saddle, a few details stand out. The painted plastic trim doesn't continue under the seat, the pot is different, the single-arm has disappeared. Arg!!! And yes, we'd love it to be on every Ducat'. But company policy reserves it for the best versions of each family. A little more snooping reveals new rims, a paintless beak, a simplified left-hand commodo, a seat perched at 840 mm with no height adjustment, and you'll have to do without the LED headlights. In short, the 1260 Multistrada retains premium attributes that the 950 can't and shouldn't boast.

and as for the engine, is it the 1260 that's dried up in displacement? Not exactly. The engine bank is well-stocked, allowing several machines to steal from their cousins. The twin comes from the Hypermotard series, and is also found on the SuperSport. Ducati may have christened it the 950, but its displacement makes a lie of it. What's it all about? This 11° Testastretta combines 4 valves per cylinder, 53 mm fuel injection, 937 cm3 of exact cubic capacity, the eternal desmodromic valve train and enough power to go far, almost hard. 113 horsepower is more than enough to have fun. It's more than the watts of a V-Strom or Versys, and not so far from a Crosstourer or the reference GS. But without encroaching on the cavalry of the big MTS. The 950 develops a total of 113 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and maximum torque of 9.8 mkg at 7,750 rpm. That's enough to lift the trail's 227 kilos without a care in the world - a weight in the low range of the category.

The 950 is the smallest "Multibike" made by the brand. But small is a word to be used with caution: it's practically a 1000. And almost twice as spirited as the first "small" Multistrada, the 620 from 2005 to 2007. To hold its ground on stud farms and roads, it needs a quality chassis. We won't be disappointed. The tubular steel trellis frame encloses the twin-cylinder with tradition and rigidity. At the front, it's a Kayaba 48 mm inverted fork. At the rear, a Sachs shock absorber; both are fully adjustable, but we can't offer the semi-active Skyhook suspension. Braking is provided by twin 320 mm discs with Brembo monobloc calipers on the bow, and a 265 mm disc with twin-piston caliper on the stern. All under the control of a 3-stage ABS. What's surprising is that the front discs seem to take up less of the wheel than on the 1200... Normal, it's bigger. The 950 is fitted with a 19" front wheel. Combined with the narrower rear tire (170), the machine should offer a little more handling and an ounce more versatility.

electronics are another tactical point for the 950 Multistrada. The Riding Modes are there to tailor a bike "à la carte" by acting on the multiple assistances (ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire, anti-wheeling) according to 4 laws. Depending on mood and/or environment, the rider chooses one of the memory modes.
- Touring: 113 hp with progressive response. DTC is set to level 5 and ABS to level 3, maximizing both braking stability and rear-wheel lift prevention.
- Sport: direct response to acceleration, lower DTC (Level 4) and ABS (Level 2) settings without intervention in rear wheel lift.
- Urban: power reduced to 75 hp with progressive throttle response. DTC is set to a higher intervention level (6) and ABS to level 3, maximizing braking stability and preventing rear wheel lift.
- Enduro: also 75 hp, with progressive throttle response. The DTC is set to level 2 for off-road use and the ABS setting is minimal (level 1), disabling rear wheel lift prevention.

The same face, the same desires, the same disposition, but a more mainstream engine and a more affordable price. This Ducati 950 Multistrada could well be the most homogeneous and punchy of the line. With 5 kilos less, a more-than-sufficient engine and, above all, a 4,000-euro difference from the 1260, Italy's mid-range "multi-ranger" is only too eager to broaden its customer base. Or, quite simply, take on board those who were only thinking about the price, those who don't care about having 160 drunks at their disposal, those who want a Multistrada and don't care about premium, those...... in short, it could be a lot of people.

M.B - Manufacturer's media

Rather than multiplying versions, Ducati is offering several packs for its 950 Multistada, allowing each rider to enhance it according to his or her field of mission.

- Sport Pack: Includes an approved Termignoni titanium exhaust system and a number of sporty details in machined aluminum, such as frame caps and a brake fluid reservoir cover.

- Enduro Pack: This Ducati Performance accessory kit has been designed to protect the bike even on rough, impassable trails, as well as from detritus and impact, thanks to the water radiator grille, engine skid plate and sturdy tubular steel guard. the kit also includes LED headlights for improved night-time visibility and steel footrest pedals for optimum foot grip on off-road trails.

- Touring Pack: includes sturdy 56-liter side cases with center stand.

- Urban Pack: the top-case and pocket bag allow you to carry bulky items and keep smaller ones close at hand. The kit also includes a small USB extension cable, useful for ensuring you never run out of power.