2017 Ducati Multistrada 950

Ducati has presented the new Multistrada 950, the Bologna-based bike manufacturer’s smallest “multibike”, designed to provide all the excitement of the Multistrada in a way that makes it more accessible and versatile.

Designed to be within everyone’s grasp, the Multistrada 950 is for those who want to get in some touring (and perhaps enjoy the company of a passenger) and still want an agile bike that’s ideal for everyday use.

Combining the Multistrada family’s trademark design and chassis geometry, the Multistrada 950 has it all.

Lighter than the Multistrada 1200 and with a seat height of 840 mm, the Multistrada 950 sharpens the excellent performance of its “big sisters”.

The 19″ light alloy front wheel ensures comfort and fun on any road surface, asphalted or not.

Suspension with a generous 170 mm of travel and a twin-sided swingarm keep comfort levels high while giving the Multistrada 950 outstanding agility. Moreover, the 20-litre tank puts plenty of miles between refuelling stops.

The frame design features a front Trellis made up of large-diameter yet thin tubing, plus two lateral aluminium sub-frames to ensure maximum torsional rigidity. The Multistrada 950 has a minimum ground clearance of 183.5 mm.

The shell-cast aluminium twin-sided swingarm is painted black.

Suspension is USD 48mm forks with 170mm of travel, a dedicated cast fork leg, plus adjustable spring pre-load and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. At the rear, a Sachs shock connects the swingarm to the left sub-frame: again, spring pre-load is adjustable (via a knob-operated hydraulic press), as is hydraulic compression and rebound damping. The spring is progressive, consequently increasing ride comfort even with the bike fully loaded. Rear suspension travel is 170mm.

The Multistrada 950 features Brembo M4.32 monobloc radial calipers with four 32mm diameter pistons and 2 pads, an axial pump and dual 320mm front discs.

At the rear a 265mm disc is gripped by a floating caliper, again by Brembo. Such top-drawer components ensure unbeatable performance, a feature that has always been a Ducati hallmark.

The 937cc Testastretta engine gives the Multistrada 950 true Ducati character. This engine delivers 113hp at 9000 rpm and a maximum torque of 96.2 Nm at 7750 rpm. The four Riding Modes (Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro) give the Multistrada 950 true four-bikes-in-one capability.

The twin cylinder Testastretta 11° engine on the Multistrada 950 features two new cylinder heads with a redesigned oil circuit and secondary air intake ducts on the covers. The Multistrada 950 gulps in the fuel mix through new 53mm cylindrical-section throttle bodies controlled by an advanced Ride-by-Wire system. Moreover, this engine also features a new control unit and electronic injection system. The exhaust system is of the 2-1-2 type with lateral silencer.

The clutch, instead, is of the oil bath type with slipper function and low-effort lever control. The slipper function cuts in when the rear wheel exerts back-torque, reducing pressure on the discs to ensure vehicle stability during the aggressive down-shifting typical of competitive riding.

Maintenance isn’t such a worry either, the 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11° twin cylinder engine has a maintenance interval of 15,000km or 12 months, with valve clearance inspection every 30,000km.

The Multistrada 950 is equipped with a DSP (Ducati Safety Pack) that includes ABS and Ducati Traction Control, enhancing bike performance, optimising control and boosting safety levels. This package is managed via four different Riding Modes, each of which (Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro) gives the Multistrada 950 a distinctive personality thanks to different ABS and DTC (Ducati Traction Control) settings.

These safety systems apply different intervention levels depending on the selected Riding Mode; riders can personalise them to set up the Multistrada 950 to match their individual needs and riding skills.

The Multistrada 950 is available in two colours; classic Ducati Red and stylish Star White Silk. Both colour schemes feature matt grey frame and wheels.

2017 Ducati Multistrada 950

• 937 cm³ Testastretta 11° engine with 113 hp at 9,000 rpm and 96.2 Nm at 7,750 rpm
• Euro 4 emissions
• Exhaust with single silencer
• Tubular steel Trellis frame with cast aluminium twin-sided swingarm
• Seat height 840 mm
• Height-adjustable screen
• Fuel tank capacity 20 litres
• Six-Y-spoke wheels, Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres, 120/70 ZR17, 170/60 ZR17
• Fully adjustable 48 mm Kayaba fork with 170 mm of travel
• Fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber, allowing 170 mm of rear wheel travel
• 4 Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro)
• Ducati Safety Pack (3-level ABS, 8-level DTC)
• LCD Instrumentation

For more information see Ducati.com.au