We spotted it in testing two months ago but now Ducati have officially announced the latest, and smallest capacity, version of their sports touring ‘multibike’; the Multistrada 950.
Despite its name the new Ducati uses the same Euro4-emissions-ready, 937cc V-twin Testastretta seen in the 2016 Hyperstrada/Hypermotard 939. The same motor is also to be used in the new Supersport for 2017 and offers 113bhp at 9,000rpm with a maximum torque of 71 ft-lbs at 7,750 rpm.
Designed to be a more useable, lighter-weight Multistrada yet still with the same ‘4-bikes-in-1’ capability as Ducati claimed with the latest 1200cc version, it is still packed with all the conveniences and comforts expected of a high level brand.
An 8-level traction control system and 3-level Bosch ABS helps the 19” front and 17” rear wheels equipped with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres plus fully adjustable 48mm Kabaya forks and fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber.
On top of the 170mm suspension travel front and rear, other options aimed at rider comfort and personalisation include four engine modes of Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro which among others adjust the throttle responsiveness traction control and ABS settings plus restricts the engine to 75bhp in Urban and Enduro modes.
The twin cylinder Testastretta 11° engine powering the Multistrada 950 features two new cylinder heads with a redesigned oil circuit and secondary air intake ducts on the covers. The new Ducati also features 53 mm cylindrical-section throttle bodies controlled by an advanced Ride-by-Wire system. The engine also features a new control unit and electronic injection system.
Multistrada 950 takes its styling cues from the Multistrada 1200 with the distinctive headlight, beak, adjustable screen, two wings and 20 litre fuel tank. While the rider's seat, pillion seat, rear grab rail, design of the exhaust and swingarm and the wheel sizes were taken from the Multistrada 1200 Enduro.
The 950 has a longer wheelbase than the 1200 (1594mm vs. 1529mm) and taller seat height, at 840mm it’s 50mm higher than the Multistrada 1200, though 820mm and 860mm seat options are available.
Maintenance intervals of 9,000 miles are coupled with valve clearance inspection every 18,000 miles while colour options are very simple; Red or White. Sorry, make that Ducati Red with Racing Grey frame and matt grey wheels or Star White Silk with Racing Grey frame and matt grey wheels, for accuracy.
As you’d expect with ay modern day brand new machine, there are plenty of optional extras available. Ducati have created four ready-made packages with their names coinciding with the four riding modes. Touring Pack, for example, includes side panniers and a centre stand.
The Kawasaki Versys 1000, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, Honda Crossrunner and Triumph Tiger Sport will offer competition to the new Ducati.
Prices and release dates will be confirmed shortly.
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