Ducati spruced up its base mid-size 950 Multistrada ahead of MY2019 with a host of electronic rider aids, and in a first for the 950 range, the builder in Bologna put together an “S” variant with even more top-shelf fandanglery for your riding pleasure. The 950 range offers an alternative to riders for whom the 1260 model is just a little too much, and that makes it more suitable for the folks who are looking for a commuter-friendly, everyday ride. Street-oriented adventure bikes are rapidly replacing standards and sport-tourers as the favored choice du jour for urban travelers and weekend warriors, so this is an increasingly important bracket in which to perform.

2019 - 2021 Ducati Multistrada 950 / 950 S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 - 2021 Ducati Multistrada 950 / 950 S
  • Engine/Motor: L-Twin
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Ducati Multistrada 950 / 950 S Design

- Optional dry storage - Smartphone connectivity - Color LCD screen (TFT on the “S”) - Cornering lights (“S” model)

As with everything else Ducati builds, the Multi-street 950 has a certain je ne sais quoi about it. It has a feminine quality without actually making them “girl's bikes” per se, and an organic flow that most of the adventure-bike field lacks, and an organic flow that most of the adventure-bike field lacks}}. The protruding front fairing and squinted headight layout gives the 950's mug the typical angry-bird look that dominates the range.

A proper front fender joins the bird's beak to provide fling control with tall uprights that double as deflectors to protect the swept area of the inverted front forks. Up top, a clear windscreen parts the weather for the pilot's torso, and the 950 range borrows from its big brothers in the 1260 bracket with a “wing” structure the expands the front fairing on each side to widen the pocket for your legs.

In profile, we see the graceful lines that make the Multistrada stand out in a field dominated by purely function-driven form. No matter which model you choose, the front blinkers come integrated with the handguards as part of the standard equipment package to keep the front end as clean as possible, though the “S” variant also rocks a set of cornering lights to increase safety and confidence once the sun goes down.

Behind the glass, a color LCD screen delivers all the pertinent metrics on the base model, and the “S” adds some value with a color TFT screen. Both models rock the Ducati Link tech that communicates with an app to turn your smartphone into a ride computer.

A camel-like fuel-tank hump totes 5.3 gallons of fuel to give the 950 a respectable range and an adventure-typical flyline with a deep swale that cradles the pilot and pulls you into the machine. The P-pad is borrowed from the 1260 as well, and it joins the flip-up passenger footpegs and grab rails to complete the passenger's gear.

A molded-in and stylized taillight rides nestled in the tip of the tail with a short mudguard/plateholder and turn-signal assembly to wrap it all up. Oh, and if you want to gear up for some serious tour work, the factory offers hard-side panniers and a top case to provide you with dry and secure storage.

Ducati Multistrada 950 / 950 S Chassis

- Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (“S” model) - Fully adjustable rear suspension - Eager in the corners - Optional 'high' or 'low' seat

A tubular-steel Trellis frame on the Multistrada 950 provides the bulk of the structure with the engine serving as a stressed member to complete the skeleton. Rake and trail measure out at 25 degrees and 4.2 inches, respectively, over a 62.8-inch wheelbase to make this family fairly eager in the corners in spite of their relative height. Yeah, they're kinda tall overall with a standard seat height of 33.1 inches off the ground, but that's more-or-less necessary to accommodate the 6.7-inch suspension travel that gives the range a bit of dirt-road capability. If that doesn't work for you, the factory offers a 33.9-inch “high” seat and a 32.3-inch “low” saddle.

Both models rock a fully adjustable monoshock out back, but the “S” sports the electronic, automatic Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo feature that delivers dynamic damping adjustments via input from the inertial measurement unit (IMU). Both the base model and the S variant roll on 17-inch, cast-aluminum wheels, but the “S” alone offers the option of laced wheels. Naturally, the spoked wheels are preferable if you're into riding on unimproved roads and/or soft terrain.

No matter which you choose, tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Trail II hoops round out the rolling chassis with a 120/70 up front and a 170/60 out back. Brembo supplies the anchors with four-bore monobloc calipers that bite dual, 320 mm front discs and a twin-piston caliper out back to grab the 265 mm rear disc. Both ends benefit from the IMU with corner-sensitive ABS across the board and the Vehicle Hold Control that holds the brake for you so you can safely get the most out of the system, even on a grade.

As usual with this genre, the 950 range bears a rider's triangle that allows for a comfortable, upright posture, and also lets you operate from a standing position for technical work.

Frame:

Tubular steel trellis frame

Front Wheel:

Light alloy casted 3.0" x 19"

Front Tire:

Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 120/70 ZR 19

Rear Suspension:

└ Multistrada 950:

Fully adjustable monoshock, Remote spring preload adjustment, Aluminum double-sided swingarm

└ Multistrada 950 S:

Fully adjustable monoshock, Electronic compression, renbound damping and spring pre-load adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (DSS), Aluminum double-sided swingarm

Rear Wheel:

Light alloy casted 4.5" x 17"

Rear Tire:

Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 170/60 ZR 17

Wheel Travel (Front/Rear):

6.7 in / 6.7 in (170 mm / 170 mm)

Front Brake:

Dual Ø 320 mm semi-floating discs, Radially mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston 2-pad calipers, Radial Master Cylinder, Bosch Cornering ABS

Rear Brake:

Ø 265 mm disc, 2-piston Brembo floating caliper, Bosch Cornering ABS


Ducati Multistrada 950 / 950 S Drivetrain

- Liquid-cooled 937 cc Testastretta, L-Twin - 113 hp & 71 lb-ft of torque - Traction control & ride modes - Cruise control & QuickShifter (“S” model)

Ducati powers the range with its Testastretta L-Twin that runs the signature Desmodromic valvetrain to time the four-valve head. It uses a pull-closed cam in lieu of the old-fashioned spring closure that is so prone to harmonic valve float at the top end. As a result, the redline is rather high for a 90-degree v-twin at 9 grand, and since valve float is impossible, it's the bottom end that serves as the limiting factor, those bearing will only take so much.

It's massively oversquare with a 94 mm bore and 67.5 mm stroke that gives it a total displacement of 937 cc, and a smokin' hot compression ratio of 12.6-to-1. A ride-by-wire throttle conveys rider demand to the ECU, but that's just the beginning. The signal washes through a number of systems before it gets to the 53 mm throttle bodies that rock Bosch electronic fuel injection to meter the juice. Traction Control and Power Modes protect the contact-patch integrity and allow you to dial in for the prevailing conditions across the board. The “S” adds to that with cruise control and Ducati's Quick-Shift feature that lets you work up and down the range sans clutch action.

The exhaust circuit contains a catalyzer to burn off any free hydrocarbons that escape the combustion chamber with a pair of Lamba probes in the headers to help the system tune itself dynamically and meet Euro 4 emission standards. As for power, the mill delivers the goods with 113 horsepower at the shaft and 71 pound-feet that top out at 7,750 rpm. That power flows through a slipper clutch and six-speed transmission to deliver a top speed in the neighborhood of 145 mph, which is way faster than you need to ride, on- or off-road. Of course, you can dial the power down to 75 ponies with the Urban and Enduro riding modes if you can't trust yourself with the full output.

Engine:

Ducati Testastretta, L-Twin cylinder, Desmodromic timing, 4 valves per cylinder, Liquid cooled

Displacement:

937 cc (57.2 cu in)

Bore x Stroke:

94 mm x 67.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.6 : 1

Power:

113 hp (83 kW) @ 9,000 rpm

Torque:

71 lb-ft (96 Nm) @ 7,750 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Bosch electronic fuel injection system, Ø 53 mm throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire system

Exhaust System:

Stainless steel single muffler, Catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes

Gearbox:

└ Multistrada 950:

6 speed

└ Multistrada 950 S:

6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS)

Primary Drive:

Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84 : 1

Ratios:

1=37/15, 2=30/17, 3=28/20, 4=26/22, 5=24/23, 6=23/24

Final Drive:

Chain, Front sprocket Z15, Rear sprocket Z43

Clutch:

Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control


Ducati Multistrada 950 / 950 S Pricing

MSRP is holding steady from last year at $14,495. The 950 S starts at $17,595 and for 2021 comes in a new 'GP White” colorway in addition to the classic 'Ducati Red.'

Model:

Multistrada 950

Multistrada 950 S

Instrumentation:

LCD Display

5” TFT color display

Safety Equipment:

Ducati Safety Pack: Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Riding Modes, Power Modes, Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

Ducati Safety Pack: Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

Standard Equipment:

Self canceling turn indicators

Riding Mode, ABS Cornering Bosch, DTC, DCL, VHC, DSS Evo, DQS, Cruise control, Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, 5" TFT color display, Full LED headlight, Self canceling turn indicators

Warranty:

24 months, Unlimited mileage

24 months, Unlimited mileage

Color:

Ducati Red

GP White, Ducati Red

Price:

└ 2019:

$14,395

Red: $16,995, Grey: $17,195

└ 2020:

$14,495

Red: $17,395, Grey: $17,595

└ 2021:

$14,495

$17,595


Ducati Multistrada 950 / 950 S Competitors

When it comes to well-equipped adventure bikes, I usually like to draw from Triumph's Tiger line, but this time I wanted to go East instead and I wound up with Suzuki's V-Strom 1000XT for my head to head.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT

Suzuki leads off in similar fashion with a bird's beak front fairing and a full-length front fender, but instead of a side-by-side headlight arrangement, Suzuki opted for an over-under setup that allows for a narrower front end. Credit where it's due, Suzuki managed to get a nice flow to the body shape. No, it isn't quite sex on wheels like the Duc, but few things are and I think the V-Strom is a sharp-looking ride overall.

Looks will only take you so far in a specifically focused sub-genre such as this, and the V-Strom falls a tad short in the stems right off the bat. Sure, it offers the full trinity up front and adjustable preload and rebound damping out back, but its a manual adjustment that can't compete with Duc's automatic suspension system. Suzuki does manage to get a corner-sensitive ABS system that also boasts a Combination Brake System to increases stability further yet. A traction control feature does its bit as well with three separate profiles so you can dial in the desired amount of wheel spin and intervention.

Suzuki gains an edge in displacement with its 1,037 cc V-twin, but fails to convert that into a power advantage with only 90 ponies and 67 pounds o' grunt against 113/71 from the Duc. To compound Suzuki's woes, the V-Strom rolls for $13,299, and folks looking for the extra power and fandanglery will be willing to pay the difference.

He Said

Sexy and slick, the Ducati Multistrada 950 delivers the goods with the usual aplomb. It's remarkable how far the Pure-D Adventure-bike genre has come in such a relatively short period of time, but I guess it's a sign of the times and technology we live with daily. Heck, I mean, even Harley-Davidson is playing with traction control.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “Very smooth gear changes and lively response from the throttle. It really is a nice bike and it just doesn't fit the 'little Multistrada' label. It is a substantial bike in its own right and more and more we're seeing that bigger doesn't always translate into better. Ducati really 'fleshed out' this lower displacement Multistrada. The main differences between this gen's model and the previous gen are improvements in rider safety and overall riding pleasure, especially for the 950 S which borrows hardware and tech from the 1260.”

Ducati Multistrada 950 / 950 S Specifications

Engine & Drivetrain:

Engine:

Ducati Testastretta, L-Twin cylinder, Desmodromic timing, 4 valves per cylinder, Liquid cooled

Displacement:

937 cc (57.2 cu in)

Bore x Stroke:

94 mm x 67.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.6 : 1

Power:

113 hp (83 kW) @ 9,000 rpm

Torque:

71 lb-ft (96 Nm) @ 7,750 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Bosch electronic fuel injection system, Ø 53 mm throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire system

Exhaust System:

Stainless steel single muffler, Catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes

Gearbox:

└ Multistrada 950:

6 speed

└ Multistrada 950 S:

6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS)

Primary Drive:

Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84 : 1

Ratios:

1=37/15, 2=30/17, 3=28/20, 4=26/22, 5=24/23, 6=23/24

Final Drive:

Chain, Front sprocket Z15, Rear sprocket Z43

Clutch:

Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

Chassis:

Frame:

Tubular steel trellis frame

Front Wheel:

Light alloy casted 3.0" x 19"

Front Tire:

Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 120/70 ZR 19

Rear Suspension:

└ Multistrada 950:

Fully adjustable monoshock, Remote spring preload adjustment, Aluminum double-sided swingarm

└ Multistrada 950 S:

Fully adjustable monoshock, Electronic compression, renbound damping and spring pre-load adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (DSS), Aluminum double-sided swingarm

Rear Wheel:

Light alloy casted 4.5" x 17"

Rear Tire:

Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 170/60 ZR 17

Wheel Travel (Front/Rear):

6.7 in / 6.7 in (170 mm / 170 mm)

Front Brake:

Dual Ø 320 mm semi-floating discs, Radially mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston 2-pad calipers, Radial Master Cylinder, Bosch Cornering ABS

Rear Brake:

Ø 265 mm disc, 2-piston Brembo floating caliper, Bosch Cornering ABS

Dimensions & Capacities:

Seat Height:

33.1 in (840 mm), 33.9 in (860 mm) with high seat accessory, 32.3 in (820 mm) with low seat accessory

Wheelbase:

62.8 in (1,594 mm)

Rake:

25°

Trail:

4.2 in (106 mm)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

5.3 US Gal (20 l)

Number of Seats:

2

Fuel Economy:

42.8 mpg (5.5 l/100 km)

Details:

Instrumentation:

└ Multistrada 950:

LCD Display

└ Multistrada 950 S:

5” TFT color display

Safety Equipment:

└ Multistrada 950:

Ducati Safety Pack: Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Riding Modes, Power Modes, Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

└ Multistrada 950 S:

Ducati Safety Pack: Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

Standard Equipment:

└ Multistrada 950:

Self canceling turn indicators

└ Multistrada 950 S:

Riding Mode, ABS Cornering Bosch, DTC, DCL, VHC, DSS Evo, DQS, Cruise control, Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, 5" TFT color display, Full LED headlight, Self canceling turn indicators

Warranty:

24 months, Unlimited mileage

Color:

└ Multistrada 950:

Ducati Red

└ Multistrada 950 S:

Glossy Grey, Ducati Red

2019 Price:

└ Multistrada 950:

$14,395

└ Multistrada 950 S:

Red: $16,995, Grey: $17,195

2020 Price:

└ Multistrada 950:

$14,495

└ Multistrada 950 S:

Red: $17,395, Grey: $17,595

2021 Price:

└ Multistrada 950:

$14,495

└ Multistrada 950 S:

$17,595


Further Reading

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