DUCATI MULTISTRADA 950

The smaller Multi is still a mean machine

AS A JOURNALIST WHO REVIEWS CARS and bikes, it is hard to be objective at times. You see, we’re just as star-struck as you are. We get weak-kneed and giddy at the sight of some of these machines as well, but have to suck it up, look at it as just another day at the job and lend a fair opinion for the magazine. So here’s a disclaimer: I’m a sucker for the Ducati Multistrada and this story is my best attempt at a balanced review. I wasn’t even supposed to be doing this story, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend time on the saddle of a Multi. If the Ed knew of my predisposition, he probably wouldn’t have agreed to me being anywhere close to the bike. Anyway, here goes nothing!

When small is big

This is the Multistrada 950, and the smallest Multistrada you can get your hands on — that is, if you can call a 229kg motorcycle that stands five feet tall small. It is small because it doesn’t get the 1198cc engine that the 1200 S does, but a not-somental 937cc one. No variable valve timing, no dual spark like the bigger bike — this engine is shared instead with the Hypermotard, a machine with a simpler philosophy. Output stands at 111bhp at 9000rpm, with peak torque of 96Nm at 7750rpm. But it still goes like stink. I mean, whack open the throttle and you’re surging forward cocooned in from the wind blast behind the Multi’s fairing. It is so brilliant that… wait, I’m getting carried away, aren’t I? Apologies. Right, the engine. It is a superb unit, there’s no denying that. It isn’t as frantic as the 1200’s (duh!) but it never leaves you wanting more on our roads. It isn’t linear by any measure, it is rather sedate till 4500rpm after which it really starts to remind you that it is a Ducati. The fuelling is excellent, and the acceleration is accompanied by the bassy snarl of the L-twin. It’s a hoot out on the highway, and it is easy to keep in the meat of the power band in the twisties. The bike has plenty of grunt, but never tries to scare you witless. However, the engine isn’t the most comfortable pottering about at low revs. Inside the city, you’re going to be restricted to first gear and maybe second if you find