Ducati Multistrada 950

The compact Italian adventure bike

FOR EVERY FIREBREATHING, top-spec Ducati, there’s usually a smaller, cheaper, more-sensible version waiting in the wings. When the original Multistrada appeared in 2003, a 620 version popped up a year later. Yet it’s taken almost seven years since the launch of the Multistrada 1200 for a scaled-down alternative to appear. But now riders who don’t fancy the big bike’s huge power (or pricetag) have an alternative: the new, 113bhp and £10,995 Multistrada 950.

Essentially it’s the same chassis as the big Multistrada with the 937cc V-twin from the Hypermotard, the seat and tail unit from the Multistrada 1200 Enduro, a full suite of electronic rider aids as well as a 19in front wheel (previous Multistradas, apart from the Enduro, have had 17in fronts). The 950 replaces the 1200’s single-sided swingarm with a double-sided one and also does without cornering ABS, lean-angle-sensitive traction control, LED headlamps and full-colour instrument displays, making do with more conventional items.

But does the fact that the 950 isn’t as flash, fast and frenetic mean it’s any less capable - or desirable? Or could the cut in power and price actually make it the more attractive option?

It’s easy to mistake the Multistrada 950 for its bigger brother SWINGARM No sexy single-sided swingarm for the 950: a less-expensive but perfectly practical double-sider is used. Chassis is a mix of 1200 and 1200 Enduro parts.