Star bikes at Milan Show

Rallye package, which fully equips the R 1200GS for off-road use through the fitting of crash protection, suspension revisions, knobbly tyres, and extra riding modes that target off-road conditions.

The theme of more affordable, lighter ADVs was promoted not only by the debut of the G 310GS and a 700cc twin-powered concept bike from Yamaha called the T7, Ducati also began singing from the same song sheet by releasing a lighter, more accessible middleweight-sized Multistrada.

The new Multistrada 950 replaces the Hyperstrada 939 in the Ducati range by placing the Hyper’s superb 937cc Testastretta V-twin engine in a more longdistance-ready model, equipped with a 19in front wheel to better handle off-road applications.

Engine output is unchanged from the outgoing Hyperstrada, with 84kW (113bhp) developed at 9500rpm and 96Nm generated at 7500. A six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch handle processing duties, and a welcome powertrain revision is the shifting of the V-twin’s oil cooler to a less vulnerable position than just behind the Hyper-bike’s front wheel.

Other bugbears of the Hyperstrada have also been ironed out through the larger tank capacity of the Multistrada 950, the increased weather protection through the fitting of a proper fairing, and the opportunity to fit larger optional luggage accessories to it.

Meanwhile Hyperstrada owners seeking reasons to retain their bikes will find it in the Multi 950’s less appealing double-sided swingarm, and the extra 15kg of mass. Expect to pay a price pegged somewhere close to the $23,000 mark for the new midiMulti when the bike arrives here in March.

Meanwhile, in further nod towards affordability, Ducati also displayed a new entry-level Monster streetbike at Milan, powered by the same 56kW/68Nm air-cooled 800cc V-twin engine as used by the Scrambler range. Because we all know that not everyone can afford a new Superleggera.