Ducati Multistrada 950 S 2019 — Specifications

Are you looking for the essence of a Multistrada without breaking the bank or enduring the 160 horsepower of the 1260? The answer is likely this Ducati Multistrada 950 S, a model that has proven itself since 2019 and remains a safe bet on the used market. With its 937 cc V-twin engine delivering 113 horsepower and nearly 96 Nm of torque, it’s no tame beast, but its character is much more accessible. The announced weight? 229 kg fully fueled, making it a maneuverable machine without being featherlight, a good compromise for those who want to devour asphalt without constant struggle.

Where this S version takes off is with its electronic equipment. The semi-active Skyhook EVO suspension is the highlight. Piloted by an inertial sensor, it adjusts damping in real time. Four riding modes, the ability to adjust the load, and fine front/rear adjustment offer incredible personalization, even if, to be honest, most riders will let the system work alone after the initial settings. You’ll also find the color TFT screen, cruise control, LED headlights with cornering light function, and the up/down shifter. A downside? Heated grips remain an option, an absurdity on a motorcycle at this price. For the rest, the equipment is rich, almost up to par with its big sister.

Who is the rider behind this handlebar? The demanding globetrotter who wants Italian character without excess, the lover of versatile trail bikes who thrives on looks and technology. The seat height of 840 mm may deter those of smaller stature, but for those with the build, the position is royal. Facing a Triumph Tiger 800 XRt or a BMW F 850 GS Adventure, the Multistrada 950 S plays the card of emotion and prestige, but its new price, around 16,500 euros at the time, clearly placed it in the high end of the range. Today, searching for a used Ducati Multistrada 950 S is becoming a very sensible idea.

On the road, this Ducati twin sings sweetly. The power is linear, the torque present from the middle of the range, and the Trellis chassis combined with the KYB adjustable suspensions offers surprising agility for a machine of this size. It devours national roads with ease, is discreet in the city if asked, and can even nibble at dirt roads with the optional spoked rims. It’s not the most radical, nor the most comfortable, but it possesses that alchemy that makes you dismount with a smile. It’s a motorcycle that has character, a much more forgivable flaw than a bland personality.

So, should you go for a Multistrada 950 S? If you want a technological Italian trail bike, with a charismatic engine and a look that commands attention, it’s an excellent choice. Tests of the Ducati Multistrada 950 S confirm it, it seduces with its balance. On the other hand, if your budget is tight or if you prioritize absolute comfort and the dealer network, look to the competition. But for those who want that spark, that dose of Bolognese madness in an accessible format, this motorcycle remains, even in 2024, a terribly appealing proposition. Ducati Multistrada 950 S forums are full of testimonials from won-over enthusiasts.