Ducati Multistrada 950 2020 — Specifications

Since 2017, Ducati has understood that not everyone wanted — or could afford — the entry ticket of a Multistrada 1260. The Ducati Multistrada 950 was born from this simple observation: to offer the Bologna DNA at a less intimidating price, €14,590 in the catalog, without sacrificing the essentials. Three years after its launch, the 2020 version receives some welcome refinements. Not a revolution. A fine-tuning.

The engine remains the core of the discussion. The 937 cm3 Testastretta V-twin develops 113 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 96.2 Nm at 7,750 rpm. On paper, these figures place the machine well above what a BMW F 900 XR or a Triumph Tiger 900 offer in terms of thermal character. A Ducati V-twin is talked about as much as it is ridden, with that ability to pull strongly at the bottom of the rev range before rising sharply in regime. The main mechanical novelty of this update remains the hydraulic clutch actuation, lighter at the lever, which makes urban maneuvers less taxing on the left wrist. For the rest, the engine continues its career without major modifications, which in terms of Ducati Multistrada 950 reliability constitutes rather good news.

Where the 2020 model marks a real progress is in the onboard electronics. The Bosch 6-axis IMU opens the door to an operational cornering ABS and traction control now informed by the motorcycle's actual dynamics. Four riding modes structure the experience: Touring and Sport with the full 113 horsepower, Urban and Enduro throttled to 75 horsepower with maps adapted to each terrain. The latter mode deserves particular attention; the 950 is not a true sand track machine with its 227 kg fully fueled, but for a versatile trail intended for an intermediate rider seeking to get off the asphalt from time to time, Enduro mode brings a real sense of usability. The steel trellis frame receives a 48 mm fully adjustable KYB inverted fork and a similarly adjustable single shock absorber, with 170 mm of travel at both ends. The lightweight wheels save 500 grams, which represents little in absolute value but is felt in load changes.

The Ducati Multistrada 950 S 2020 constitutes a chapter in its own right. Ducati has concentrated the real novelties on this variant: semi-active Skyhook suspension, TFT screen, quickshifter, cruise control, directional LED lights. For those seeking a Ducati Multistrada 950 S a few years after the release of these model years, the equipment/price ratio on the used market becomes frankly interesting. The standard version, on the other hand, is more suited to a rider who prefers to personalize their equipment via the Ducati Multistrada 950 accessory packs: Touring Pack with saddlebags and heated grips, Urban Pack with top case and USB ports, Enduro Pack or Sport Pack according to affinities. The original Ducati Multistrada 950 luggage cases integrate well with the overall line, without the clumsy appearance that is sometimes criticized in overly loaded trails.

Remains the question of positioning. With a 840 mm seat height and a weight of 227 kg, the 950 is not the ideal partner for a beginner wishing to progress gently; it is better to have solid experience before embarking on a Ducati Multistrada 950 test. It targets the confirmed rider who wants a versatile machine with a sporty character, capable of devouring mountain passes, crossing a city without being noticed, and facing a forest track with measure. Faced with a cheaper Suzuki V-Strom 1050 or a more off-road equipped Tiger 900 Rally, it plays the card of temperament and name. It is not neutral. The Ducati Multistrada 950 price remains high for the segment, but the machine keeps its promises as long as one knows what is being asked of it.