2017 Ducati Multistrada 950 First Look From EICMA 2016

One of the first surprises from EICMA 2016 was from Ducati, which announced a smaller version of its successful, liquid-cooled Multistrada platform, dubbed the Multistrada 950. It uses the 937cc engine from Ducati's Hypermotard 939, combined with the typical Multistrada look, now with a standard, two-sided swingarm accenting the steel-trellis frame.

Other notable changes for the Multi 950 are six-spoke cast wheels, a little different from the big Multi’s three-spoke cast hoops, and the old, two-color LCD display in the cockpit as opposed to the 1200’s full-color TFT unit. The windscreen is still adjustable, though, and the 950 offers the same 5.3-gallons of fuel capacity. A standard seat height of 33 inches is actually a little taller than the 32.5-inch “low” setting on the Multistrada 1200, but Ducati says the Multi 950 weighs a little less than its big brother. A 170-section rear tire is narrower than the 1200’s 190.

Electronically, there’s no inertial measurement unit to calculate pitch, roll, and yaw on the Multi 950, but it is equipped with up-to-date Bosch ABS with three levels of adjustment. There are also eight levels of traction control to choose from, as well as four ride modes (Urban, Enduro, Touring, and Sport). So, no IMU but still plenty of do-dads to keep the rubber side down. Low maintenance is a priority, too, with service checks every 9,000 miles (or 12 months) and valve clearance inspection every 18,000 miles.

The new single-exit exhaust is definitely smaller than the big bike. Also of note, the Sachs shock is paired with a KYB fork (instead of Sachs for the 1200 S’s Skyhook technology), though it’s fully adjustable and the same 6.7-inches of travel are available. There are still plenty of creature comforts, too, with four accessory packs to choose from: The Urban Pack (top case, tank bag, and USB hub), Enduro Pack (auxiliary LED lights, Touratech bits, crash protection, and off-road footpegs), Touring Pack (saddlebags and a center stand), and Sport Pack (EU-legal Termignoni exhaust and billet aluminum parts) are all available for the Multi 950.

LINK: Read Ari’s Hypermotard 939 First Ride: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2016-ducati-hypermotard-939-first-look-review

Pricing for the Multistrada 950 starts at $13,995 in red and $14,195 in white, with dealer availability starting in January of 2017.