2019 Ducati Multistrada 950/950 S

“Pick your poison” is often said to someone who is forced to decide between two choices, neither of which is particularly palatable. In the case of the 2019 Ducati Multistrada 950, however, you can’t go wrong with either the standard 950 or the higher-spec 950 S. The base 937cc Testastretta V-twin isn’t as powerful as its 1,262cc-powered DVT brethren, but the engine runs smoothly and is loaded with passing oomph. In fact, 80 percent or more of peak torque is reportedly available from 3,500 to 9,500 rpm. Big news this year on the 950 S is the addition of a Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Cruise control is another welcome addition.

Four preset riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro) can be individually tailored for engine output and throttle response, traction control and ABS intervention, and more. An app even lets you create your own modes and, with Bluetooth connectivity, download them to the bike. In addition, spring preload and damping settings for the Skyhook suspension that is standard on the more expensive 950 S can be electronically configured on the fly with the push of a button.

Likes: Settings retained when the engine is turned off; three-way height-adjustable seat

Dislikes: S-spec wire-spoked wheels are 11 pounds heavier than the cast hoops

Verdict: Follows Goldilocks principle: not too big, not too small, just right

“The riding position is excellent for seated touring but a bit odd for standing, which is fine with me,” contributor Ned Suesse wrote. “I like that the Ducati doesn’t pretend to be an off-road bike. A graded road here and there will be fine, but this isn’t a rally bike.”

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Ducati offers four accessory packages—Enduro, Touring, Sport, or Urban—that, depending on the package, includes saddlebags, a top case, a centerstand, engine protection, and/or other components to enhance the character of the Multistrada 950. All of which means this machine has a cornucopia of competition across multiple segments, from sportbikes to ADVs.

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In other markets, the Multistrada 950 is available in three trims: 950, 950 S, or 950 S SW. The US gets the 950 and 950 S, the latter with the “SW” or “Spoked Wheel” option that replaces alloy mags with tubeless-type, wire-spoked hoops wearing Pirelli Scorpio Trail II rubber.