2017 Ducati Multistrada 950 review, test ride

Quick shuffler

With a kerb weight of 229kg, the 950 is only slightly lighter than its larger sibling. However, with the centre panels taken off (like on the 1200 Enduro), it feel slimmer and a whole lot more nimble around corners. On top of it, just like the Enduro, it runs with a larger 19-inch front wheel (the 1200 runs 17-inchers at both ends). This not only makes the 950 feel more stable through corners, it's exactly what you need if you ride on loose surfaces. It also gets the double-sided swingarm and high-mounted flattened exhaust from the Enduro, really driving home the point that if you want to ride off-road, the M950 is a great choice (provided you swap out the tyres and rims).

Around the tight-twisting mountain roads of Fuerteventura, the M950 handled like a dream and gave no cause for concern even around the trickiest of corners. Turn-ins are predictable and the bike feels planted mid-corner. Braking is excellent as well, with precise feel and great bite. The dual 320mm front discs are clamped on by Brembo's 4.32 monobloc radial calipers, while the rear 265mm single disc gets a Brembo floating caliper. Even though the 950's brakes aren't of the same high quality as the 1200's Brembo M50 setup, there's never an occasion where it feels inadequate.

Less is more

Obviously, the Multistrada 950 isn't as sophisticated as the 1200. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. It has all its basics in place and enough electronics to keep you from getting into serious trouble. It doesn't have the mental performance levels of its larger sibling either; so you aren't going to have a wild smile plastered over your face each time you open the gas. And yes, it also does skimp on the some impressive features such as the TFT dashboard, cornering lights, electronic suspension and even cruise control. But what the M950 does deliver, in a big way, is a very involving riding experience that's extremely rewarding as well – more so than the bigger Multistrada at times. In India, we expect the 950 to cost around Rs 3 lakh less than the 1200, making it great value, without compromising on the fun.