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ADV Bikes2019 Ducati Multistrada 950 Model Updates Announced

2019 Ducati Multistrada 950 Model Updates Announced

Cutting-edge tech makes Multi more adrenaline-packed and rider-friendly.

Published on 11.04.2018
For 2019 the new Ducati Multistrada 950 receives a series of improvements designed to make it even safer and more enjoyable. Moreover, for the very first time, a “super-technological” S version featuring state-of-the-art electronics is available.

The Multistrada 950 combines Multistrada 1260 and Multistrada 1260 Enduro design features, taking the ‘lightest’ elements from both. The front end – with the distinctive horizontally extended headlight, the ‘beak’, adjustable screen, side ‘wings’ and tank – takes its cue from the Multistrada 1260. The rider’s seat, passenger seat, rear grab rail, the design of the exhaust and swingarm, and the wheel sizes are, instead, taken from the Multistrada 1260 Enduro. This mix has produced a bike with classic Multistrada lines that’s also more compact.

Ducati Multistrada 950 S Adventure Motorcycle

At the heart of the machine is the already renowned twin cylinder 937 cc Testastretta 11° with Desmodromic timing, pumping out 113 hp at 9,000 rpm and 70.8 ft-lbs at 7,750 rpm. The Multistrada 950 now comes with a 6-axis Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), Bosch Cornering ABS, Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) for easier uphill starts (especially when the bike is carrying passenger and luggage) and a hydraulic clutch. What’s more, the swingarm and wheels – both the newly designed alloy wheels and spoked versions – are lighter. An upgraded rider-bike interface (HMI) is now more user-friendly than ever. Indicators feature an auto-off function that takes into account both lean angle and distance traveled.


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Then there’s the new Multistrada 950 S, which offers cutting-edge technology. Features include an electronic suspension with the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) system which continuously adjusts fork and shock absorber damping so the suspension responds instantaneously to changes in road surface. In addition, Ducati Quick Shift up & down (DQS) allows clutchless upshifting and downshifting, and the bike also features a full-LED headlight, 5″ color TFT display, a key-less Hands Free system, Cruise Control and backlit switchgear controls.

Ducati Multistrada 950 S Adventure Motorcycle
The Ducati Multistrada 950 S is available with either cast or spoked wheels.

Suspension

The Multistrada 950 has a front upside down 48 mm fork with 6.7″ (170 mm) of travel, a dedicated cast fork leg, plus fully adjustable spring pre-load and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. At the rear, a shock connects the swingarm to the left cast sub-frame: again, spring pre-load is adjustable, as is hydraulic compression and rebound damping. The spring is progressive, consequently increasing ride comfort even with the bike fully loaded. Rear wheel travel is also 6.7″ (170 mm).

The Multistrada 950 S is, instead, equipped with the Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (DSS) system, based on a 48 mm diameter fork and rear shock (both electronic). Rebound and compression damping are adjusted continuously according to a semi-active approach that ensures optimal vehicle balance. In practice, the system keeps bike attitude constant whatever the road surface, thus minimizing swaying of vehicle, rider and passenger, and significantly boosting comfort and safety.

Ducati Multistrada 950 S Adventure Motorcycle

The Skyhook name stems from the unique sensation experienced during riding, as if the bike were suspended from a hook in the sky, keeping it balanced, stable and extremely reactive to any change in attitude. This innovative technology outperforms conventional, passive suspension systems via constant control of dynamic wheel behavior. Thanks to the smart DSS Evolution system, nearly all the negative effects of too soft or hard a setting are eliminated without compromising performance or safety.

DSS Evolution technology analyzes data from numerous sensors on the sprung and unsprung weights of the bike to calculate and set the damping needed to make the ride as smooth as possible. An accelerometer on the steering yoke, together with another inside the control unit that tracks the DDS Evolution, provide data on sprung weight, while an accelerometer on the fork bottom provides input on unsprung weight. At the rear, another sensor measures suspension travel. The DSS Evolution processes this information via a semi-active control algorithm that, by referring to an imaginary fixed point in the sky above the bike, makes extremely rapid adjustments to the hydraulic dampers to minimize vehicle movement in relation to this point: just as if the bike were suspended from it (hence the term “skyhook”).

Ducati Multistrada 950 S Adventure Motorcycle

To smooth the load transfers associated with acceleration and deceleration, the system also makes use of the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) longitudinal accelerometer sensor, ABS system pressure detectors (for instantaneous calculation and activation of a response that reduces the resulting vehicle swaying) and data from the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which dynamically reveals the bike’s attitude.

The DSS Evolution system allows fast, user-friendly bike set-up via the new HMI interface, ensuring suspension is exactly as desired whatever the ride conditions. Moreover, it’s possible to act on fork and shock absorber separately to fine-tune front and rear suspension. The system has practically unlimited configuration potential, as the rider can electronically select 400 parameter combinations via the new interface. Riders can also mechanically adjust front fork pre-load.

Tires and wheels

The Multistrada 950 features redesigned wheels that reduce overall weight by 1.1 pounds (500 g) compared to the previous model. Wheels measure 3.0” x 19’’ at the front and 4.5” x 17’’ at the rear and mount Pirelli Scorpio Trail II tires (120/70 ZR19 at the front and 170/60 ZR17 at the rear).

The S model variant is also available with tubeless tire wheels with aluminium rims that have 40 cross-mounted spokes and gravity-cast hubs; these mount chunky Pirelli SCORPION Rally tires, better suited to off-road riding

Riding Modes

Touring: delivers a maximum power of 113 hp with progressive Ride-by-Wire throttle twist response, DTC is set higher as is ABS, maximizing both braking stability and wheel lift-up prevention.

Sport: transforms the Multistrada 950 into an adrenaline-fueled bike with a maximum power of 113 hp. This Riding Mode is characterized by a direct Ride-by-Wire throttle twist response, a low DTC setting and low ABS setting with no rear wheel lift-up prevention.

Urban: delivers a maximum power of 75 hp with progressive Ride-by-Wire throttle twist response; DTC is set to an even higher intervention level as is the ABS, maximizing braking stability and wheel lift-up prevention.

Enduro: gives the Multistrada 950 a maximum power of 75 hp with progressive Ride-by-Wire throttle twist response; DTC intervention is suitable for off-road use and the ABS setting is low, deactivating rear wheel lift-up prevention.

Ducati Multistrada 950 S Adventure Motorcycle
The Ducati Multistrada 950 standard features alloy cast wheels.

Ducati Multistrada 950 Standard Features

• 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine
• 113 hp at 9,000 rpm and 70.8 ft-lbs at 7,750 rpm
• Exhaust with single silencer
• Tubular steel Trellis frame with cast aluminium double-sided swingarm
• Seat height: 33.1″ (840 mm); low seat: 32.3″ (820mm); high seat: 33.9″ (860mm)
• Height-adjustable screen
• Fuel tank capacity 5.3 gallons (20 liters)
• New cast alloy wheels
• Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires, 120/70 ZR19 front and 170/60 ZR17 rear
• Fully adjustable 48 mm fork with 6.7″ (170 mm) of travel
• Fully adjustable shock absorber with 6.7″ (170 mm) of travel
• 4 Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro)
• Ducati Safety Pack (3-level Bosch Cornering ABS, 8-level DTC)
• Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)
• LCD Instrumentation
• Ready for Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
• Ready for Ducati Quick Shift up & down (DQS
• Colors: Ducati Red with Glossy Black wheels

* Model weight, pricing and availability not announced yet.

Ducati Multistrada 950 S Additional Equipment

• Hands Free System
• Semi-active electronic suspension with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) system
• Ducati Quick Shift up & down (DQS)
• Full LED headlight with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) system
• Cruise Control
• Dashboard with 5″ TFT colour screen
• Backlit switchgear controls
• Cast alloy / spoked wheels option
• Colors: Ducati Red or Glossy Grey with black wheels with red trim (or spoked wheels)

Personalization packages

• Touring Pack: panniers, heated grips, center stand
• Sport Pack: Termignoni performance silencer, billet water pump cover, LED indicators.
• Urban Pack: Top case, tank pocket with Tanklock flange, USB port to charge devices.
• Enduro Pack: LED Aux lights, crash bars, radiator guard, sump guard, steel footpegs.

Author: ADV Pulse Staff
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