Photoshoot of the Week: July 1st-7th 2019 – Diana Boreyko & Ducati Multistrada

First introduced in 2003, the Ducati Multistrada (literally in Italian “many roads”) is series of V-twin “street trailie” motorcycles. Essentially a hybrid of a supermoto and a sport-tourer, the Multistrada competes in the market with other dual-sport motorcycles such as the BMW GS; but, like the Yamaha TDM850, the Multistrada is neither intended nor suitable for off-road use. Designed by Pierre Terblanche as an evolution to his previous design, the Cagiva Gran Canyon, the Multistrada has drawn mixed reviews for its unconventional aesthetics.
A new addition to the popular Ducati Multistrada for 2019 is the tweaked Multistrada 950. And joining it comes a key addition in the form of the Multistrada 950 S, which also comes with wheel options.
‘S’ should be for ‘serious’ because the newbie is laden with top-spec kit, in fact there are more than 400 setting available via it’s sparkly new 5” TFT display – rider modes, traction control settings, damping, etc. At first glance you’d be correct in missing the upgrades. Aesthetically, not much has changed for 2019, other than some tweaks to the bodywork to bring it into line with the bigger Multistrada 1260 but there hasn’t been an ‘S’ model of the smaller Multistrada before, and the new machine adds much of the equipment from the slightly looney Multistrada 1260.
The deep, throbby burble of a Ducati twin is a joy to listen to especially when smashing through the revs and clipping up the gearbox, so much so that the tried and trusted 937cc Testastretta motor has only had some small refinements that make the world of difference. More of that later. Maximum power and torque figures remain the same as the 2017 model at 110bhp (83kW) @ 9000rpm and 71 lb-ft (96 Nm) @ 7750rpm, which makes it more powerful than rivals such as Triumph’s Tiger 800 and Suzuki’s Vstrom 1000, although less tourquey than the Japanese bike. It can’t match the new Kawasaki Versys 1000 for power and is only just shaded by Yamaha’s Tracer 900 GT. For those not opting for a heavier yet more powerful Multistrada 1260, this is the ideal sports-tourer that has some light off-roading capability. It outshines rivals in terms of build quality and finish plus the vast swathes of riding options but then again, you get what you pay for.