Ducati Multistrada 950 S Launched In India

This is Ducati’s third BS6-compliant bike in India after the Panigale V2 and the Scrambler 1100 range

• The Ducati Multistrada 950 S variant gets semi-active suspension, cornering lights, TFT with smartphone connectivity and more.
• The BS6-compliant motor makes 114.5PS and 96Nm.
• It's the most affordable bike under the Multistrada range in India.
• Deliveries to start next week.

The Euro 5/ BS6-compliant Ducati Multistrada 950 S has been launched in India at Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom India), with deliveries set to commence from next week. Only red colour variant is available for now, but expect the new white colour model to be offered in the near future. This is Ducati India’s third BS6-compliant motorcycle, after the Ducati Panigale V2 and the Ducati Scrambler 1100 range. The last-recorded price of the BS4-compliant Multistrada 950 was Rs 12.84 lakh (ex-showroom India).

While complying with the more stringent BS6 emission norms, the 937cc Testrastretta engine manages to produce a healthy 114.5PS at 9000rpm and 96Nm at 7750rpm. It is linked to a slipper clutch-enabled, hydraulically actuated 6-speed transmission (to ensure effortless lever travel action) with a bi-directional quickshifter offered as standard (only for the S variant).  Ducati claims the engine can offer a mileage of 17.2kmpl.

The powerplant is kept under control by a range of electronic aids including eight-level Ducati Traction Control, a three-level cornering ABS, and four riding modes: Urban, Touring, Sport and Enduro.

The biggest addition to the S variant is the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS). This semi-active unit controls the rebound damping, spring preload and compression of both the front inverted fork and the rear monoshock. The suspension is linked to a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear alloy wheel wrapped with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres. Stopping power is courtesy the dual 320mm discs with Brembo monobloc radial calipers and a 265mm rear disc with Brembo floating caliper.

The S variant also gets some more tricks up its sleeve to enhance its usability and premium quotient. The all-LED headlamp is further improved thanks to the cornering headlamps. There’s also a proper 5-inch TFT smartphone-compatible instrument cluster, instead of the LCD unit in the standard variant. For effortless mile munching, the S version also comes with a standard cruise control system. 

At 840mm, the seat is a little on the taller side but Ducati will offer a lower 820mm seat as an accessory. In terms of competition, the new Ducati Multistrada 950 S goes up against the Triumph Tiger 900, Kawasaki Versys 1000, and the India-bound Suzuki V-Strom 1050.