Well for starters, the 950 might be lighter, but it weighs only 7kg less. And this difference in weight compared to the 1200 just isn’t perceptible. So, it still takes some muscle to move the bike around.
Thankfully, the weight of the Multi 950 is a whole lot easier to manage once on the move. It’s still a front heavy motorcycle, but with the low seat, and the wide and upright handlebar, it’s easy to find the balance point. So, whether you are filtering through traffic or making tight U-turns, the 950 feels surprisingly manageable.
It’s great on the open road too. The seating is comfortable, the wind protection is decent, the controls are light, and at low three-digit speeds, the engine is both reasonably quiet and calm; as quiet and calm a Ducati engine can be. As a touring machine then, much like the 1200, the Multi 950 works like a charm.
The 950 works on the twisty stuff too. It’s not as intuitive as the 1200 for sure given the 950 runs a larger 19-inch front. But, we never had to fight it while dropping it into corners or getting it upright thereafter. Even through the tighter winding stuff that requires the bike to make quick direction changes, the Multi is more than just manageable; it’s borderline fun. Yes, it’s not the most light-footed or playful big bike we have ridden, but it doesn’t even get close to terms like cumbersome or tedious or heavy (on the move, mind).
We did have two issues with the 950 on the road though. One, we just couldn’t put enough trust into the tyres for serious cornering. And two the braking – even though the brakes have good bite and feel – caused the front end to dive a little too early and a little too excessively. Which was a bit unnerving.
On the dirt, with much lower speeds, the good feel from the brakes are a boon. And in the Enduro mode, the bike also allows the rider to lock the rear brake giving better control when negotiating slippery descents. It’s great to ride standing up too. The balance feels right; it’s easy to hook yourself onto the bike; and with progressive clutch and throttle operation, the 950 gives you the confidence to dance around in the dirt.
But, it might be a bad idea to get carried away. The Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres aren’t exactly dirt friendly, so grip is a little unpredictable. Having said that, if you don’t lean on the front too much around tight corners or lean the bike too far on dirt, period, the 950 is definitely up for some trail riding.