Ducati Multistrada 1200S v Multistrada 950 | Motorcyclenews.com

[@goed]

This is what a comparison review should be, excellent! Short, real data comparison with controlled variables, and a healthy dose of personal opinion.

[@01gEvansT]

Great review. You should redo this with the 1260,1260s,950,950s. It would be very interesting to see what you get bang for buck.

[@Georgio594]

Great comparison guys. I appreciate the straight forward review and performance numbers at the end. Well done!

[@Supernova12034]

Phenomenal review, this guy should do more!

[@mojothejester9889]

Should do an updated version of this this with the new 950s

[@FRv4S]

I wish MCN was more popular in the USA because this kind of review will help other reviewers get their shit together...well done MCN!

[@MrTrek164]

I,m gonna buy a 950 ,it's cheaper to run ,service etc than the bigger multistrada which are great looking at the 1260 ,it's just do I really need all that power and gizmos to enjoy riding ? No . I looked at the tracer and love the triple but the rest of the package is very week in comparison to the little multi and when I look at the price of the new gt tracer the Ducati looks even better value .

[@DontTestTheX]

I've had a 1200s and now have a 950. 950 has a far sweeter, more enjoyable and more usable engine engine for the roads.

[@Evolcanova]

Hi, how about the reliability of the 950 and every day use? Thanx a lot

[@jocelynthauvette5911]

This is a great review. Thanks for your honest and straight forward approach

[@Thomas-qk7wf]

Great review guys. Thanks!

[@monstermarkone]

Good, honest, proper (British) motorcycle review. Interesting comparison on the braking distance comparisons between with/without ABS. As a 1200S owner, I say if you're going to get one, get a big one! (I do like the 950 seat though). Cheers for posting.

[@jimbo1485]

monstermarkone smaller lighter bikes are often more fun

[@leonv1553]

Many sport travellers have dreamed of doing all those susp adjustments on the fly. Looks like Ducati will include Skyhook on 950 with S package. "Hold it guys. I gotta adjust everything for the next two hours of twisty roads." Not anymore. The power? Fewer shifts needed on 1200,... that's about it really. Top speed on either is nowhere near the superbike level of course, so mostly ignore that. What it shows is relaxed rider and bike up to about 125 mph, kind of fast enough on trips anyway.

[@donshuman2842]

Great insight. Good info. Great work.

[@EchoWindrider]

If you're comparing them on price, then why not compare the 950 against the base 1200? Closer in price, and neither have the electronic suspension.

[@ninjakat8922]

Because it is basically the same package with just bigger engine and cruise control on the large brother. The answer betweem them in my opinion is simple and it is 950. The real question is if the Skyhook suspension is worth it. I myself like to play a lot with my suspension (i even have a small notepad that I note down clicks when playing around to be able to refer back to a previous configuration) so I am confident the manually adjustable won't be a problem, but for someone that has no idea of suspension setup the 1200 S' Skyhook suspension is the Holy Grail of perfect riding experience.

[@EchoWindrider]

Nobody is cross-shopping the 1200S against the 950. If you're looking at the 1200S and don't want to deal with the electronic suspension, you're going to be looking at the 1200. The only reason somebody is going to be looking at the 950 is because of the low price. But the price difference between the 950 and 1200 is not that big, especially when you consider such a large compromise on the engine.

[@SuperDoudou51]

I don't agree at all ! I tried both yesterday, and I prefer the 950 (and ordered it), even without speaking of the price. By the way, you say 4000€ (the difference of price) is not that big... money is not a problem for you !

[@TheTripleDubya]

950 makes sense but so does cruise control heated grips and lean angle sensing traction control and ABS and because I would ride it across Australia that skyhook suspension might be justified also ! What to do what to do . . .

[@lancevanbeurden3184]

Great honest review. Thank you

[@BatuKMan1]

There is one important test missing, how they compare when two up loaded with luggage. I can certainly feel that my 2012 MTS 1200 is not overly powered, when riding solo sure, don't really need 150hp.

[@jeroen-surf]

Well done comparison video!

[@rideswithhoover9789]

You should redo the test with the new 950s would make the test more relevant I believe

[@GeorgiaGrowGuy]

Did i miss the review of the 1200?

[@patrickbrown94]

Great review! Quantitative data backed up with Mr Child's own viewpoint in a controlled test. Would love to see the same comparison done for the 1090 and 1290 KTM Adventures.

[@WarDogTheAwesome]

Just buy the 950 it looks the same and weighs less so it will be easier to mount on the wall...

[@drewmorg.]

LOL best comment

[@metaljoe9088]

Have to save for the 1200s. Excellent review mate. Short but very good

[@TheHoulette]

You didn't talk about DVT on the 1200... For me it seems also important..

[@medraut9]

The 950 does not have DVT because its smaller pistons do not need it at low RPM like the 1200 does.

[@wildmountainman1]

Great comparison. Thank you.

[@johnroberts6836]

Would you still say the 950S would be a better choice than the current 1260S

[@jeeewhyyypheee]

Why the 950 wheels configuration just like the 1200 Enduro? With different size rims. Does that make the 950 more like adventure ish? I would preffer the 950 with 17 inch rims front and rear rather than 19 front 17 rear. I would appreciate if you guys explain it, thank you

[@jeeewhyyypheee]

My reason tend to choose 17 inch is because they're easier to find on my country, since 19 inch for road tires are rare

[@billybill7450]

Good question, it's interesting they didn't mention it in the video. I would think 950 is more offroad but the suspension travel is the same. Still, bigger wheel makes bumps softer but worse in high speed turns.

[@jeeewhyyypheee]

Yes. That is exactly what I thought. They have their own pros and cons.

[@austinkaufman9402]

its more of a true offroad size, a dirtbike is 21 front 18 rear sportbikes are 17 front and rear so just better offroad which makes sense since its a lighter bike

[@obscurito]

Great Review! If you have any comments on the 950S vs 950 I would appreciate it!

[@mortenviking3196]

when i was young in the seventies, 65 to 75 hp was like craysi! I had a suzuki 400 gs 36 hp ,for a 18 year old this was like a Ferrari! It made 150 km. But today at an age of 58 ,i see that a bike with 113 hp is a poor mans bike????? Even that its a Ducati Multistrada. My thoughts are, Its no where you can release the power of a multi 1200 1260, so why are a 950 a poor mans 1200? the 950 are more sensibel ,more yusabel ,lighter ,not far behind the 1200, cheaper, give you better experianse, easier to ride in dirt, yust a more bike for the money! For what a adventure bike need 160 hp??? It must be a dick contest!

[@KingCast65]

I completely agree. Sure I would not *MIND* a little more power than my 1000S Multi gives me but it's like like I'm bummed LOL and I think it has maybe 85-90? Regular ABS brakes would be good to have too but that model is what it is. Sheesh. Only reason to get a really top-range bike is you have a pillion often on long trips.

[@kindajal]

do they use the same frame? what about the wheelbase and suspension travel

[@geoffreycouston]

Short, efficace and good ! 👍

[@mojothejester9889]

A great video review. But the website review of the bike shouldn't be comparing it to the 1200 so much. It should just be a review of the bike as it is, and maybe mention the competition from other manufacturers, not just focusing on the 1200. For me, it's a toss up between the Multistrada 950, the Africa Twin and the KTM 1090 Adventure. Similarly priced, similar performance. You get the idea...

[@tahoehiker]

Nice job but I do wish you had included fuel economy numbers.

[@67daltonknox]

I had a 2015 1200S MS. The Skyhook suspension was a joke - it just wanted to do tank slappies - a Ducati that doesn't handle, doh. The throttle maps meant that any little old lady in a Prius could out drag me at the lights - simply dangerous. Parts, like the clutch slave cylinder are made out of cocoa tin and leak all the time. I did an oil change at 5,000 miles and found the drain bolt magnet covered in bits of steel up to 1/4 inch long. How journalists have the nerve to praise such a piece of junk is beyond me.

[@Tenktory]

Would you recommend Multistrada 1200S as a second bike? The first on is MT07, but I'm to tall (193cm) for it and any longer journey is a pain in the ... My second thought is Versys 1000.

[@MisterMinit1000]

i made a Testdrive with both Maschines at one Day . the 1250 S and the 950 S . After that it was clear for me .. i bought the 950 … Perfekt running Engine , more than enough Power .. And i took the 950 … not the 950 s . For me this Bike has all or maybe more i ever Need .

[@meeeeeeeeeeeify]

But nowadays a used Skyhook model 1200S is the same money as a 950. Which is best in this scenario? I imagine the 1200S for the same money.

[@grunta3370]

The man without a dog , just put a deposit on a 2013 1200 s 13,500km $14700 .. didn’t even test ride it 😬.. 1 hour parking was about to expire..Melbourne 🙄

[@elon8595]

Poor man and ducati in same line is hypothetical

[@arthurmchugh5184]

The new bikes are $$$ I just have used bike $$ I think I did well, what do you think? 😎😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGPTaqCoZp5gh7M

[@RiderMark]

Nice hat. Greetings from Holland.

[@michaelbaker5334]

but the two are different so why don't you compare the multistrada 950s and the 1200s instead of a 950 and 1200s

[@borjastick]

950 all day long for me but in red, the white looks bland.

[@austinkaufman9402]

can you compare the 950 and yamaha tracer

[@markmay7821]

Ew. There is no comparison

[@saddle8bag]

That was explained about as well as I've ever heard the benefits of high powered engines explained. Their main advantage comes in the form of top speed. Silly thing for street riders to worry about...if they value their life and license anyway. Nevertheless, it's the metric most lusted after. I suppose it's the parameter on which hero fantasies reside.

[@KnightRider1157]

at least you didn't prang this one unlike the 1200s my bro now owns 👍

[@quigonjay9]

And for those that don't know there is a non S 1200 from £13800

[@satzawesome]

Stumbled on this old review. Funny is now dealers have left over 1200s for the same price as 950s ....

[@mortenviking3196]

why do you say the 950 are the poor mans 1200? I am from Norway and 58 years old! Alot of us want to have a nice bike ! Whit out any wanebe tell us what and why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lorquet21]

your videos are great but far too short...

[@thr4sh6r]

950, more then enough power for the road (y)

[@samidarwish86]

5500 pounds is about +50% price increase. NO thank you

[@lamilumag]

not if you buy a used one ;)

[@nikosdanelakis3613]

👌👌👌👌

[@HockeyVictory66]

I wish Ducati would get rid of the chain on these. The bike already has a lot of maintenance items and having to deal wth a chain is a pain in the arse.

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

what's the maintenance on one of those like? what do you have to replace regularly?

[@brutalni77]

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 would destroy Multi 950. Same power but more nimble, lighter with cruise control and better equiped standard. Also better looking in my view.

[@gnominattor]

And a bargain @ + 4500 euro more for MV. Also MV has financial problems like Ducati in the past. The reability of the company is shaking.

[@markmay7821]

Also less comfortable and not an adventure bike. They do different things

[@luv2mx]

2010 Multi is 1 sec quicker in the 1/4 that the V4.

[@xianluyi3146]

Rising sun helmet.. what a shame

[@mortenviking3196]

why? Does money say? I am not rich, but i am not poor! So now its more importent to buy the most expensiv bike? than the bike who fitt you? what a bunche off bulloks!

[@charliebrown3938]

bolognese yum worth every quid

[@georgetech380]

You should be crazy to pay £16500 to get the 1200, from the other hand when the Yamaha Tracer 900 has £8700 why to pay £11000 for the Multistrada 950 when you can do everything the same with the Yamaha, should be a test from MCN for the Tracer 900 and the Multi 950

[@olivertaylor7427]

Agreed. But then i did buy a new tracer 900 last september lol.

[@georgetech380]

All i try to say is if you are not a Ducatisti you dont pay this amount of money for this when you can do the same with the Yamaha

[@olivertaylor7427]

It is the brand thing and unfortunately the build quality. You chuck your money into a Ducati and they charge the earth for everything (£800 for the 17k service?), unfortunately you're not rewarded with wealths of reliability either. A mate had a 2012 Multistrada from new, at 18k it was going wrong, very wrong. Why spend all the extra on a money pit and something you can't really trust, plus nobody wants a Ducati with 20k on the clock when you try n sell it on anyway. They're nice to ride though, as italian stuff often is. I had a Tuono before the Tracer. GTR vs Ferrari is a similar thing yeah. The GTR is well liked because its next competitor is the 911 turbo at twice the price!

[@olivertaylor7427]

If money is no option then the whole thing of of 950 vs 1200 seems completely irrelevant, seems as the only things different are gadgets, top end power and £££. So the 950 is the cheaper option for most people, the video says. pennies seems to main thing between the two multi's

[@lucalima12]

motorcycle is passion, freedom...so there is more than money involved on it

[@ThanhNguyen-eb2ss]

Có máy

[@kuhndj67]

I love you guys and watch most of your shows... but you're crazy biased toward slow bikes. I've ridden the 950 and own the 1200... there's no way a 950 is going to be within 30 feet of a 1200 both on go (not after a second or so). The 950 feels just like the 1200 does in urban mode when power is cut to 100hp. It's not like it's SLOW... but it's a heluva lot slower than with full power. The power difference is huge (if you use it) - I know first hand that the 1200 is at least a 155mph bike... and I probably could have gotten more with a longer runway (because top speed runs on the road are illegal!). If your only made it to 145 then maybe there was something wrong with your bike... that's the only thing that makes sense. I'd urge anyone interested in the two bikes to ride both... they're simply NOT as close as this article would have you think.

[@crowbiker4462]

MCN top speed is accurate a they use a VBOX data unit rather than rely on the bikes speedo. Ducati speedo's over read by 5% as stated in the owners manual so if you did 155mph it was actually only 140mph, so MCN were quicker!

[@ronaldtroiano1248]

Too fucking tall

[@miguelbruno4159]

do not buy a Ducati 950 from misaligned panels, rust in the exhaust, vibrations at all rotations, very noisy engine, stupidly expensive maintenance and poor customer service, I'm seriously sorry I bought this bike,

[@abhishekkhanal7036]

that is one ugly ass bike

[@FRv4S]

we all the know the FUGLIEST bike in the world is the BMW GS 1200 follow by a close second by the KTM

[@WarDogTheAwesome]

"we" "all" "know" No.... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the GS is beautiful to its fans and so is the vulture I mean multistrada...

[@exothermal.sprocket]

That is one ugly profile picture. How am I to trust your aesthetic opinions?