DUCATI Malaysia graciously invited moi and six other members of the media on a short jaunt to Cameron Highlands on the new Multistrada 950 (MTS 950) recently.
While the invite was a fairly typical one, the accompanying features made it a “must go” event - on the itinerary was the Sungai Koyan-Ringlet route and three Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) instructors. Some other items on the “menu” included durians, but that’s another story.
The MTS 950 is at the centre of the story, of course, and a little introduction to Ducati’s middleweight entry into the dual-sport tourer is important.
The MTS 950 is fairly basic if compared to its larger brother the 1200 but it is by no way lacking.
Aimed squarely at this major market, the MTS 950 has to come with at least, if not more than what the others offer, and deliver it does.
The other consideration is pricing and the Ducati is traditionally more expensive but not by much.
The engine is shared with the Hypermotard and Supersport, a 937cc Testastretta 11-degree L-Twin producing 113bhp and 95Nm of torque.
This is delivered low down in the rev range and continues through the rev band in a wide band of seamless urge.
There is no Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) and the Ducati Safety Pack includes the Cornering ABS and Traction Control and Vehicle Hold Control (VHC).
There are riding or power modes to choose from on the LCD display as well. Chassis wise, the MTS 950 is equipped with a Sachs rear shock controlling a “standard” swingarm (it has to be said that a standard swingarm is very unlike the single sided swingarms on more “expensive” models). The front forks are fully adjustable. The family resemblance to the 1200 is uncanny, except that the “beak” is unpainted on the 950.
The engine characteristics are pure Ducati, a short clutch bite might catch you out (eh, KamFoo) but a little throttle to start off is needed before the fairly closely spaced gears are called upon.
Riding in too high a gear will upset the MTS but a bike that doesn’t is few and far between. What the MTS does 7”) from the 840mm seat and the slow speed steering is light and easy. The wide handlebars don’t detract from filtering as only tall sport utility vehicles and 4x4s have mirrors of equal height.
Those “bars” also aid in quick left-right transitions at speed of which there are numerous on this road (and the road the next day; Brinchang-Simpang Pulai).
It must be said that the MTS was firmly planted in corners and shrugged off dips and bumps easily. Hooning around with the DRE instructors (who were on MTS 1200 Enduros) showed a slight lack of top-end urge but the MTS 950 is a middleweight after all. In its defence, the MTS is a frugal fiend, 5.5 l/km means the 20-litre tank will take you far.
The resort we were booked in was a sweet English villa overlooking the golf course. The steamboat dinner was nice too but even nicer was the DRE certificates we received that night.
It must be said that the knowledgeable and skilled instructors were keen to dispense riding advice and tips and were most helpful.
Apparently the media were assessed as we rode along, mostly about riding ability and also convoy safety. Quite a surprise to say the least as I thought we were just fooling around on a fun, familiar road. If it was me, I wouldn’t give myself the time of day, let alone a certificate, the way I was riding.
If you need more the MTS 950, there’s the Pikes Peak version as well as the S version. Both come with more features than you can shake a stick at. From cruise control to quickshifters, most can even be retrofitted to the “cooking” MTS 950. There’s loads of promotions at Ducati Malaysia so check out the new MTS 950 at stunning low prices.
Can I have my jacket back please, David?