Ducati Multistrada 950 and Monster 797 launched

Ducati just expanded its line-up of motorcycles for the Indian market with the launch of two new models: Multistrada 950 and Monster 797, priced at Rs 12.60 lakh and and Rs 7.77 lakh, respectively, ex-showroom, Delhi.

The Multistrada 950 is the smallest iteration of the Multistrada, extending the range with an entry-level model. Ducati also has Multistrada 1200 S and the Multistrada Enduro up ahead in Ducati’s adventure touring range.

The Multistrada 950 is powered by a liquid cooled 937cc engine with 4 valve per cylinder head, that delivers its peak power of 111bhp at 9000rpm and a torque of 97.9Nm of torque at 7750rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The 950 comes with four riding modes – Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro and it also gets DSP (Ducati Safety Pack) that includes ABS and DTC (Ducati Traction Control). However, it loses out on 1200 S’ active Skyhook suspension, the seat (same as Enduro), a narrower rear tyre and the LED DRL strip, apart from the engine.

The Monster 797 on the other hand is powered by a 803cc, L-Twin, air cooled engine , that makes a peak power of 74bhp at 8250rpm and a torque of 68.9Nm of torque at 5750rpm, being mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The 797 comes with a lot of interesting features like the Bosch 9.1 MP ABS system and a large LCD screen. The engine is shared with the Scrambler and should be ideal for amateurs, who are new to superbikes. The 797 also loses on the single sided swingarm, rear seat cowl and front cowl; however it gets a new headlamp with DRLs. It also gets lower footpegs and a wider handlebar for a relaxed riding position. Even the wheelbase is shorter and should make it even more flickable.

The Monster 797 goes up against the Triumph Street Triple S, which was launched recently in India, while the Multistrada 950 rivals the Triumph’s Tiger 800, which currently dominates the segment with its variants and options to customize like the wheel size and suspension.

In a surprising move, Ducati India has removed the Monster 821 from its website. However, we are not yet sure if the motorcycle is discontinued. Apart from these two new entrants, Ducati India has the entire global portfolio in India now, except for the Supersport and Scramblers new variants. We expect those to launch by August 2017.