Is 950S powerful enough?

[Plankton Pete]

Greetings 950ers. I'm seriously considering the plunge on a new Multistrada but am torn between a 950S and the V4. Currently on a S1000XR 2020 & not really a fan although it's OK I suppose, but more generally am a little fed up with the seemingly never ending chase for more power, more weight, more cost and less flickability and fun, which is why I'd value members' real opinions on the 950.
 Is it really quick enough or is it what some people say, a "poor man's" Mutley?
I've been riding (legally) since I was 16 (which probably informs on how old I am!) and have had a LOT of bikes because I'm easily seduced.
Most of my riding these days, apart from daily trips out, is holidays with (quick) mates in Scotland, Wales and throughout Europe (well most years, 'though not at the moment, clearly) since I don't commute 365 any more.
My Ducati history is a glorious 916 (wish I'd never sold it!) and a couple of 1200 Mutleys  but that was before Audi ownership.  I tried a 1260 a few bikes ago, but did not like the very scooped fixed position seat - from pictures neither the 950S or V4 seem to have the spoon Ducati seat position.
So I guess I'm very keen on the 950S but as trying one is not likely for a while I'd really appreciate thoughts, opinions and anything else you can throw my way.
Mainly about performance - is the 950S quick and nimble enough to give fun with a capital F and keep up with bigger bikes with "only" its 113 bhp and 71 torques?
Thanks and Cheers for now.
Pete

[Grahew]

Well for me as a 950s  owner I've never been so happy weight is managble and in my opinion more than enough power for the real world........how fast do you wont? If its escape velocity then you need a 1260 or a V4..........for me the 950s covers all my needs

[Plankton Pete]

Thanks for the reply Grahew. I'm really not bothered by top speeds, I rarely go above 100 mph or so (on the Autobahns of course). But acceleration now, that's the tune in and turn on for me.
That I reckon is what makes bikes special and brilliant (well, apart from the buzz, the agility, the smells, filtering, bend swinging , feeling, cameraderie, ........... OK so acceleration is one of the brilliant things about bikes and what I always want more of.
The weight is not a problem, it's less than the XR and a load less than my ex 1250 GS and some reviews talk about the 950's agility.
How does the 950 do on that front?
Cheers Peter

[Grahew]

My previous bike was a 1290 s KTM and that was ballistic  through the gears........but being totally honest the 950s is the better bike in all departments  handlering, it turns in and gives me 100% trust into fast tight bends in and out, brakes superb, suspension is fantastic, and reliability is great and as you probably know 4 years warranty  on a new one .............buy one you won't be disappointed!

Ps if your after a deal speak to Mike at at Ducati Aylesbury its not my nearest Dealer but they do look after you!

[Plankton Pete]

Grahew, what a star, thank you very much for your informative reply.  I also had a 1290 Super Adventure (silly name) before the GS and it was brilliant, super sonic acceleration but - heavy and KTM really screwed up the electronics, as it would suddenly start and switch off all on its own with no other input. And then when you wanted to start it .... nothing. Until it would light up, "ready to race" and then switch off as soon as you climbed back on. I have a stressful and slightly funny video experience waiting for a ferry from Ireland (chatting to a Multistrada pilot as it happens) when it would act like it had a mind of its own. Which obviously it had. I sent the video to the KTM Board in Matttighofen,   but I digress.
Your info is really helpful and sounds like the 950s lower power is helped by the lightness and handling, which after all is the point.
I'll definitely give Mike a ring it's only a 100 mile trip on fun roads so why not?
Thanks again for the tip.
Cheers
Pete

[David S]

 I, for one do not think you will be happy considering what you are used to. I love mine, but no comparison in the "WOW" factor with the S1000XR or a 1250

[Paul_Smith]

"...not really a fan although it's OK I suppose..."

Power, or more importantly, torque, is what gets you up to speed quickly. Given that you can do a ton plus in your grandmothers fiesta (if you are willing to wait long enough), while on any bike over 500cc, a ton is a but couple of shakes of a lambs tail, how much power you need is subjective. The S1000XR has enormous power at 165hp, and it has quite a lot of torque at 114Nm (85ft-lbs in old money). The 950 has only (only?) 110hp, but still has 96Nm torque (because it has much bigger pistons!) and it weighs less and looks better. So to answer your question as to whether the 950 is powerful "enough",  you will have to ride one to find out. I think you will find it probably is, but what do I know?

[Plankton Pete]

Thanks for the input guys.
I would love to pop to a dealers now to try a 950 but .... That's why I needed to satisfy my lust (such a lovely looking bike!) with input from the sources that really know, as opposed to the Journo reviews which, as useful as they are, tend to be pretty limited and short term in the view they have of a bike.
Really grateful for all your views.

Cheers Pete

[IakWhisky]

I think the power could be an issue for some people.
Due to the whole virus situation I never got to put enough miles on my bike last year so I haven't fully made my mind up on this.

For me at least, the bike wants more revving than I was expecting. Not that it lacks torque (depending on what you are comparing it to I suppose). It's not an issue, it just rides so much better when you are using the gears and revs. I came from a GS so it took a bit of getting used to as you could ride that thing in any gear and it would just lug it out with the torque. Have a look at some YouTube videos by a guy called Schaaf and you'll see what I mean - https://www.youtube.com/user/Schaaf. I'm sure he won't be to everyone's taste but it makes sense to me.

The handling though is something else and what really makes me smile. I haven't really been able to push it as much as I intend but compared to the GS it is a complete giggle.

I think it would be an issue if you planned to regularly ride two up. I even find that there are a few occasions where you wish you had a bit more power on overtakes etc. But that's maybe more down to me still getting used to such a different bike.

The only real disappointments for me are:
A few cosmetic / aesthetic things that could be better. There's too much black plastic! I need more red!
Screen buffeting unless you want to buy a fugly adapter or barn door screen
The sound unless you're gunning it. I'm thinking about a decat.

And none of those are deal breakers.

[bmw_al]

In terms of outright speed, it's not far behind the original 1200 - in fact MCN have a video (which you may have seen) comparing the two in a drag race at Bruntingthorpe.  From memory, actually hang on...here you go, here are said stats:-



There really is not much in it, and I rode once with my 100Kg  self + 100Kg elder son on the back and have to say it acquitted itself very well from a power perspective, fully loaded.  If you are an exceptional rider and don't mind running the risk of losing your license, then maybe the V4 would be better for you, but point to point on normal roads I don't think there's a lot in it in reality.  It's more about rider kahuna's and ability than outright power.....Anyway, since when was 113Bhp and 71 ft lb not enough?.....I think you'll love it.