A huge thanks to all the subscribers who helped my channel to reach over 1K. Please continue to subscribe. Thanks for your support. Check out the other test rides on my channel.
I've owned a 950S for a year now and it's probably the best bike I've had in 24 years of motorcycling. In Sport mode I find that you are best dropping a gear and using the revs more. In Touring you can relax a bit and use the torque. I came from three R1200GSes and this bike is so much more involving. The cornering and handling is something else too. As it's still a reasonably big twin the quickshifter works best from 3rd gear up. As you say, you need the engine spinning as it won't like it if you're loading or at low revs. You soon get the hang of what it likes. I also get the comments about it being top heavy. That helps with the handling once it gets going of course. I am 5' 10" and as I said, no stranger to tall bikes. This carries a higher centre of gravity so it just takes a bit of time to get used to. I was considering a lower seat shortly after I bought it, but it's just not an issue now. One hour test ride reviews are interesting but suggest that there's a bike out there for you that won't require adaptation, learning or compromise. Of course that's the basis that most of us make a buying decision on so there's no substitute for trying one yourself.
Thank you very much for providing some very valuable comments not only for me but others who are keen on this bike. If only the offered factory lowered options like Triumph and BMW then I sure more short people like me would buy it.
@@InfusedBiker No idea why companies don't design in adjustable seats. Would be SUPER simple with just a set of spacers that the owner could choose to leave in or remove.
I’m 5’7” and initially also lacked confidence with the top heavy feel and when stopped even with the low seat option. Had the rear shock shortened and a shorter spring fitted to lower the rear 25mm and also raised the forks the same amount. Cost was AUD $850 but was worth every $, and height issue solved. Very happy with my 950s.
A most informative review. Power to weight ratio and comparison very helpful. I had a demo 3 years ago and put the lower seat (820mm) on and as a result bought the bike. Very pleased although I ride at higher revs and lower gear than you seem to do. Mine is the vanilla not the S.
As soon as I found out your height, I subscribed because my height is the same as yours. It's hard to find short people doing a motorcycle test. That's why I was following a lot of female motorcyclists. It's good that I came across you. I can't wait to watch your many different motorcycle tests. I especially want to watch your Ducati Supersport (red) test. My dream motorcycle right now, and maybe thanks to your test, I will be able to imagine myself what it looked like on that bike.
Just subscribed based on this review. I enjoyed this video and like your review style. Very informative and to the point. Well done. Looking forward to going through more of your videos!
Your channel is amazing. The videos are so organised, clear and concise. Full of information. Your commentary is just great. Tell you everything you need to know. The editing is amazing. The effort you put into these videos are honestly amazing. Honestly keep up the good work. And your uploads are so consistent as well. I’m trying to be like you
Testing so many bikes is a great resource for so many of us searching for a bike. In my area of the USA very few motorcycle dealerships offer test rides. It’s ludicrous! And it makes it so hard to choose a bike. Have you considered producing a synopsis of attributes and their ratings? Maybe a scale of 1-5 or something rather simple for each? It would be interesting to see the ratings and get an idea what your top 5 or 10 bikes are. Also, I really like some of the tests you do (that nobody else does) like standing the bike up from the side stand, getting it up on the centerstand, paddling, etc. Anyway, great job. I’ve been following all of these reviews.
Hi I bought a multi 950S it is a bit top heavy but you can lower the suspension I bought a lowering spacer from Germany and lowered it by 20 mm, there is a lower seat also available. Makes a big difference to riding the bike and maneuvering around the car park. Love the bike even the vibes. Been camping and touring with full boxes, handles every thing you throw at love the bike. I'm have a 31 inch inseam you learn quickly where not to park 🏍️👍
Wow congratulations. I am sure you will have plenty of fun on this bike. If only Ducati offered a factory lowered option then I am sure they would have got extra sales. They leave it up to individuals to go through all the hassle and extra expense to have to lower it. I hope you have lots of enjoyable journeys on this beauty. I wished it had the single sided swing arm like the HyperMotard though!
Hey Eric, could you provide details of that lowering spacer? Did it affect the handling at all? And what preload do you generally run at? I have a 950S and absolutely love it, but an inch or so lower would be ideal. Feedback appreciated 👍🏻
@@lyndonstickley4543 Hi I have just sold my Ducati 950s and I have the lowering spacer removed from my bike, so if you was interested I could supply you the spacer and the compression tool I made for installing it please do not disconnect the electrics as you will need to reboot the computer my bike is now going to a guy in Scotland regards Eric Wheatcroft
Fascinating that you say you have no confidence, with 30" inside leg. I have a 1260s and have no issues. Only time I find it top heavy is when I have my 15kg chain/lock on the pillion seat.
I am puny 😭 9 stone, 5’5 shorty and don’t have much of leverage from up on high. Maybe if I was about 5’8 or taller then I could use the height for some leverage. But I am glad you’re not having the same issues. Keep on enjoying your machine and safe riding.
I’ve watched many Multi 950S reviews and no one claimed she’s top heavy. Actually, “very nimble & flickable” were the descriptions which were used most often, however they were not talking about parking manœuvres. Well, I must try it myself…
I owned an original 1200 Multistrada way back in 2012. Loved the way it went but it was an utter nightmare to own, so much went wrong with it I swore I would never buy another Ducati. Saying all that they do produce some beautiful bikes. I also owned a super reliable if a little slower Versys 1000 GT, a great bike if a little heavy and boring. At 6ft 3 I probably look for different things (leg room for one) in a bike but enjoyed your review.
I’ve tried mostly all adventure bikes, and this 950 is the best, for me at least, better than the 1260 for real world road riding. Fast and agile. Sub!
Thank you sir for your support. I wished my legs were a couple of inches longer 😩 otherwise I would have bought one. It's a great bike. I hope you have lots of fun and happy memories on the machine.
I own this bike and it’s definitely happier to be kept at higher revs. Opening throttle in high gears at low speeds (lugging) is very stressful on an engine. It is unfortunate you could not take this bike on higher speed roads. At the speeds you were riding, I would have been in 2nd and 3rd gear.
Nice review I find the dash only vibrates at about 3K revs so not an issue and I don't have a problem with the mirrors if fact I really like them On the S you can raise or lower the bike by about an inch if you go to the load setting I think bike manufacturers are missing adventure bike sales for a lot of shorter riders (average height for UK women is about 5'5")
I’m interested in the updated 2022 Ducati Multristrada V2 S. I’m the same height as you. The new videos state the seat is slightly lower than the 950S and equally important the seat is narrower to attract a broader segment of riders. Do you feel these changes will be significant enough for riders 5’5”.
Can you review a bmw gs 850 & Vstrom 650 XT. If you were to choose between these two which would you get? What if you also you add a Tiger 900GT to the choices between these three which one would you get? Ease of use, the lightest feeling, easy to maneuver, easy to put feet on the ground, confidence inspiring, reliable which one? Thanks!
Oh, Ninja 1000SX for sure. For example the Ninja has equivalent to 596 bhp per ton and 348 lb-ft of torque per ton, whereas the 950S has 468 bhp per ton and only 302 lb-ft of torque per ton. And the speed and the instant pick up is way better on the Ninja - that's my personal observation.
i dont know why in a worst hell for bikes the indian traffic roads made this bike survive and others are nitpicking this bike the multis are pure highway munchers and not that heavy im 5.9ft my 300cc weighs 185-190kg this weighs 225-230kg the only time i felt the weight is when trying to reverse the bike without proper seat height dont buy premium bikes even though im just 5.9ft my legs are a tad bit longer though i tried 820mm seat option and it works like charm but not my cup of tea i like it stock with 840mm i can flat foot it but off road sections ill use the 820mm seat
Good for you that you're blessed with long legs and height. And I am glad you are in love with your superb machine. My review is purely from a "Short" person perspective and therefore top heavy weight has a very significant impact on how I can physically manage it. And hence the title of the video. My thoughts and views were not meant to hurt the feelings of tall riders who obviously are very passionate about their respective bikes. So, very best wishes to you and ride safe.
@@InfusedBiker no mate spend some time with it i have a friend whose just 5.7 ish he is the first to buy 950 2 years back he faced hell like you i carried him lol 😂😂 only untill the short seat accessory arrived he rides it like hell after if got a chance try the short sear version with spoke wheels spoke wheels do add some feel to the bike it adds weight but surprisingly the center of mass is distrubuted fine with short height and that seating position its as if you are in a whale mouth you need to get used to it once you get hang of it i ate tigers and versys 1000 for breakfast but one mistake on a ducati dries your wallet so risking is not a choice when its a serious off road section involved ill go to my mates house and rob his low seat which he further cut the foam by 7 mm initially you like 1260s but 950 and 1260 pikes peak you need to adapt the bike a tad bit if only i can afford the pikes peak 😕😕 but that premium for a 160 hp is not resonable pretty much used to 950 now but when im trashing it around at some point it reminds me that its a mamoth and desrves respect and to be handled with care not at all a bike for guys below 5.10 unless you are used to big bikes but with low seat trust me its magic
@@anneakhil Hahaha, your friend is a hooligan then, good for him!. I have test rode the Multistrada 1260S - will be uploaded next week so you are welcome to view it and share your thoughts.
@@InfusedBiker thats a different monster but at that budget im saving the extra money i should keep on the 1260s as downpayment for my next bike v4 panigale or my dream bike hayabusa 1260s costs 8000usd more than 950s i can install that money on a new bike 😂😂😂 as multi is just a tour machine i dont feel to be a hooligan at all on that bike when i wheelie the bike will definitely show its weight wanted a hypermitard but thats waaaayyy toooo taaaaaaallllll yep have fun with the 1260 but never judge a motorcycle in one day every motorcycle has a certain rpm level where it connects your soul find that ... 🙂🙂🙂 if that feel aint there then the motorcycle has no soul dont buy those machines not worth our affection and money but hoping ducati launches a pikes peak version of 950 our bikes getting their build fading at max 2-3 years it can stay in its full life and i hate that suspension too much silky 💔💔💔 only reason i cannot take to track even in hardest setting the newly came f900xr is track tool though but performance and premiumness naaah i dont see any character in that bike as soon as i thought the fun was there im already at rev limiter in 2-3-4 gears bmw could easily tune the engine in sport version mode...
A huge thanks to all the subscribers who helped my channel to reach over 1K. Please continue to subscribe. Thanks for your support. Check out the other test rides on my channel.
I've owned a 950S for a year now and it's probably the best bike I've had in 24 years of motorcycling.
In Sport mode I find that you are best dropping a gear and using the revs more. In Touring you can relax a bit and use the torque.
I came from three R1200GSes and this bike is so much more involving. The cornering and handling is something else too.
As it's still a reasonably big twin the quickshifter works best from 3rd gear up. As you say, you need the engine spinning as it won't like it if you're loading or at low revs. You soon get the hang of what it likes.
I also get the comments about it being top heavy. That helps with the handling once it gets going of course. I am 5' 10" and as I said, no stranger to tall bikes. This carries a higher centre of gravity so it just takes a bit of time to get used to. I was considering a lower seat shortly after I bought it, but it's just not an issue now.
One hour test ride reviews are interesting but suggest that there's a bike out there for you that won't require adaptation, learning or compromise. Of course that's the basis that most of us make a buying decision on so there's no substitute for trying one yourself.
Thank you very much for providing some very valuable comments not only for me but others who are keen on this bike. If only the offered factory lowered options like Triumph and BMW then I sure more short people like me would buy it.
@@InfusedBiker No idea why companies don't design in adjustable seats. Would be SUPER simple with just a set of spacers that the owner could choose to leave in or remove.
@@opmike343 I believe it does already come with spacers you can remove to lower the seat by 20mm.
I’m 5’7” and initially also lacked confidence with the top heavy feel and when stopped even with the low seat option. Had the rear shock shortened and a shorter spring fitted to lower the rear 25mm and also raised the forks the same amount. Cost was AUD $850 but was worth every $, and height issue solved. Very happy with my 950s.
Great solution and I am glad you are enjoying the machine. Thanks for sharing so others know of the option to lower it is possible.
Realy enjoying your vids , Being a vertically challenged fellow like yourself its good to see how you deal with the different height and weights.
Glad you like them! And thank you for your support, much appreciated.
A most informative review. Power to weight ratio and comparison very helpful. I had a demo 3 years ago and put the lower seat (820mm) on and as a result bought the bike. Very pleased although I ride at higher revs and lower gear than you seem to do. Mine is the vanilla not the S.
As soon as I found out your height, I subscribed because my height is the same as yours. It's hard to find short people doing a motorcycle test. That's why I was following a lot of female motorcyclists. It's good that I came across you. I can't wait to watch your many different motorcycle tests. I especially want to watch your Ducati Supersport (red) test. My dream motorcycle right now, and maybe thanks to your test, I will be able to imagine myself what it looked like on that bike.
Thank you so much. I'll try my best to book test rides but the dealers are not always not willing or don't have the models available.
Just subscribed based on this review. I enjoyed this video and like your review style. Very informative and to the point. Well done. Looking forward to going through more of your videos!
Thank you so much for your support and for subscribing, very much appreciated. Hopefully I can keep it going for as long as I can.
Your channel is amazing. The videos are so organised, clear and concise. Full of information. Your commentary is just great. Tell you everything you need to know. The editing is amazing. The effort you put into these videos are honestly amazing. Honestly keep up the good work. And your uploads are so consistent as well. I’m trying to be like you
Thank you very much young Sir, and thank you for subscribing, much appreciated.
Testing so many bikes is a great resource for so many of us searching for a bike. In my area of the USA very few motorcycle dealerships offer test rides. It’s ludicrous! And it makes it so hard to choose a bike. Have you considered producing a synopsis of attributes and their ratings? Maybe a scale of 1-5 or something rather simple for each? It would be interesting to see the ratings and get an idea what your top 5 or 10 bikes are. Also, I really like some of the tests you do (that nobody else does) like standing the bike up from the side stand, getting it up on the centerstand, paddling, etc. Anyway, great job. I’ve been following all of these reviews.
Thanks so much Brad, appreciate your encouragement. I might have to come up with a rating system for sure, great idea.
Hi I bought a multi 950S it is a bit top heavy but you can lower the suspension I bought a lowering spacer from Germany and lowered it by 20 mm, there is a lower seat also available. Makes a big difference to riding the bike and maneuvering around the car park. Love the bike even the vibes. Been camping and touring with full boxes, handles every thing you throw at love the bike. I'm have a 31 inch inseam you learn quickly where not to park 🏍️👍
Wow congratulations. I am sure you will have plenty of fun on this bike. If only Ducati offered a factory lowered option then I am sure they would have got extra sales. They leave it up to individuals to go through all the hassle and extra expense to have to lower it. I hope you have lots of enjoyable journeys on this beauty. I wished it had the single sided swing arm like the HyperMotard though!
Hey Eric, could you provide details of that lowering spacer? Did it affect the handling at all? And what preload do you generally run at?
I have a 950S and absolutely love it, but an inch or so lower would be ideal.
Feedback appreciated 👍🏻
@@lyndonstickley4543 Hi I have just sold my Ducati 950s and I have the lowering spacer removed from my bike, so if you was interested I could supply you the spacer and the compression tool I made for installing it please do not disconnect the electrics as you will need to reboot the computer my bike is now going to a guy in Scotland regards Eric Wheatcroft
@@wheaty1050 I can’t respond with my email address! Seems to delete the reply.
@@lyndonstickley4543 no problem I will stay in touch but I'm away from my laptop at present regards Eric Wheatcroft
Good video as usual keep up the good work. How about the tiger 1050 sport test ride? Would like to see how the tiger and the tracer compares.
Thanks very much Bruce 😀. I'll definitely see if I can book a test ride on it.
Fascinating that you say you have no confidence, with 30" inside leg. I have a 1260s and have no issues. Only time I find it top heavy is when I have my 15kg chain/lock on the pillion seat.
I am puny 😭 9 stone, 5’5 shorty and don’t have much of leverage from up on high. Maybe if I was about 5’8 or taller then I could use the height for some leverage. But I am glad you’re not having the same issues. Keep on enjoying your machine and safe riding.
@@InfusedBiker Why don't you try sliding either way, you don't have to move far to get flat footed. I'm the same height as you but am a bit porkier
I know these roads in Essex, off to the Burnham bends. If you was looking for motorways if you turned left at Woodham there's the A130. Good review.
I’ve watched many Multi 950S reviews and no one claimed she’s top heavy. Actually, “very nimble & flickable” were the descriptions which were used most often, however they were not talking about parking manœuvres. Well, I must try it myself…
I owned an original 1200 Multistrada way back in 2012. Loved the way it went but it was an utter nightmare to own, so much went wrong with it I swore I would never buy another Ducati. Saying all that they do produce some beautiful bikes. I also owned a super reliable if a little slower Versys 1000 GT, a great bike if a little heavy and boring. At 6ft 3 I probably look for different things (leg room for one) in a bike but enjoyed your review.
Thank you very for subscribing, much appreciated. I will do a test ride on the Multistrada 1260S soon to see how it handles😃
Nice bike please keep showing different kind of bike 👍
I’ve tried mostly all adventure bikes, and this 950 is the best, for me at least, better than the 1260 for real world road riding. Fast and agile. Sub!
Thank you sir for your support. I wished my legs were a couple of inches longer 😩 otherwise I would have bought one. It's a great bike. I hope you have lots of fun and happy memories on the machine.
I own this bike and it’s definitely happier to be kept at higher revs. Opening throttle in high gears at low speeds (lugging) is very stressful on an engine. It is unfortunate you could not take this bike on higher speed roads. At the speeds you were riding, I would have been in 2nd and 3rd gear.
👍🏿Excellent videos. I love watching your channel♥️♥️♥️♥️😊
Yay! Thank you!
Nice review
I find the dash only vibrates at about 3K revs so not an issue and I don't have a problem with the mirrors if fact I really like them
On the S you can raise or lower the bike by about an inch if you go to the load setting
I think bike manufacturers are missing adventure bike sales for a lot of shorter riders (average height for UK women is about 5'5")
Good video and like the information given! 👍
Thank you so much and I am glad you found it useful 😊
Great!!! I Hope more reviews!!!
I’m interested in the updated 2022 Ducati Multristrada V2 S. I’m the same height as you. The new videos state the seat is slightly lower than the 950S and equally important the seat is narrower to attract a broader segment of riders. Do you feel these changes will be significant enough for riders 5’5”.
I think it should be more manageable for my short legs but I am hoping to go and sit on one when it arrives at the dealer
Can you review a bmw gs 850 & Vstrom 650 XT. If you were to choose between these two which would you get? What if you also you add a Tiger 900GT to the choices between these three which one would you get? Ease of use, the lightest feeling, easy to maneuver, easy to put feet on the ground, confidence inspiring, reliable which one? Thanks!
I sat on 850GS and didn't like the top heavy feel. I would choose Tiger 900GT over the other two.
I wish Ducati would make a shaft driven Multistrada.
Sweet
Did u notice alot of heat on the legs? I've heard it's an issue..
Yes it was noticeable but wasn't bad. I think if I rode in slow traffic for longer periods of time then it may become annoying.
This bike or the 1000sx
Oh, Ninja 1000SX for sure. For example the Ninja has equivalent to 596 bhp per ton and 348 lb-ft of torque per ton, whereas the 950S has 468 bhp per ton and only 302 lb-ft of torque per ton. And the speed and the instant pick up is way better on the Ninja - that's my personal observation.
Thanks for your reply
how tall you are ???? cm
5’5” with 30” inside leg
Top heavy is also my gripe on this bike, otherwise it's a fantastic bike.
Have mine too with 16,000 Miles in one year. Nice bike. Check my channel.
i dont know why in a worst hell for bikes the indian traffic roads made this bike survive and others are nitpicking this bike the multis are pure highway munchers and not that heavy im 5.9ft my 300cc weighs 185-190kg this weighs 225-230kg the only time i felt the weight is when trying to reverse the bike without proper seat height dont buy premium bikes even though im just 5.9ft my legs are a tad bit longer though i tried 820mm seat option and it works like charm but not my cup of tea i like it stock with 840mm i can flat foot it but off road sections ill use the 820mm seat
Good for you that you're blessed with long legs and height. And I am glad you are in love with your superb machine. My review is purely from a "Short" person perspective and therefore top heavy weight has a very significant impact on how I can physically manage it. And hence the title of the video. My thoughts and views were not meant to hurt the feelings of tall riders who obviously are very passionate about their respective bikes. So, very best wishes to you and ride safe.
@@InfusedBiker no mate spend some time with it i have a friend whose just 5.7 ish he is the first to buy 950 2 years back he faced hell like you i carried him lol 😂😂 only untill the short seat accessory arrived he rides it like hell after if got a chance try the short sear version with spoke wheels spoke wheels do add some feel to the bike it adds weight but surprisingly the center of mass is distrubuted fine with short height and that seating position its as if you are in a whale mouth you need to get used to it once you get hang of it i ate tigers and versys 1000 for breakfast but one mistake on a ducati dries your wallet so risking is not a choice when its a serious off road section involved ill go to my mates house and rob his low seat which he further cut the foam by 7 mm initially you like 1260s but 950 and 1260 pikes peak you need to adapt the bike a tad bit if only i can afford the pikes peak 😕😕 but that premium for a 160 hp is not resonable pretty much used to 950 now but when im trashing it around at some point it reminds me that its a mamoth and desrves respect and to be handled with care not at all a bike for guys below 5.10 unless you are used to big bikes but with low seat trust me its magic
@@anneakhil Hahaha, your friend is a hooligan then, good for him!. I have test rode the Multistrada 1260S - will be uploaded next week so you are welcome to view it and share your thoughts.
@@InfusedBiker thats a different monster but at that budget im saving the extra money i should keep on the 1260s as downpayment for my next bike v4 panigale or my dream bike hayabusa 1260s costs 8000usd more than 950s i can install that money on a new bike 😂😂😂 as multi is just a tour machine i dont feel to be a hooligan at all on that bike when i wheelie the bike will definitely show its weight wanted a hypermitard but thats waaaayyy toooo taaaaaaallllll yep have fun with the 1260 but never judge a motorcycle in one day every motorcycle has a certain rpm level where it connects your soul find that ... 🙂🙂🙂 if that feel aint there then the motorcycle has no soul dont buy those machines not worth our affection and money but hoping ducati launches a pikes peak version of 950 our bikes getting their build fading at max 2-3 years it can stay in its full life and i hate that suspension too much silky 💔💔💔 only reason i cannot take to track even in hardest setting the newly came f900xr is track tool though but performance and premiumness naaah i dont see any character in that bike as soon as i thought the fun was there im already at rev limiter in 2-3-4 gears bmw could easily tune the engine in sport version mode...