2018 Ducati Multistrada 950

Just as the Monster did in 1993, the Multistrada reinvented Ducati once again a decade later. Combining sophisticated superbike engineering with a comfortable upright seating position, a roomy cockpit, long-travel suspension, a large fuel tank, and the ability to carry saddlebags, a top trunk, and a passenger, the Multistrada led the Italian firm into a profitable new adventure-touring market segment. Today there are eight distinct Multistrada models, beginning with the Multistrada 950 shown here.

As with nearly all Ducatis, power comes from a desmodromic V-twin, in this case displacing 937cc. Defining the engine are four-valve cylinder heads, liquid-cooling, and 9,000-mile service intervals. A tall windshield, dual seats, and a standard luggage rack reinforce the Multistrada’s mission to get out there and do it. Selecting the available Spoked Wheels version (for a 4 percent price bump with, disappointingly, a 7.5-pound weight increase) adds, auto-logically, wire-spoked wheels to prepare the Multistrada 950 for a bit more serious off-road trekking.

Likes: Real capabilities at a reasonable price point.

Dislikes: The Spoked Wheels version needs actual dual-sport tires.

Verdict: Ducati's most affordable ticket to "Adventureland."