I am currently a Ducati Scrambler Icon owner. Icon is being sold...and I am in a dilemma between the Multi 950 and the Desert Sled. I am 5' 7". My inseam is 30.3. I weigh 165 with gear on. I am not strong in the arms. I won't have the chance to test ride the Multi950 only the DS. I think the Multi950 is more versatile but I fear that the Multi950 will be hard to lift the stand when parked on uneven ground or on inclined tarmac. Generally in urban environment and everyday use the Multi950 will feel tougher to handle than the Desert Sled. I won't have a second bike. One for all trades. Everyday commute a bit of off-road a bit of highway riding etc...so what's gonna be? Multi950 or DS? I sold the Icon 'cause it was a harsh over bumps on higher speeds (b roads or a roads) and too cramped on longer dustances stretches. My previous bikes before the Ducati Scrambler Icon were BMW G650gs and BMW F650gs (800cc).
The 950 is the same size as the 1260, I’d be very wary of using it off-road (although people do). I’ve ridden a Scrambler Icon and have a 1200 DVT (base model so similar suspension to the 950). They’re might and day bikes. The Multistrada is a serious bike and felt much plusher than the Scrambler. For commuting/touring/fun the 950 would eat the DS. For lightweight and off-road the DS would probably be better. If you spend more time on the road (and given you’re trading because the Icon was a bit basic), I’d say the 950.
Tried to edit the title but could not. Thanks for moving. I ride 80% tarmac 20% light off road. Out of the 80% tarmac 75% is urban...
I would say the Multi is the better bike - but neither are really off road bikes - but the Sled is more so than the Multi I am 5'7" with 27" inside leg and I handle multi OK - I have 1200 - but am heavier than you.. 100% on road. I would say find a dealer who has one for a demo - definately try both before you by - the Sled is different to your Icon - also seat hight on Sled may be an issue - the 1200 DVT has lowest seat height apart from the scrambler Also look at the Hyper - but seat height may be too high?
Agree and I'm a huge Scrambler apologist but if the Icon was found cramped then will the DS be less so? Would the 1100 experience be roomier?
Why can’t you test ride both? For such an expensive decision I’d want to make sure. If they don’t have a 950, is there a 1260 or 1200 you could try?
I’m a the same height & roughly the same length leg, the height of the 950 will seam a little strange at first but it becomes easy after time as you learn to one foot it when stopped of use balls of feet If I sit on bike when on main stand my feet can’t touch the floor at all
Unfortunately in Greece there are not many options for Ducati test rides. Especially when you are not in the capital. I am 173cm and 77cm my inseam. I will go for low seat be it the desert sled or the Multistrada. You are right though. They are expensive motorbikes and there should be a test ride. I test rode Sixty2 Urban Enduro and a Full Throttle before commiting to the Icon. So I should do the same. Anyway thank you all.
I don’t know why they call it the low seat....as the low seat on the 950 is the same height as the standard seat but no padding so like sitting on a plank of wood I got caught out on this & it cost me ££££ to find out
Because there is less padding - it is narrower - so makes your legs go further - or at least that is how it is on the 1200
The Multistrada950 low seat is 2cm lower than the stock seat. If you go to the Ducati official website and try the configuration tool and opt for the low seat it is visually clear that the low seat seems lower than the stock...at least in virtual world.
Agree 100% low seat is not any better for getting your feet down. Plus it’s less comfortable and makes the riding position more cramped I’m afraid.
