Next Bikes Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor of Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia, has launched not one but two new entry-level models in the form of the Ducati Monster 797 and Ducati Multistrada 950. “These two are considered as the new entry-level models from the prestigious Italian brand represents the most accessible offerings from them which is in line with what we’re doing for our autofair,” commented Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, group executive chairman for the Naza World Group of Companies.
Beginning with the Ducati Monster 797, this cult icon needs no further introduction. Dubbed as “the most accessible of the Ducati nakeds,” the Monster 797 comes powered by an air-cooled, Euro-4 compliant, twin-cylinder engine that pumps out 75 hp at 8,250rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 5,750rpm. Power gets to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox with final drive by chain.
Braking power comes courtesy of twin 320mm semi-floating discs clamped by Brembo Monobloc M4.32 callipers while the rear setup consists of a single 245mm disc with a single-piston caliper. Bosch ABS feature as standard. As for the suspension, the front end features a 43mm Kayaba USD fork while the rear features a Sachs monoshock, adjustable for both pre-load and rebound.
The front tyres measure in at 120/70/ZR17 while the rear, 180/55/ZR17. Ducati claims a wet weight of 193 kg and a seat height of 805mm. The fuel tank is capable of carrying 16.5 litres of petrol.
Moving on, the Ducati Multistrada 950 is an altogether different beast. A dual-purpose motorcycle compared to the naked Monster 797, the Multistrada 950 is touted as the “do-it-all” steed that comes powered by a 937cc Testastretta, liquid-cooled, V-twin engine pumping out 113hp at 9,000rpm and 96.2 Nm of torque at 7,750rpm.
Four-riding modes allow rides to tailor the motorcycle’s behavior to their preference – Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro. The front brake setup consists of twin 320mm semi-floating discs clamped by 4-piston Brembo Monobloc calipers while the rear consists of a single 265mm disc clamped by a twin-piston floating caliper. Added safety is present with the inclusion of ABS as standard.
Other details include 170 mm of travel for the suspension and a 20-litre fuel tank. Also, the Multistrada 950 features a seat height of 840mm – adjustable from 820mm to 860mm with accessory seats. Equipped with the Ducati Safety Pack, the Multistrada 950 also features 3-level adjustment for the Bosch 9.1 MP ABS system as well as an 8-level Ducati Traction Control.
Prices for the Ducati Monster 797 and Ducati Multistrada 950 begin at RM55,900 and RM85,900, respectively. Both prices are inclusive of GST. Service interval for the Ducati Multistrada 950 is quoted at 15,000km/12 months with valve clearance inspection scheduled to take place at 30,000km.