It’s going to be raining new Ducatis this year, as the Italian bikermaker has plans to launch five new models in India for 2017. Of these, it has just launched the Multistrada 950 and the Monster 797. These are entry-level versions of the Multistrada adventure tourer and the Monster street naked, respectively. The models that remain to be launched include the Scrambler Desert Sled, Scrambler Café Racer and the SuperSport.
Multistrada 950 (Rs 12.60 lakh)
The new Multistrada range-starter gets a smaller, 113hp motor and misses out on some equipment as compared with the Multistrada 1200 siblings. However, the shorter features list and smaller engine make it significantly cheaper; at ₹12.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) it’s nearly ₹3 lakh cheaper than the Multistrada 1200 motorcycles. Plus, while it isn’t as sophisticated or packed with tech as its bigger, more powerful siblings, this is an extremely capable adventure tourer. It will compete with popular motorcycles like the Triumph Tiger 800.
Monster 797 (Rs 7.77 lakh)
The second launch from Ducati this year comes in the form of the Monster 797. It slots under the Monster 821, and at ₹7.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it costs about ₹2 lakh less. Equipment it misses out on includes traction control and riding modes, but it gets ABS. it is powered by a 75hp, 803cc L-twin motor which is also found in the Scrambler range of motorcycles. The Monster 797 is a rival to bikes like the Kawasaki Z650 and the Triumph Street Triple.