For fifty years, Ducati has been defined by the V-Twin engine, but all that looked to be coming to an end with the arrival of the incredible V4 engine that was not only much more powerful, but also, amazingly, only a little larger than the venerable V-Twin.
However, it seems that rumors of the V-Twin’s death were premature, and the engine looks set to be a part of Ducati’s DNA for many years to come. While the all-purpose Multistrada was one of the models to receive the new V4 engine, there is still a need for a cheaper, less powerful model in the Multistrada line-up, and that is where the Multistrada V2 comes in.
10 Ducati Multistrada V2: Overview
Ducati was much slower than its rivals to enter the Adventure market, and when it did, the result was more an adventure-styled sport touring motorcycle, possessing no real off-road ability while being impressive on the road. If styling at first was controversial, it soon turned into a handsome machine, and in the guise of the Multistrada Enduro, possessed excellent off-road qualities, even if these did come at a price.
In line with those same rivals, Ducati also offered a smaller-engined model, the Multistrada 950. It is this model that has morphed into the new Multistrada V2 and higher-spec V2 S. At the same time, Ducati’s engineers have tweaked the ergonomics and engine.
9 Ducati Multistrada V2: Engine
With the new V4 engine replacing the larger of Ducati’s V-Twin offerings, the 1260, the Multistrada V2 continues with the 937cc Testastretta engine, that also sees service in the SuperSport, Hypermotard and Monster. There should be no complaints about this as there is still 113 horsepower and 71 foot pounds of torque to play with, more than enough to give the 489 pound model plenty of performance. The throttle is ride-by-wire and the engine drives through a six-speed transmission which, on the V2 S, has a bi-directional quickshifter.
8 Ducati Multistrada V2: Chassis
It’s a Ducati, so what type of chassis should it have other than a tubular steel trellis frame? This it has, but of course, it is only one factor in the chassis as a whole. The suspension is fully adjustable front and back and offers 6.7 inches of travel. On the V2 S, the suspension is fully electronically adjustable and semi-active, adapting to the road and the riding style of the rider.
The V2 and V2 S shy away from having off-road friendly 21-inch front tires and make do with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, which reinforce the road-bias of the model, even though the tires fitted from the factory are Pirelli Scorpion Trail ll, which are dual-purpose tires.
7 Ducati Multistrada V2: Electronics
There are no reasons to feel short-changed in the electronics department, even if you opt for the ‘base’ model V2. This gets four customizable ride modes, cornering ABS and traction control, hill hold control and the safety-conscious Ducati Brake Light system, which flashes the rear brake light during hard braking. The dash is an exceptionally clear LCD item. The V2 S adds the aforementioned semi-active suspension, a quickshifter, full-colour TFT dash, cruise control and cornering LED headlights.
6 Ducati Multistrada V2: Weight
The V2 is more than a change of name: the ‘new’ model has managed to shed eleven pounds of weight. Changes to the engine have resulted in a loss of four pounds, with 3.3 pounds of that coming from the adoption of a new eight-plate hydraulic clutch, while the wheels - sourced from the Multistrada V4 - have a huge 3.7-pound reduction in weight between them, which will have a great impact on how the Multistrada turns, accelerates and stops. The mirrors are also sourced from the Multi V4 and save a few ounces too.
5 Ducati Multistrada V2: Ergonomics
The Multistrada was always one of the more comfortable adventure-style bikes, and you always got the feeling you were sitting ‘in’ the bike as opposed to ‘on’ it. This was due to a relatively low seat height and a high-humped gas tank. For the new V2, the seat height has been dropped to an accessible 32.7 inches, with 31.9 inches available if you opt for the low seat. There is also a suspension lowering kit which takes off another 0.8 inches of height.
Additionally, taller riders can opt for a high seat which raises the seat height to 33.5 inches, which is still a couple of inches lower than the BMW R 1250 GS. The seat profile has been flattened, and it has been narrowed where it meets the gas tank, making it easier to touch the ground. Foot pegs are another item sourced from the Multi V4 and sit 0.4 inches lower for additional legroom.
4 Ducati Multistrada V2: It Is As Good As The Multistrada V4
While both the 1260 Multistrada and now the V4 Multistrada get all the headlines, the smaller Multi 950 and now the Multi V2 have always punched well above their weight, and could possibly be the better bike. Less power, certainly, but there’s more than enough to satisfy any rider, and crucially, it is lighter, more nimble, not nearly as intimidating, and it has to be admitted, just more fun to ride. The chassis is excellent, and in the right hands, the Multi V2 could give riders of sport bikes a fright. If you are totally honest with yourself, there is no way you need 170 horsepower to have a lot of fun, so the 113 of the Multi V2 is more than enough.
3 Ducati Multistrada V2: Practicality
There is provision for fitting hard panniers and these come as a part of an optional Travel package for the V2 S, which adds the panniers, a center stand and heated grips. The gas tank holds 5.2 gallons which will give a theoretical 190-mile range, with the reserve light coming on at 150 miles.
There is a 12v socket on the dash and a USB port under the seat which we imagine is of limited use either on the move or when stopped. The screen is one-hand-adjustable, although it doesn’t offer great weather and wind protection, promoting a lot of buffeting for taller riders. The seat is low and narrow, making putting your feet down flat much easier.
2 Ducati Multistrada V2: Mild Off-Road Ability
Even though the bias is towards road riding, the nature of the Ducati Multistrada V2 means that a modicum of off-road ability has been built in, despite missing out on a true-adventure 21-inch front wheel. The 19-inch front as fitted might be much more road friendly, but the Multi V2 will tackle off-road terrain with ability to spare.
The ergonomics, especially the handlebars, don’t encourage all-day off-road rides and the foot peg location in relation to the exhaust pipe routing on the right-hand side doesn’t give enough room for the heel when standing, but the low stance and seat height makes putting both feet down easy and adds to rider confidence when tackling a dirt trail. With absolutely no crash protection as standard, you might want to think twice about the potential damaging effects of dropping it on a loose surface.
1 Ducati Multistrada V2: Rivals And Price
Fans of the Multistrada V2 ($15,295) and V2 S ($17,895) will argue that there are no real rivals, but we all know that is nonsense. If we accept that the intended role of the Multistrada V2 and V2 S is as a road bike and not as a dual-sport or adventure bike, then there are a few alternatives. The Yamaha Tracer GT ($14,299) has a similar stance, ergonomics and performance, although it does also come with panniers and a center stand as standard (an option on the Ducati Multi V2). Then there is the Triumph Tiger GT Pro ($15,000) with its lovely three-cylinder engine and excellent road manners. At a stretch, you could also say that the BMW S 1000 XR ($16,945) is a rival, although its 160 horsepower does rather put it in a slightly different league.