Ducati expands its V-twin footprint ahead of MY2022 with a truly capable, twin-powered model on the Multistrada platform in the all-new Multistrada V2 and V2 S. Comfortable ergonomics, a powerful engine, and top-shelf electronics bring big-bore functionality together in a somewhat more compact, and decidedly lighter, globetrotting platform. You could call it an entry-level machine, but one that’s capable of being someone’s destination bike, and not just a stepping stone or transitional model.
There can be no denying the passion with which this Italian marque approaches its craft, and the Multistrada V2 is no exception with recognizable DNA markers from the Borgo Panigale design family. Graceful lines join with aerodynamic features to lend it a measure of curb appeal, though to be fair, form follows function especially on this type of bike, so aesthetics should be considered a happy coincidence and not necessarily a selling point.
Weight reduction was a front-burner item, and it shows at the scales with an 11-pound drop in heft from the previous version. The build is remarkably versatile with commuters and tourers equally catered to.
A chopped-down front fender leads the way with uprights that double as foils to steer the wind around the front forks and into laminar flow with the sides of the bike for improved penetration. Ducati sticks with its usual Multistrada fairing design with a blunt beak and angry-bird headlights that include DRL functionality for safety under all ambient-light conditions.
A stock windshield and standard handguards join with the fairing to form the protective bubble for the pilot, and the factory kept the front end looking neat as a pin by integrating the front turn signals with the handguards. Around behind the glass is an LCD display that bundles all of the pertinent ride info with the rider-interface for the electronic ride-quality controls, though the “S” variant carries a 5-inch TFT display.
Typical of the breed, the tall fuel tank and deep-scoop seat combines to make for a rather dramatic flyline that rises in the back to loft the passenger and act as a butt-stop for the pilot. Beefy J.C. handles provide an anchor point for either your human cargo or your cargo net. The relaxed rider’s triangle places your heels low under your hips for proper support, and the handlebar grips are set to provide plenty of leverage for steering efforts for most rider body types.
Under the cargo deck out back, the taillight is molded into the terminus above an integral mudguard that mounts the plate, taglight, and blinkers. A swingarm-mount hugger provides the rest of the fling containment. Visually, the most notable difference between the standard V2 and the V2 S lie in graphics choices at the fairing with accents on the blackout rims.
A tubular-steel Trellis frame on the Multistrada V2 uses the engine as a stressed member to displace a large chunk of the frame trim some weight from the frame. The steering head sets a rake angle of 25 degrees, and once the 19-inch front hoop is factored in, it has a 4.2-inch trail that together place the V2 siblings at the more-maneuverable end of the handling spectrum. Suspension travel measures in at 6.7 inches front and rear across the board, but the suspension components differ between the two.
Both models ride on the full range of damping and preload adjustments, but the V2 S steps up its game with Ducati’s proprietary electronic suspension system, the semi-active Skyhook Suspension EVO that delivers quick profile changes. Pirelli provides the rubber with its Scorpion Trail II hoops in a 120/70-19 ahead of a 170/60-17, all with a “Z” speed rating that means it will take every bit of punishment the V2 mill can crank out.
Dual, radial-mount calipers from Brembo bite the 320 mm front discs with ample force from the four-bore, opposed-piston calipers. A twin-pot, piston-and-anvil caliper bites the 265 mm disc out back, and Cornering ABS comes stock to allow you to safely get the most out of those anchors. Seat height is variable. Stock seat height is 32.7 inches off the deck, but if that doesn’t suit you, crank it up to 33.5 inches high or slam it down to 31.1 inches through accessory seats and a lowered suspension.
Power for the Multistrada V2 and V2 S comes from an L-Twin engine with 113 horsepower on tap at 9 grand, backed up by 71 pound-feet of torque that tops out at 7,750 rpm. That’s quite a return on a 937 cc twin. The four-valve heads rely on Ducati’s signature Desmodromic actuation. It replaces the traditional valve spring with a pull-closed cam system to provide positive closure of the poppets. It eliminates the possibility of harmonic valve float for safe revs at the top of the range.
A short-stroke engine, it runs a 94 mm bore with a 67.5 mm stroke and a speecy-spicy 12.6-to-1 compression ratio that will demand premium pusholine. Liquid-cooling does away with the waste heat, plus the water jacket helps attenuate some of the mechanical noises from inside the case.
A chain-type primary drive and slipper-style hydraulic clutch couples engine power to the six-speed transmission, and here we find another difference with the “S” model. Ducati’s proprietary Quick Shift comes stock on the “S” and it lets you run both up and down the gear range without touching the clutch or even rolling off the throttle. A tough chain-type final drive carries the power to the rear wheel. As for ride-quality controls, the V2 platform has them in spades.
The Ducati Safety Pack bundles lean-sensitive ABS and Ducati’s traction control together with Power Modes and Riding Modes for quick personality changes. A modulated brake light adds to your rearward safety, and a Vehicle Hold Control lets you put both of your Lamborfeeties down for extra stability on a grade. Top speed on the previous model was 145 mph, and I expect this new ride will land in the same neighborhood.
The base-model V2 rolls in Ducati Red for $15,295. If you want those S-model goodies, you can expect to fork over $17, 895 to get started, but you get to choose between Ducati Red and the monochromatic Street Grey.
Ducati makes a great product, but I think Kawasaki may have a worthy contender with its Versys 1000 SE LT+.
Kawi sticks to the same street-bias as does Ducati, so the Versys comes built with urban commuters and long-distance riders in mind. As for the aesthetic differences, they are fairly few generally speaking. The front turn signals are mounted in the actual fairing rather than the handguards, which is arguable less visible at that height. However, the clear windshield, handguards, and chunky fairing does deliver comfort and protection in inclement weather.
At the end of the day, the Versys falls short of the grace with which the Duc carries itself. However, the electronics are quite comparable, but the 1,043 cc engine runs a lower compression at 10.3-to-1that still manages to boost the torque output to 75.2 pound feet for a slight edge over the Multistrada in brute power.
The Versys is alone in the stock baggage category with dual quick-release hard-side panniers that add up to greater utility and convenience right off the showroom floor. You’ll pay for that though, to the tune of $18,399, which is probably what the V2 S will cost after you throw bags at it, so I’m afraid this comes down to brand preference/loyalty.
Read our full review of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+.
“This can be considered an entry-level entry within the Multistrada line, but that’s a relative statement as the Japanese manufacturers offer models with truly beginner’s displacements. That said, it does a great job of bringing that Multistrada magic to the table in a package that will be easier to pick up if/when you drop it.”
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “Let’s look in a nutshell what sets the V2 S apart. Yes the big difference is the semi-active electronic suspension, and that does make for a nicer ride, though the V2 is no slouch in ride performance. Add the up/down quick shifter, which is an option on the V2. Also, the “S” comes standard-equipped with cruise control, cornering lights, backlit handlebar controls, and a 5-inch TFT display. Overall, it’s a nice package. You can get the “S” in a Travel version that comes with bags, heated grips, and a center stand.
Source: New Ducati Multistrada V2 | Your Everyday Wonder
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