Ducati has a strong lineup of motorcycles right from the Scrambler to the top notch Panigale. And if not all, most of them are quite desirable. Lately, I have begun to like the Multistrada a lot more, especially after checking out the Multistrada V4 in the flesh. It’s made compact and looks less intimidating than the previous 1260 Multistradas and I also like the looks too.
However, this is about the new Multistrada V2 that Ducati has unveiled recently. The new bike replaces the Multistrada 950 as its improved version. So, the Multistrada V2 is powered by an improved 937cc L-twin motor surrounded by the familiar bodywork with some useful tweaks to the rider ergonomics. The result is a motorcycle which is better to ride at low and high speeds.
So, What’s New In The Multistrada V2
The new V2 looks nearly identical to the 950, although there are modifications to the side panels, both the seats, and of course, there are new color schemes as well.
Ducati specifically concentrated on the following areas for improvement - engine, ergonomics, and weight reduction along with several other updates that make the new bike noticeably better.
Starting with the engine, the solid 937cc L-twin engine continues to produce 113 PS of power at 9,000 RPM and a slightly higher 96 NM of torque at 7,750 RPM. However, in the countries where Euro5 is in effect, the torque is the same as the outgoing model, 94 NM at 6,750 RPM.
Called Testastretta 11, the 937cc engine has been evolved continuously and is a proven and reliable unit. In its latest iteration, the engine gets new connecting rods, a new 8-disc hydraulic clutch, and an updated gearbox that enables even smoother gear-shifts and easier finding of the neutral. The new clutch assembly reduces 1.5 kg of weight over the previous version and overall, the updated engine is 2 kg lighter than before. This is a marked improvement.
While this engine has always been tractable, Ducati doesn’t fail to mention that it delivers smoother and linear power at low RPMs making it easy to manage at slow speeds. And that’s without compromising its high speed performance at all.
Adding to low speed rideability, the new rider seat is lower at 830mm, it is narrower between the legs, as well as has a flat profile for easier back and forth movement of the rider. The new seat enhances comfort and enables better control of the motorcycle at any speed. Even the pillion seat has been redesigned for more comfort.
Furthermore, the distance between the rider foot-pegs and the rider seat has increased by 10mm, easing the bent of the legs. This change should improve long distance comfort and accommodate taller riders even better. The improved ergonomics are meant to make the ride more engaging, intuitive, and of course, more comfortable.
There are several thoughtful implementations on the V2 and there are components that are strengthened and lighter than before. For example, the new rear view mirrors, lighter alloy wheels, and the updated brake setup are inspired from the flagship Multistrada V4. In fact, the new wheels save 1.7 kg of weight. Overall, the Multistrada V2 is lighter by 5 kg compared to the Multistrada 950. With the lowered standard height, better rider ergonomics, and lesser weight, the new V2 can only be more involving and better to ride.
Multistrada V2S
The S version is always a higher spec version, not in terms of engine specifications, but in terms of hardware and software. While the standard V2 gets the 48mm fully adjustable (manually) front forks, the V2S gets the Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo which is Ducati’s electronic suspension. It’s the same story at the rear as well, the V2 gets a fully adjustable (manually) monoshock, the V2S gets the Skyhook shocker.
When it comes to safety, both the Multistrada V2 versions get the same brake setup - 320mm flange semi-floating discs with Brembo Monobloc 2-pad callipers. At the back, there's a 265mm disc with 2-piston Brembo calliper. Of course, there’s cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Vehicle Hold Control, and Ducati Brake Light (in case of hard emergency braking, the brake light starts to flash for higher attention from other vehicles). Both the bikes also get four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro).
Other differences include an LCD console on the Multistrada V2 and a TFT display on the Multistrada V2S. Also, the V2S gets full LED headlights with cornering lights and an up/down quick-shifter.
A Distinguishable Multistrada Lineup
Ducati has now properly distinguished its Multistrada lineup in two categories - the L-twin Multistrada V2 and the 4-cylinder Multistrada V4 - making the choice between the two motorcycles clearer and easier. Riders of the two motorcycles would know the kind of experience they want, as the two bikes will offer distinct riding experiences primarily due to different engines.
In India, Ducati sells the Multistrada 950S at a starting price of INR 15.49 Lakhs ex-showroom. We are quite certain that the new Multistrada V2 will make its way to India in the coming months and when it does, we will bring more updates on it.
The Multistrada V2 and the V2S shall compete with the likes of the Yamaha Tracer 900, Triumph Tiger 900, and the Tiger 850 Sport.
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