Ducati gives its Multistrada the V2 treatment

The Italian factory has kicked off its launch season with an all-new Multistrada V2, which replaces the much-loved 950 as the entry-point into adventure/sports tourer range.

With the introduction of the Multistrada V4 last year and the development of a V2 engine for its sport and supersport line-ups, it should come as no great surprise that the boys (and girls) from Bologna have stuck a V2 motor into its smallest adventure machine.

Getting into specifics, the newest model from Ducati uses its 937cc Testastretta 11-degree V2 unit, which powers the Panigale V2 and the latest generation Monster. Surprisingly, power output remains much the same as the outgoing ‘strada 950, with 113bhp on tap – but like the V4, the V2 is as much about durability as it is about performance, with oil changes now extended to every 15,000km and valve checks now needed every 30,000km. That works for us.

There’s more to it than a new motor though. The Multistrada V2 also gets an updated gearbox, a 19-inch front wheel, Ducati’s Skyhook EVO semi-active suspension system (on the more expensive S model) – and a wide array of technology nicked straight from its bigger brother, including Vehicle Hold Control, Traction Control and four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro). It’s also 5kg lighter than the previous model, thanks to a new set of wheels.

Available in two trim levels – the standard and the S, which comes with the aforementioned Skyhook suspension, cruise control, full-LED headlights with cornering function, Ducati Quick Shift and a high-resolution TFT dash.

There’s been no news on price yet, but considering it’s due to go on sale next month, we’re not going to have to wait too much longer to find out. It’s going to have to be competitive though – there’s a lot of competition out there, in the form of Yamaha’s Tracer 9, Triumph’s Tiger 900 (and 850 Sport) and even MV Agusta’s Turismo Veloce.

It’s an excellent start to Ducati’s launch season – and there’s plenty more where that came from, with a load more dates already scheduled for the big reveals of its 2022 line-up.