The Ducati Multistrada V2 S has always promised versatility. With the new generation model, Ducati goes even further. This is no light update. It features a new chassis, a new 890cc V-twin engine, redesigned styling and a greater focus on road performance.
I attended the international launch last year. Now, after riding it for several days on Indian roads, I can sum it up simply as this is a great motorcycle. But it is not perfect. And if you are planning to buy one in India, you need to understand both sides of the story.
A completely new Ducati DNA
The new Multistrada V2 S follows the brand’s latest design philosophy, seen on bikes like the Ducati Panigale and Ducati Streetfighter. The front end looks sleeker and more compact than before. Some riders might miss the older, more imposing face. But personally, I think this one looks modern and clean.
From the saddle, however, this still feels like a big bike. Ducati hasn’t toned down its presence.
The fit and finish are solid overall. The bike feels premium and expensive. Some plastic parts like the windscreen adjuster and seat mechanism feel a little flimsy. Everything else feels sturdy and well finished.
Ducati Multistrada V2 S New 890cc V-twin engine
The big change lies at the heart of the motorcycle.
The old 937cc engine is gone. The Multistrada V2 S now uses a new 890cc V-twin engine that also replaces the 937 in Ducati’s middleweight lineup.
Performance figures
- 890cc V-twin
- 115 horsepower
- 92 Nm of torque
- Rev limit close to 11,000 RPM
- Almost 20 kg lighter than the previous model.
Power increases slightly. Torque drops from 96 Nm to 92 Nm. On paper, it sounds like a compromise. On the road, it doesn’t.
This engine feels more modern. Power delivery feels smoother. The midrange remains strong and robust. It still carries that unmistakable Ducati thrum through the footpegs and chassis. The bike feels alive when you accelerate. Ducati fans love that feeling, and this engine delivers it.
It sounds better. At low idle, it sounds furious. But across most of the rev range, it produces a mean, aggressive soundtrack with pops and burbles at close throttle. Think V8 muscle rather than four-cylinder scream. You need to be in the mood for that kind of character.
Longer service intervals – a big win
Ducati now uses valve springs instead of the old desmodromic system from the 937 engine. That change improves practicality.
The valve clearance service interval is now extended to 45,000 km. Previously, Ducati specified 30,000 km. This update is important because valve clearance services cost a lot of money.
For reference, V4 models go up to 60,000 km. The difference probably comes from mechanical stress. Two large pistons spinning at around 11,000 RPM generate more stress than four small pistons.
Still, 45,000 km is impressive for a high-performance twin.
Traffic Brutality – Indian Reality
Here comes the “but”.
The Ducati Multistrada V2 S does not like Indian traffic.
Heavy Clutch
The clutch feels heavy. In moving traffic, it feels manageable. In a 20-minute Mumbai traffic jam, your left hand will beg for mercy.
Sub-2000 RPM intolerance
The engine does not tolerate speeds below 2,000 RPM. I stalled it several times while crossing speed breakers in second gear. During slow maneuvers you must cover the clutch.
Three-cylinder rivals allow comfortable cruising in sixth gear at a speed of 50 km/h. This Ducati does not.
Heat
Heat management has been improved. The bike doesn’t blow hot air directly onto your knees like the Triumph Tiger 900. However, in traffic, heat builds up around your legs.
The temperature display never crossed 104°C during my ride. The cooling system handles it well. But you will feel the heat at low speeds.
This motorcycle wants the open road and is built for it.
Highway Monster – Where it really shines
The long gearing works beautifully on the highway.
The sixth gear doesn’t like speeds below 80-90 km/h. But once you get past that, the engine feels light and smooth. You can cruise at high speeds with minimal vibration. The wind protection works well. The riding position feels comfortable for long distances.
At highway speeds, the Multistrada V2 S feels unrivaled in its class for refinement.
Ducati Multistrada V2 S Chassis and Weight
Ducati builds the new V2 S on a monocoque frame and claims a kerb weight of 199 kg without fuel. With the 19-litre tank almost full, the kerb weight comes in at close to 215 kg.
That makes it lighter than the previous version. Still, it remains a big bike.
The seat height is adjustable between 830mm and 850mm. Ducati also allows for electronic rear preload reduction when you stop. That clever feature improves accessibility for shorter riders.
The riding position feels neutral and comfortable. The wide handlebars offer firm control. You can sit up straight and have room to move around. Compared to the old Multistrada, this one feels less restrictive.
Electronically Adjustable Suspension – Smart but Not Hardcore
The S variant features electronically adjustable suspension.
You can:
- Change riding modes
- Adjust suspension within each mode
- Choose comfort, dynamic, or low grip
- Fine-tune from hardest to softest
Softest rear setting feels too soft and underdamped. Soft, medium, and hard settings offer the sweet spot.
On highways, the bike floats nicely. On sharp bumps and broken urban roads, it feels firmer than a true ADV. This does not feel like a hardcore off-roader.
It feels like a sporty touring motorcycle with adventure styling.
Cornering Confidence and Braking
The Pikes Peak hill climb was once dominated by the Multistrada line. It still retains that sporty DNA.
The bike is fast. It offers strong braking performance and plenty of lean angle. You feel in control in the corners.
Braking comes from Brembo M432 calipers. They perform well. However, at this price, I expected higher-end components like Stylema or Hypure calipers.
The Tiger 900 also offers new Brembo hardware.
Off-road capability
The suspension travel gets around 170 mm. The ground clearance feels decent.
Yes, you can take it on the roads. It handles light sand and rocky trails. But the front end jumps over bumps rather than soaking them up completely. Even in enduro mode, it doesn’t feel like a dedicated adventure machine.
Ducati positions the Multistrada V2 S more as a road-focused tourer. The brand reserves serious off-road duties for the Ducati Desert X. The strategy makes sense.
Features and Equipment – Missing Some Basics
At around ₹19 lakh for the base and nearly ₹21 lakh ex-showroom for the V2 S, expectations rise.
Here are some omissions:
- 5-inch TFT display (functional but small for the price)
- No heated grips as standard
- No tyre pressure monitoring system as standard
- No keyless ignition
The previous-generation V2 S had keyless ignition. That makes its absence harder to justify.
Price vs Rivals – Tough Competition
Now comes the biggest challenge, the price.
The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally is priced at around ₹16 lakh. The Tiger 900 GT is priced even lower than that. The Tiger 1200 GT and Explorer also undercut this Ducati in certain configurations.
The BMW GS 1300 starts at around ₹2 lakh more.
That makes the Multistrada V2 S a tough sell on paper.
Who should buy the Ducati Multistrada V2 S?
This bike suits Ducati purists. Riders who want Ducati engine character but want comfort and touring capability will love it.
If you mostly ride on highways and winding roads, this motorcycle will thrill you. It delivers performance, sound, character and handling in a way that very few bikes can.
If you commute in heavy city traffic every day, think carefully.
