Ducati’s Multistrada V2 road trail is the third model from the Italian manufacturer that incorporates the new V2 engine, developed to replace both the previous Superquadro of the Panigale V2 sports car and the Streetfighter V2 sports naked, and the Testastretta 11 Evo of the naked Monster, the Multistrada V2 and the DesertX travel enduro.
This new engine is manufactured in two slightly different configurations; a sportier one, delivering 120 peak horsepower, and which equips the new Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2 (read our presentation), and a more road-oriented one, which therefore quite logically takes its place in the new Multistrada V2.
The latter, although of a respectable cylinder capacity, more than 900 cm3 in the 2024 version, actually occupies the place of entry-level maxi-trail (read our test), alongside the much more powerful Multistrada V4 models. and the larger displacement engine, which are at the very top of the scale.
With the new V2, we go down somewhat in cylinder capacity, going from 937 to 890 cm3. We also find ourselves with a much lighter engine, which weighs just over 54 kg, which renounces the traditional desmodromic distribution at Ducati to obtain in particular longer maintenance intervals and less expensive services (we assume), and which on the other hand adopts a variable distribution system at the intake to meet the new European anti-pollution standards Euro 5+, which come into force at the beginning of 2025 for vehicles leaving the factory.
Instead of the 120 horsepower of the sports variant, it expresses a maximum of 115, which are reached at 10,750 rpm. The torque is even more present low in the revs (and in mid-range) than on the sportier version of this new V2. For the Multistrada V2, we have a maximum of 92 Nm at 8250 rpm, and 70% of this maximum value is already present at 3500 rpm.
And as on the new Panigale V2, this twin-cylinder V2 uses variable distribution at the intake. Without going into too much detail, this system varies the opening duration and opening of the intake valves depending in particular on the engine speed. A technical tip which makes combustion more efficient across the entire speed range, with advantages in terms of polluting emissions, pure performance and even fuel consumption.
The clutch is as before equipped with an anti-dribble function, and it is assisted. The gear ratios are different on this new model. The former, in particular, is shorter, which should improve the driving experience at low speeds, especially in urban environments.
A new monocoque aluminum front frame using the engine as a supporting element also made it possible to redesign a large part of the motorcycle’s structures compared to the previous model. This has consequences in terms of weight, with Ducati’s new road trail weighing just 199 kilos on the scale, excluding fuel – the gas tank holds 19 liters.
For the S variant, equipped with electronically adjustable semi-active suspensions, we add three kilos, which still makes a relatively light road trail. Ducati proudly announces 18 kilos less than for the 2024 model.
Another effect of this new design is, according to Ducati, that there are more points of support and contact between the legs and the motorcycle. The saddle-handlebar-footrest triangle is also different, the handlebar ends being closer in height to the rider. Overall, it should be easier to control this Multistrada V2 well, and make it go where you want.
The swingarm at the rear is also new, lighter, as are the wheels. The latter, however, remain in the same dimensions, with a diameter of 19 inches at the front (and 17 at the rear). A choice motivated by the possibility of riding on unpaved tracks, where a 17-inch wheel at the front is a clear handicap.
Braking is rather sporty, as on the previous model, with two 320 mm diameter discs at the front, bitten by radially mounted Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, and a radial master cylinder as well.
Suspension travel remains at 170 mm at both ends, with a fully adjustable inverted telescopic fork at the front and a new shock absorber at the rear, also equipped with adjustments for both preload and compression and rebound. On the standard road trail version, adjustments are made “mechanically” with a tool (compression and rebound) or even by hand directly without tools (rear preload). The Multistrada V2 S entrusts the damping and preload (rear) adjustment to electronics.
The saddle, both for the rider and the passenger, has been redesigned in its shape – more room available for the legs and torso of the passenger, despite a visually thinner stern on the new model.
There are also saddle heights (the standard saddle is factory adjustable to two heights) to better adapt the road trail to the body shape of its owner. 830 or 850 mm, therefore, for the original saddle, and you can go down to 790 mm on the S version, thanks to the electronic suspensions, or go up to 870 mm on both versions, via the accessories catalog.
Aesthetically, the front of the road trail has also changed, adopting a shorter “beak”. And electronically, we are progressing, with an algorithm acting in a predictive manner and no longer just reactively, on the anti-skid system. Traction control won’t wait for the rear wheel to start skidding to kick in and limit torque, and it will do so more smoothly and progressively.
-On this model, Ducati also adds motor modes, configurable riding modes, adjustable wheelie control, and braking control with three degrees of intervention. From the most conservative to the most permissive (only on the front wheel). Apart from this last degree, it integrates the effective anti-lock function when cornering.
A revised bidirectional quickshifter (better feedback) completes this equipment, as does an engine brake control. There is even an adjustable cruise control with controls located on the handlebars. All of the functions and settings can be controlled from the two controls, with buttons with a revisited design, in terms of their functionality.
The electronic suspensions of the new Multistrada V2 S automatically adjust the damping while driving. But you can select three operating modes which each do it in their own way, with more or less comfort, precision and support. Suspension modes can be selected independently of other electronic settings. This system in all cases prevents the front from “dipping” when braking, and likewise prevents the rear from settling when accelerating.
As on the big sister V4, a function called “Minimum Preload” lowers the preload of the rear shock absorber to a minimum (- 8 mm) with the press of a button: you can then more easily put your foot down, at low speed or at a standstill, if you have short legs.
As a practical extra, the road trail is equipped with a USB-A charging socket at the front. Ducati also took care to rework the aerodynamics to ensure better penetration into the air and at the same time better protection at the front, and added ducts directing fresh air to the rider’s legs, history do not roast them with the heat given off by the engine.
We note in passing that the direction indicators have been integrated into the front fairing.
The 5-inch diagonal color dashboard offers three graphic modes to choose from, and its graphic interface is also new. Multimedia connectivity with smartphones is optional, except on the Multistrada V2 S where it is “free” in the price.
The original tires are road rubber allowing a certain dose of off-road, Pirelli Scorpion Trail II, in dimensions 120/70-19 in front and 170/60-17 behind. In the accessories, we always find spoked wheels, more robust, for more demanding off-road passages. In this case, we recommend changing the tire for a more off-road oriented profile.
These two new models should be available from January 2025. The standard Multistrada V2, in red, will cost 17,190 francs. The red Multistrada V2 S will cost 1,990 francs, and in dark green (“Storm Green”), from 20,490 francs. In the Travel pack (including the suitcases and the central stand), it is 21,390 francs in red and 21,890 francs in dark green.
Clampable versions with 35 kW power of these two models are available, for the needs of the limited A license (young licenses, category A2). They cost 1000 francs less than non-clampable models. As with all members of the extended Multistrada family (with the V4 and the DesertX), the manufacturer offers a 4-year warranty. And, in the case of this new Multistrada V2, service intervals (valves) of 30,000 km.
To find out more, you can consult the Swiss Ducati website, or contact our partners in our Swiss directory of motorcycle professionals: Ares Motors in Echandens (VD), Ducati Genève in Vernier, Compétition Park in Neuchâtel, or hostettler moto in Zion (VS).
Source: comm. Ducati
