Ex-showroom Price: ₹21 lakh
Engine: 890cc V-twin
Power/Torque: 115.5bhp / 92.1Nm
Weight (wet, no fuel): 202kg
Seat Height: 830–850mm
The new Multistrada V2 S marks a major shift for Ducati’s middleweight adventure tourer. Built on an all-new platform and powered by a fresh 890cc V-twin engine, this bike promises reduced weight, sharper performance and improved practicality. But how well does it adapt to Indian riding conditions? We spent time with it to find out.
Design & Platform: Lighter Yet Unmistakably Multistrada
The latest Multistrada V2 isn’t just an update — it’s a ground-up rethink. Ducati has shaved off a significant 18kg, bringing the claimed wet weight (without fuel) down to 202kg. Even factoring in a near-full 19-litre fuel tank, it remains one of the lighter motorcycles in its class.
Visually, it retains the unmistakable Multistrada identity:
Large sculpted fuel tank
Tall stance
Wide handlebar
Aggressive twin-headlamp setup
The seat height is adjustable between 830mm and 850mm, and on the V2 S variant, the electronic suspension can lower the rear preload at low speeds, effectively dropping it by an additional 8mm — a useful feature for shorter riders in city traffic.
Despite the weight reduction, this is still a big motorcycle. It feels substantial between your knees and commands road presence.
Ride Comfort & Handling: Sporty DNA with Electronic Sophistication
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The key differentiator between the standard V2 and the V2 S is the Ducati Skyhook electronic suspension, which adds roughly ₹2 lakh to the price.
You get:
Preload adjustment for rider, pillion and luggage
Three preset damping modes
Five-step manual damping adjustment (Softest to Hardest)
The system noticeably alters the bike’s character. However, unlike plush ADVs such as the Triumph Tiger 900 GT, the Multistrada prioritises control over cushiness. It handles broken roads well, but not in a sofa-like ADV manner.
Where it truly excels is cornering. With 170mm of travel at both ends, you wouldn’t expect this level of agility — yet it feels light, sharp and incredibly planted. It’s easily among the best-handling bikes in the segment.
Off-road capability? Limited to mild trails. Serious dirt enthusiasts should instead look at the Ducati DesertX.
Engine & Performance: A Rev-Happy V-Twin With Attitude
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The biggest transformation lies under the tank — an all-new 890cc V-twin engine.
What’s New?
Valve springs replace desmodromic setup
Valve service interval extended to 45,000km
Rev limit stretched to 11,000rpm
Peak power produced higher in the rev range
The engine feels smoother at low rpm than the older 937cc motor, yet it’s far more eager at the top end. The soundtrack is cleaner at idle and builds into a thrilling snarl near redline.
The Not-So-Good
Still dislikes running below 2,000rpm
Can stall in crawling traffic
Clutch feels heavy in congestion
Tall gearing makes low-speed riding tricky
Noticeable engine heat in traffic
In typical Indian city conditions, especially bumper-to-bumper traffic, it demands patience. This is not a relaxed commuter.
Open Highway Performance
On open roads, the V2 S transforms. Acceleration is strong enough to lighten the front wheel in the first two gears. With traction and wheelie control dialled down, it becomes even more playful.
It cruises effortlessly at very high speeds — comfortably above what most locally manufactured motorcycles can achieve. The windscreen adjusts easily and offers good wind protection, making it an excellent long-distance machine.
The only drawback? The seat is on the firmer side and can feel uncomfortable after about 45 minutes of continuous riding.
Features & Equipment
5-inch TFT display (well laid out, though slightly small)
Multiple riding modes
Cornering ABS
Traction & wheelie control
Cruise control
However, at this price point, some omissions are surprising:
Heated grips are optional
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is optional
Keyless start has been removed
Given its premium positioning, these feel like cost-cutting measures.
Price & Rivals
At ₹21 lakh (ex-showroom), the Multistrada V2 S sits in a competitive and premium bracket.
It is:
Significantly more expensive than the Triumph Tiger 900 GT
Very close in pricing to the BMW R 1300 GS
Marginally pricier than even the larger Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer
That makes value a serious talking point.
Verdict: For the Ducati Loyalist
The Multistrada V2 S remains true to Ducati’s DNA:
Sharp
Engaging
Performance-focused
Emotionally involving
But it demands compromise in city usability and pricing.
If you want the most sporty and involving middleweight ADV experience — one that feels alive and aggressive on twisty roads and highways — the V2 S delivers like few others.
However, if comfort, practicality and value rank higher on your checklist, rivals may offer a more rounded package.
Ultimately, this motorcycle is for the Ducati enthusiast who wants that unmistakable V-twin character, now wrapped in a lighter and more sophisticated package tailored better for Indian roads — but still unapologetically Italian at heart.
