If you liked the old ‘Strada 950, you’re going to love this. It’s the new Ducati Multistrada V2 and it’s lighter and more comfortable than the ‘950’ that it replaces. Ok, it’s not actually any more powerful, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get excited about the new ‘Mini-Multi’. The latest addition to the V2 line-up is the ‘gateway to the Multistrada universe’ according to Ducati, and it’ll give you pleasure every day. Nice.
Keen Ducatisti will be familiar with the V2 engine. The 937cc Testastretta 11° Desmo engine makes 113 bhp and 96Nm of torque. Which is the same as the Multistrada 950. To be fair, that’s decent power when you compare it to things like the Triumph Tiger 900 (94bhp) and the BMW F 850 GS (95bhp). It’s an engine that works perfectly well in the new Monster, so I expect it’ll be just the ticket, in the new Multi’.
But it wasn’t the engine that Ducati have been shouting about. It was the weight loss and the new ergonomics. Let’s start with the weight. It’s 5kg lighter than the 950. That’s a fair old lump to lose in one fowl swoop. A big chunk of it has come from the engine, where they’ve lost 2kg, but the mirrors, wheels and brakes are all considerably lighter too. And if you want to go mega-light, there are a set of wire spoked wheels in the genuine accessories book that are even lighter still.
They also reckon they’ve made the new Multi even more comfortable, for both tall and short riders. They’ve lowered the seat by 10mm (now 810mm seat height), and made it narrower (by 40mm), so it’s easier to touch the ground. And so that the taller riders aren’t all cramped up thanks to the new, lower seat, they’ve moved the foot pegs “10mm further away from the seat”. You have to assume that that means 10mm lower down; that’s great of you’re looking for a comfy ride, but I can see it causing a ground-clearance issue. Which isn’t great.
S is for Sexual.
There is a V2 and a V2 S, with the biggest difference being the electronics package. Both models come with all the standard stuff, so ABS, TC, four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro) and Hill-Start Control. On top of that, the ‘S’ comes with cruise control, LED lights, cornering lights, a ‘shifter, and TFT dash. You also get Ducati’s Skyhook electronic suspension on the V2 S.
As you’d expect, there are a plethora of optional extras, from saddle bags to heated grips and everything in between. All being well, they’ll be hitting the showrooms this November (2021) and although we haven’t had confirmation of the price yet, I’d expect it to be around the £12,000 mark. More as and when.
