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2022 Ducati Multistrada V2 – how it is a better package over Multistrada 950 S it replaces?
Just a few days after BMW launched the updated F 850 GS in the Indian market, Ducati responded by launching the new Multistrada V2. A direct competitor to the BMW F 850 GS and Triumph Tiger 900 GT, the new Ducati Multistrada V2 features a few design and feature revisions and minute upgrades to the mechanicals over the motorcycle it replaces, Multistrada 950 S.
Here’s a quick look at what all updates the Multistrada V2 gets over its predecessor and what all things make it a desirable premium middleweight adventure tourer:
Price
Compared to the Multistrada 950, which was available in a single ‘S’ variant priced at Rs 15.49 lakh, the new Ducati Multistrada V2 has arrived in India in two variants – Standard and S. While the Standard variant is priced at Rs 14.65 lakh, the more premium S variant will set you back by Rs 16.65 lakh. With these prices, the new S variant of the Multistrada V2 is pricier than the Multistrada 950 S by around Rs 1.16 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, India).
Design
From a distance, the new Ducati Multistrada V2 looks the same as the older Multistrada 950 S, but a closer inspection reveals the minute visual changes Ducati has introduced in the former. While the front fairing with dual LED headlamps and air vents, fuel tank and side fairing panels, engine cowl, high-mounted single exhaust and tail section is the same in both the motorcycles, the new Ducati Multistrada V2 gets new seats with revised panels below them, new engine casing and a new set of alloy wheels. The new Ducati Multistrada V2 is available in two colour options of Ducati Red with black rims and Street Grey with red rims, while the Multistrada 950 S was available in Ducati Red and GP White paint schemes.
Features and Electronic Riding Aids
Ducati has retained the list of features and electronic riding aids in the new Ducati Multistrada V2 from its predecessor, the Multistrada 950 S. The motorcycle gets all-LED headlamps and tail lamp, handlebar crash guards with integrated LED turn indicators, 5-inch TFT instrument console, self-cancelling front and rear LED turn indicators, cruise control and backlit switchgear. It also comes bestowed with riding aids like a bi-directional quick-shifter, cornering ABS, traction control, riding modes, power modes, cornering lights and vehicle hold control.
The motorcycle can also be specced with more premium features like Ducati Multimedia System, tyre pressure monitoring system and anti-theft system for an optional extra. It should be noted that the standard variant of the Ducati Multistrada V2 gets halogen headlamps and a monotone LCD instrument console and misses out on backlit switches, bi-directional quick-shifter and cruise control.
Engine and Transmission
Ducati has retained the four-stroke, L-Twin, Testastretta, liquid-cooled, 937cc engine from the Multistrada 950 S, which now gets a new cover design and redesigned connecting rods inside. The maximum power and torque outputs, however, remain unchanged at 113 bhp and 94 Nm respectively, which make this engine the most powerful in the category of premium middleweight adventure tourers. Ducati has made revisions to the clutch and 6-speed gearbox of the Multistrada V2, which make gear shifts quicker and smoother.
Chassis
Apart from the changes to the engine, Ducati has introduced more weight-saving measures like lighter mirrors and mirrors and narrower seats, which have resulted in a significant drop in overall weight. Compared to the 230 kg kerb weight of the Multistrada 950 S, the Ducati Multistrada V2 weighs 224.9 kg for the S variant and 221.8 kg for the Standard variant. The narrower and lower seat and repositioned footpegs have also made changes to the riding ergonomics of the motorcycle.
The Ducati Multistrada V2 gets 48mm upside-down hydraulic telescopic forks with compression and rebound damping at the front and mono-shock with dual-sided aluminium swingarm, compression and rebound damping and spring pre-load adjustment at the rear. While the Standard variant gets manually-adjustable suspension, the S variant features electronically adjustable suspension under the Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo package.
The new Ducati Multistrada V2 rides on 120/70 ZR19 front tyre and 170/60 ZR17 rear tyre, both of which are Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres. For braking, the motorcycle features dual 320mm discs with four-piston callipers and a single 265mm disc with a two-piston calliper at the rear.
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