Ducati Multistrada V2

The Ducati Multistrada V2 S gets an all-new 890cc L-twin motor, updated underpinnings, and a revised styling for 2026. Ducati claims that the new Multistrada V2 S is lighter, calmer, and much more forgiving to ride.

So the big question is, does this new Multistrada V2 S finally feel easy to live with in a city like Mumbai? And more importantly, in doing so, has it lost the Ducati character that the Multistrada is known for? Let’s find out.

Design-wise, Ducati has taken styling cues from the V4 S, and the new V2 S continues to carry the family look. Although it doesn’t look as bulky as the older model, the design is still quite sporty, aggressive and imposing.

It features the menacing twin-LED headlamps, the trademark Multistrada beak, and a large 19-litre fuel tank. There are smartly designed air ducts at the bottom of the fairing that channel cold air towards the rider’s feet, helping dissipate engine heat on the go. That said, it has lost visual mass, and as a result of that, it lacks some amount of road presence because of its relatively slimmer proportions.

The quality levels are typical of what you expect from a Ducati. The paint quality, materials used, and overall fit and finish levels are quite good. However, I do have a bone of contention with the switchgear quality. Although it isn’t bad or a deal breaker, Ducati seems to have cut corners here, and we have seen a better finish on other Ducatis.

This is especially true with the buttons on the left switch cube that are a touch too shiny and plasticky to be on a Ducati.

Even though the V2 S looks tall and intimidating, it is surprisingly accessible with a friendlier seat height of 830mm. In fact, the narrow midsection lets me easily flatfoot even with my five-feet-seven-inch frame. The overall rider's triangle is quite comfortable, with the handlebars in easy reach and even the seat-to-footpegs distance being quite decent for spending long hours in the saddle.

What's more, the bike gets a tall windshield with two adjustable positions. For my five-feet-seven-inch frame, the lower setting caused notable wind buffeting. Thankfully, the taller setting reduces buffeting substantially by allowing the wind to sail over my helmet.

The Multistrada V2 S uses the new 890cc, L-twin engine, which is quite lightweight and weighs only 54kg. That is almost 9kg lighter than the Superquodro and 6kg lighter than the Testastreta in the previous Multistrada V2. It also gets variable valve timing, which helps deliver a strong low-end and mid-range torque, and a very linear top-end.

This makes it friendlier and versatile to use in the city as well as on the highway. The only downside is that the engine doesn’t feel as angry or exciting as the older Multi V2. That said, the gearbox is very clunky to operate, and it’s a task to find neutral once you come to a standstill in traffic.

Moreover, the clutch is excruciatingly heavy to operate, and you really need to ginger it in stop-go traffic, making it a painful affair. The only respite is the smooth, bi-directional quickshifter that allows you to perform clutch-less gearshifts.

The Multistrada V2 S gets five ride modes that alter the engine’s power delivery and throttle response to suit different riding conditions. In Sport mode, the engine delivers its full 115bhp with a sharp and immediate throttle response, giving the bike a more aggressive and lively character for spirited riding. Even then, it doesn't feel as aggressive as the older Multi V2.

Touring mode retains the full power output but delivers a smoother throttle response, making the power delivery more progressive and better suited for long highway rides.

Meanwhile, the power is dialled down to 95bhp in all other modes. The Urban mode softens the throttle response considerably to make it easier to manage in traffic. While we didn't test the other two modes, the Enduro mode sharpens the throttle response while reducing the output to 95bhp. The Wet mode offers a very gentle throttle response to maximise control in slippery conditions.

The Multistrada V2 S comes with Ducati’s Skyhook electronic suspension that lets you alter the damping characteristics on the fly, irrespective of the ride mode selected. You can switch between Dynamic, Comfort, and Low Grip.

In Dynamic mode, the suspension feels a tad too stiff. In fact, on broken roads and poorly patched surfaces, you’d feel there’s barely any damping on offer, and you will feel every bump and undulation. In fact, the rear kicks back over road joints and stepped surfaces. On the flip side, this improves handling and the bike feels taut in the corners, sticking to its line with precision. This also makes it quite flickable, and changing directions or darting it through traffic is quite easy.

The Comfort mode is much more manageable, with the suspension soaking up road imperfections decently well. Yes, there is a hint of firmness to it, but it isn’t as unforgiving as the Dynamic mode, and you can easily live with it in a city like Mumbai. However, for fast highway rides, Dynamic is the mode to go.

The braking performance is one of the strong suits of this Ducati. The front offers excellent stopping power from the Brembo Monobloc callipers. They offer good feel and feedback, and the progression is well judged, too. The rear brake is good for low-speed city commutes, but the ABS kicks in quite soon at the rear.

The Multi V2 S comes loaded with a laundry list of features and electronic rider aids. It gets a six-axis IMU that enables features such as cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and slide control. The bike also features five ride modes. Adding to the convenience is a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, and Ducati’s Skyhook electronic suspension that automatically adjusts damping in real time. Additionally, it also gets a colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation support.

The new Ducati Multistrada V2 S is quite a friendly and accessible middleweight adventure bike. The power delivery is linear, it is easy to manage in traffic, and it has enough and more power to cover long distances with ease.

That said, the clutch is too heavy, the gearbox is clunky, and the ride quality in Dynamic mode is jarring. So, if you want a friendly, easy-to-ride Ducati, you can consider the V2 S, but if you want the raw aggression and the intimidating power delivery that one associates with Ducatis, then you might be disappointed. Also, at over Rs. 26 lakh on the road in Mumbai, it is quite expensive, and the V2 S won’t wow you with its performance or features.

We’d go as far as saying that for a little extra, you could go for the standard Ducati Multistrada V4. It has more power, better heat management in traffic, and a delightfully flexible engine and smooth gearbox. It’s also a proper entertainer in the corners, and we absolutely love that bike at BikeWale.

Photography by Kapil Angane