With news of the all-new V4 1,158cc Gran Turismo powerplant replacing the V-Twin in the Multistrada 1260 last year, it was thought that Ducati might update its V-Twin Desmo Valve 950 Multistrada with a V4 as well. But today we find out that Ducati will be holding onto an updated version of its V-Twin 937cc Testastretta engine, at least for the time being, with the release of the Multistrada V2. 

The new Multistrada V2 is set to be the replacement for the Multistrada 950 and is based on the same platform. However, Ducati has been hard at work on several changes in an effort to continually improve the breed, many of the updates inspired by their V4 project. According to Ducati, the main points of focus during the development were ergonomics, weight reduction, engine updates and a series of upgrades that follow the philosophy of “continuous improvement.”

Starting with the 113 horsepower desmodromic distribution engine, the clutch and gearbox have undergone a refinement process to reduce weight and improve shifting smoothness. This twin-cylinder is designed to be very linear and smooth at low revs and has extended maintenance intervals, with an oil change every 9,321 miles (15,000 km) and valve clearance check every 18,641 miles (30,000 km). Engineers also found ways to shave ounces off the wheels, mirrors and brakes for a combined weight loss of 11 pounds compared to the outgoing 950 Multistrada. 

Another key area of focus for improvements has been in the ergonomics. The new V2 Multistrada features a lower seat height than the 950 (32.7 inches vs. 33.1 inches) and a new seat shape is designed to improve long-range comfort. Legroom has also been increased with a new foot peg position.

As with last year’s 950, the V2 Multistrada will come in a ‘standard’ and a higher-spec ‘S’ version. The entry-level Multistrada comes in at 39 pounds lighter than the Multistrada V4 and costs $4,700 less. You can also get the V2 with the optional spoked wheels, which was a $2,000 upgrade last year (2022 options pricing TBD), and Ducati states that the new spoked wheels have been lightened significantly compared to last year’s. Read on for more details from Ducati’s press release about the new V2:

The evolution of the Testastretta 11° mounted on the new Multistrada V2 features important improvements: new connecting rods, new 8-disc hydraulic clutch and an updated gearbox, which guarantees greater fluidity and precision in shifting, also facilitating the engagement of neutral. Even more appreciable when used in conjunction with the quick shifter which was also optimized.

According to Ducati. the bike’s chassis is agile and intuitive, with a 19″ front wheel that ensures a smooth, comfortable ride, always with the right level of reactivity and precision. The bike is also ideal for urban use, thanks to the effectiveness of the Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO semi-active suspension system (standard on the S version), which can absorb roughness and unevenness of the ground and always maintains the ideal ride height of the vehicle, improving safety and comfort.

Important development work has been made on the ergonomics of the bike, to make it more comfortable and more intuitive. The height has been reduced to 32.7 inches (830 mm), with a redesigned shape of the saddle which is now narrower and more compact between the rider’s legs to allow you to easily touch the ground with your feet thanks to an inseam arch of only 70.5 inches (1790 mm).

These changes provide safety when the bike is stationary and improve confidence when maneuvering at low speed, even with a passenger and full cases. Furthermore, in the Ducati Performance catalogue a low seat and a lowered suspension kit are available which, combined, allow you to reach a height of 31.1 inches (790 mm).

The work on the seat also focused on riding comfort: the new shape of the saddle provides a flat area that guarantees the rider freedom of movement in the longitudinal direction, improving the level of comfort and allowing anyone to find the optimal position.

The riding position is now more comfortable with the new foot pegs inherited from the Multistrada V4 which, thanks to a 0.4 inch (10 mm) increase in distance from the seat, ensure the right amount of room also for taller riders, preventing them from bending their legs excessively, and thus allowing a more restful position during long journeys.

Another key area of improvement is the reduction in the bike’s weight, which, through work on many elements, has resulted in a reduction of 11 lbs. (5 kg) in weight compared to the Multistrada 950.

The engine update has produced a saving of about 4 lbs. (2 kg), including the clutch (3.3 lbs./ 1.5 kg) and its cover, gearbox drum and connecting rods. Various parts of the vehicle have been lightened, including the mirrors, derived from Multistrada V4, the front brake disc flanges and the rims: the new Multistrada V2 mounts rims derived from the Multistrada V4, which are about 3.7 lbs. (1.7 kg) lighter, thus generating an important improvement in the dynamic behavior of the vehicle. Spoked wheels are also available in the Ducati Performance catalogue, which have been significantly lightened.

The Multistrada V2 is equipped as standard with a state-of-the-art electronic package that offers everything you need to travel in comfort and safety. The package includes ABS Cornering, which offers a high degree of safety when braking even when cornering, Vehicle Hold Control, which makes starting on sloping roads easy, Ducati Traction Control, the four Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro) completely configurable by the user and the new featured Ducati Brake Light system which, in the event of sudden braking, automatically activates the flashing of the rear light in order to signal the condition of sudden slowing down appropriately.

In the S version the journey becomes 5-stars thanks to a benchmark full-optional package for the segment, which sees the addition of the Skyhook electronic suspension, Cruise Control, full-LED headlight equipped with Ducati Cornering Lights function which optimizes the illumination of the roadway based on the lean of the motorcycle, Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down, Hands Free system, a high resolution 5” color TFT dashboard with intuitive interface and backlit handlebar controls.

The color range consists of the classic “Ducati Red” color with black rims, available for both Multistrada V2 and Multistrada V2 S, together with the new “Street Grey” livery with black frame and “GP Red” rims, which can only be ordered for the version S. United States pricing for the Multistrada V2 will begin at an MSRP of $15,295 USD and Canadian pricing $16,995 CAD.

For the Multistrada V2 family there are two trim levels that can be ordered directly from the factory. The Essential trim is available for both Multistrada V2 and Multistrada V2 S, while the Travel trim, with side bags, heated grips and a central stand, can only be ordered for the S version.

The Multistrada V2 will be available in dealerships in the Ducati North America network starting from December 2021. The Ducati Performance catalogue also includes a series of specifically designed accessories to enhance the character and qualities of the Multistrada V2. For more details on the new V2 Multistrada, visit the Ducati website.

Ducati Multistrada V2 Specs