Ducati is coming in hot this giving season, announcing the arrival of an all-new 890cc V2 Multistrada that’s lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. 

The announcement was made in the 8th episode of the company’s virtual 2025 Ducati World Premiere, which kicked off on October 31st with the reveal of the new 890cc liquid-cooled “V2” 90° V-twin engine that will replace the 937cc Testastretta 11° L-twin used in the outgoing Multistrada V2. Of the new twin, Ducati says it will deliver a wide power curve that’s as much about smooth, useful power as it is about speed. 

Ducati’s claimed output figures for the new twin are a peak of 115 hp at 10,750 rpm and a max torque delivery of 67.9 lb-ft at 8,250 rpm. Yup, that does sound like a lot of wrist work for an adventure bike, but Ducati explains that 70 percent of the new V2’s maximum torque will be available at 3,500 rpm, and between 3,500 and 11,000 rpm, the torque will never drop below 75 percent.

The new V-twin-driven adventure model introduces Intake Variable Timing (IVT) and a coil spring valve recall system as well as gear ratios specific to the Multistrada’s “multi road” intentions, including a shorter first and second gear “to improve usability at low speeds.” Ducati’s Quick Shift 2.0 gearbox allows for fast and decisive shifting that will make good use of the engine’s broad power band. Four power modes can also be employed to customize the V-twin’s responsiveness. 

Best of all might be the new V2 engine’s athletic weight of 121.1 pounds, which Ducati says is the main contributor to the base adventure model’s 40-pound weight loss, for a finished post-lubricant/pre-fueling weight of 439 pounds. Knowing one US gallon of fuel weighs about 6 pounds and the V2’s fuel capacity will be 5 gallons (roughly 30 lbs of fuel), we can estimate the bike’s curb weight will be around 470 pounds. For reference, that’s slightly lighter than KTM’s 890 Adventure R, which  tips the scale at roughly 473 lbs wet and much lighter than the Tiger 900 GT’s 483 lbs. An S version of the model year 2025 V2, which comes with semi-active suspension, will add six pounds. 

An all-new chassis that includes a redesigned aluminum monocoque frame, steel-trellis subframe and cast aluminum swingarm system that replicates the company’s top-dollar Multistrada V4’s chassis, has also helped lighten up the new middleweight contender.

The new frame shape includes a more narrow waist for the V2, making it easier for riders to get their feet on the ground. Ducati says the contact area between the bike and a rider’s knees and inner thighs has also been optimized to provide an improved feel and easier input between a pilot and machine. 

New ergonomics for the V2 are said to require less effort at the handlebar when cornering, while a new, 45mm Marzocchi fork and Sachs rear shock that uses a progressive link, both fully adjustable, will provide a combined 6.7 inches of travel. Predictably, the V2 will carry over 19-inch front, and 17-inch rear tubeless cast wheels, earmarking it for less aggressive off-road adventures. However, spoked wheels in the same sizes are available as an option. 

The V2 S model is further fitted with semi-active suspension that utilizes Ducati’s electronic Skyhook Suspension, a system said to improve neutrality during aggressive throttle and braking situations. The V2 S also comes equipped with a “Minimal Preload function” that allows the rear suspension to be lowered with a touch of a button, a perk for riders who want more boot on the ground during stops.

As is the case with this bike’s burliest big brother, the Multistrada V4 Rally, Ducati confirms suspension mode settings can be adjusted independently of its five riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro, and Wet) enabling riders to select their preferred suspension calibration while maintaining any preset electronic control settings, including for engine response. Technologies employed within the five riding modes include cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC).

This new Ducati’s expansive electronics suite is interfaced via new handlebar controls and a fresh five-inch color TFT display that provides three different “Infomodes” (Road, Road Pro and Rally). Ducati says the Infomodes will optimize the dashboard’s capabilities, changing the information displayed to offer the rider the best riding experience in different situations. For example,  Road Pro will conjure the percentage of power versus torque being utilized at any given moment.

Of course, when we’re talking about any Ducati, looks will be a major wow factor and the V2 doesn’t disappoint. Immediately recognizable as a member of the Multistrada family, the V2 features a shorter, sloped beak, sharp body lines, and a tight, lifted tail section. The new, steeply raked windscreen is adjustable and features side deflectors to aid wind management.

Many of the V2’s styling elements are borrowed from the latest Multistrada V4, including new LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights. Turn signals are integrated into the bike’s bodywork for a clean look. This assembly also houses new “lateral air conveyors,” which we’ll call vents, used to channel fresh air onto a rider’s legs. The rear brake light employs Ducati Brake Light EVO, which engages emergency flashing during sudden braking. 

Much thought was given to both rider and passenger comfort on the new 890cc V2 Multistrada, including a new seat design that offers passengers more roominess in regard to legroom and torso space. The real estate for this improvement was gained by repositioning the bike’s top box and side case attachment points. 

The seat on the base V2 can be manually adjusted from 33.5 inches to 32.7 inches, though if you have long legs you can purchase an accessory seat that will raise the seat height to 34.3 inches. Conversely, those on the shorter side will appreciate the S version’s ability to lower the seat to 31.1 with the touch of a button. 

The Ducati Multistrada V2 is equipped with standard cruise control and a USB socket integrated into the dashboard. On the S version, there is the possibility for activating turn-by-turn navigations as an accessory, while additional factory accessories include plastic side cases that offer a capacity of 60 liters or aluminum cases with a capacity of 76 liters. Various exhaust options from Termignoni are also available through Ducati, as well as the aforementioned spoked wheelsets. 

Ducatis are traditionally as expensive as they are easy on the eye and the new base V2 (in Ducati Red only) is no exception with a base price of $15,995. The more thoroughly endowed “S” version in Storm Green or Ducati Red will start at $19,295.

The new V2 and V2 S are due to arrive at dealerships in the United States in March of 2025. 

Multistrada V2 Specs

Multistrada V2 S Specs

Author: Jamie Elvidge

Jamie has been a motorcycle journalist for more than 30 years, testing the entire range of bikes for the major print magazines and specializing in adventure-travel related stories. To date she’s written and supplied photography for articles describing what it’s like to ride in all 50 states and 43 foreign countries, receiving two Lowell Thomas Society of American Travel Writer’s Awards along the way. Her most-challenging adventure yet has been riding in the 2018 GS Trophy in Mongolia as Team AusAmerica’s embedded journalist.