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Replacement for Multistrada 950
by Harry Fisher, onThe first of six Ducati launch episodes to take place over the next twelve weeks revealed the 2022 Multistrada V2, replacing the Multistrada 950. No big changes, just detail evolution to chassis, equipment and electronics.
Ducati Multistrada V2 Shows the V-twin Ducati isn’t dead by a long way
When the V4 Ducati engine appeared, there was a lot of talk that the days of the traditional V-twin were numbered. That talk was clearly misplaced, however, as the V4 was definitely the premium engine package and there was no way Ducati could afford to abandon the smaller and, crucially, cheaper V-twin.
Over the next twelve weeks, Ducati will be launching a new bike every two weeks and the first to be revealed in an online presentation was. the new Multistrada V2, replacing the Multistrada 950. In reality, not a lot has changed although there are detail differences adding up to evolution rather than revolution.
The Multistrada is Ducati’s Swiss Army Knife bike, incorporating the ability to be a sports bike, a tourer and a general all-rounder. Despite the tall adventure-type styling, it is definitely a road bike, with a 19-inch front wheel. It goes head-to-head with Yamaha’s MT-09 Tracer and Triumph’s Tiger 900GT.
The engine is the 937cc Testastretta unit found in the Panigale V2 and the latest Monster. Pushing out 113bhp, it has been re-worked internally for longevity and durability. Oil change intervals are now up to 15,000km and valve-clearance checks are only needed at 30,000km.
Visually, there’s not a lot of difference between old and new, the changes amounting to a refresh rather than a wholesale re-design. Petrol capacity is 20 litres and the bike has managed to shed 5kg over the old model.
The electronics have, naturally, been updated. There are four riding modes, three levels of cornering ABS and eight levels of lean sensitive traction control, Hill Hold Control, cruise control and cornering LED lights.
Two versions are available - Standard and S. The S gets Skyhook Evo semi-active suspension and a two-way quickshifter, which is an option on the Standard model. Both come with a full colour TFT dash.
There will be a lot of people who are relieved that the V-twin Ducati isn’t dead: judging by the number of models that still use the engine configuration, it will be a long time before Ducati is ready to move away from it, if ever.
No pricing available but it should be in showrooms before the end of the year.
