Ducati's all-new Multistrada V2 gets a V4 styling makeover and more power than the old one

The 2024 Intermot trade show in Cologne has welcomed the arrival of a new Ducati Multistrada V2 adventure bike, based around the firm’s latest 890cc twin-cylinder motor first debuted in the 2025 Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2.

Said to be 18kg lighter than the outgoing Multi, which arrived in 2022 and shared the same 937cc Testastretta twin as the DesertX, the new model tips the scales at a claimed 202kg (as an S model) with none of its 19 litres of fuel on board.

Available from January 2025, it’s also got slightly more power than the outgoing version – jumping up from a claimed 111bhp at 9000rpm, to 113.4bhp at a peakier 10,750rpm. Peak torque comes further up the dial too and has dropped from 72.3lb.ft at 6750rpm to 67.9lb.ft at 8250rpm.

This engine – which needs a valve clearance check every 30,000km and comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty – is said to weigh 54.9kg in Multistrada spec and includes variable intake valve timing, meaning it should offer a broader range of power to the user.

It’s also got a heavier crankshaft, and a different generator system – allowing the bike to cope with more plug-in electricals, such as heated riding kit.

Ducati say 70% of the peak torque is yours from 3500rpm, and from this point until 11,000rpm it never drops below 75% – meaning you can be lazier with the gears whether you’re smashing out motorway miles or exploring switchback mountain passes.

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As you might expect, the gear ratios have been specifically designed for the new bike too, with a shorter first and second gear, plus an up and down quickshifter as standard.

The engine is held in place as a stressed member by a new aluminium monocoque frame, plus redesigned steel trellis subframe, and double-sided swingarm cast in aluminium. The main chassis is said to contribute to a slim feeling bike between your legs that’s easier to stand over and put your feet down.

• Related: 2025 Ducati Multistrada V4 S review

Contact patches for the knees and inner thighs have also had a re-jig with the aim of providing a better sense of control at speed, and in base spec, Ducati claim a weight of just 199kg in running order but without fuel.

Despite the performance changes, which are likely to divide opinion in the mid-size adventure bike camp, the new Multistrada V2 will again be available as a standard and S model variant with a 19in front and 17in rear wheel in place as before.

Further similarities also include the look – with the side profile and raised shoulders still clearly indicating this to be a member of the Multistrada family.

However, where the old bike’s image was more akin to the previous twin-cylinder 1260 Multistradas, the 2025 machine has clearly taken some styling cues from the latest large-capacity V4.

There’s a similarly beaky nose protruding below the flat, broad LED headlights (said to be inspired by the Panigale V4 and Multistrada V4), and the height-adjustable clear font screen also looks to have been modelled on its larger-capacity sibling.

Being a modern Ducati, the appearance is more than just skin deep, too, with the R&D technicians working alongside the designers to better protect riders from the elements – boosting long distance comfort and reducing fatigue.

The aforementioned front screen – for example – was developed using aerodynamic research, and the sides of the bodywork have been designed to channel fresh air to the riders’ legs – again aiding comfort by reducing the impacts of engine heat.

The tail section has also been re-worked for a slimmer appearance, with a shorter pillion passenger grab handle thrown in for good measure. Both the top box and side cases have also shifted back slightly, meaning there should be a little more leg room for a passenger.

Equally, riders wanting a little extra space to stretch their legs can choose between two stages of seat adjustment – ranging from 830mm to 850mm. This can extend to 870mm or drop to 810mm using accessory seats in the optional extras catalogue.

Away from the seating you get two choices of suspension, with the S version receiving electronic semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS). Here, the seat can lower itself to 790mm to give shorter riders absolute confidence, however it won’t do it automatically like on the V4.

Meanwhile, the base-spec V2 gets 45mm upside down Marzocchi front forks, and a Marzocchi rear shock, with full suspension adjustment coming at both ends.

Both bikes also roll on Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres and offer a road-focused 170mm of suspension travel, regardless of whether electronic or manually adjustable.

As you’d expect, there’s also a full suite of modern electronic aids, controlled via a refreshed five-inch colour TFT dash. There are five riding modes, with configurable settings for power, traction control, anti-wheelie, and engine braking.

You get cruise control as standard too, plus options for turn-by-turn navigation, and a ‘Coming Home’ function that keeps the low beams on momentarily after the ignition has been switched off, to make things easier in the dark.