Ducati Multistrada V2 debuts as a replacement for the 950

The entry-spec Multistrada now adopts a new 'V2' moniker and arrives with some uprated kit.

As part of the Ducati World Premiere 2021, the first reveal comes in the form of the Multistrada V2. Now, you must be wondering why we're not calling it the 'new' Multistrada V2. That's because even though it has arrived as a replacement for the outgoing Multistrada 950, it's more or less the same bike underneath, only with some mechanical & ergonomic updates.

The most significant change, apart from the new 'V2' moniker, has been made to the 937cc Testastretta 11° motor. The twin-cylinder unit features new connecting rods and the drive is now sent via a new eight-disc hydraulic clutch and an updated gearbox. These updates, however, have not increased the power output – it still pushes out 111.4bhp but produces a slightly higher 98Nm of torque.

For better ergonomics and enhanced riding comfort, the overall height of the bike has been reduced to 830mm and the seat has been reshaped as well – narrower and more compact than before, the new seat allows the rider's legs to touch the ground more easily. Plus, a new set of footpegs inherited from the Multistrada V4 provide a more comfortable riding posture for taller riders.

The Multistrada V2 has also achieved good results in terms of weight shedding – it's 5kgs lighter than the 950, which should make it easier to flick around the bends. Like the 950, the Multistrada V2 will also be available in two versions, standard and the better-equipped V2 S. 

Given that the BS6 Multistrada 950S was launched in India last year, we expect the new V2 version to reach our shores soon, probably within the first half of 2022.

Read more:

2021 Ducati Multistrada 950 S Review: First Ride 

Ducati Multistrada V4 launched in India