Ducati Multistrada V2, Track Test

At the first glance, or even second and third, the Multistrada V2 S doesn’t look at home on the track. Its tall height and 19-inch front wheel make it look out of place here – the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II rubber wrapped around it doesn’t help it either. Once you get on the move though, the Multi warms up to its environment. It remains incredibly stable at speed, which is no surprise since it is meant for fast, long-distance touring. But what’s surprising is that it is also very capable around bends and allows you to lean much further than a sport tourer of this size would normally do. Its tyres aren’t made for the track, but they do have plenty of grip. And Ducati’s suite of electronics ensures that you are always wrapped in a blanket of safety, even when you decide to be a bit silly.

Keen-eyed readers will note the Multi’s lap time isn’t quick (almost 6 seconds less than the KTM’s), but that’s primarily down to the short loop – tight corners, quick direction changes, and almost no clear-cut straights – highlighting its limitations. Get to the road though, and it tells quite a different story.

The Multistrada V2 S comes with a plethora of features, making it one of the fastest motorcycles out in the real world – electronic suspension adjustment, a two-way quickshifter, cruise control, traction control, cornering lights, and more. With 111bhp coming in at 9,000rpm and 96Nm at 7,750rpm, the Multi has enough oomph to munch miles at pace. And all this is excellently complemented by its high refinement and comfort levels.

It loses some points in terms of practicality, given its manoeuvrability in tight traffic, and its X-Factor score simply reflects the fact that it’s the ‘baby’ Multistrada in the line-up. It isn’t great value for money, but when it comes to versatility, not many can trump the Multistrada.

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