Ducati has made headlines recently for breaking with tradition by ditching their signature steel trellis frame on many models and doing away with its trademark desmodromic valve system. Now comes Ducati Multistrada V2 to continue this trend.
Engineers have designed this slim bike using a monocoque frame, creating a narrow fit to help place feet more easily on the ground.
The V2 Engine
The 2025 Multistrada V2 is powered by Ducati’s 890cc twin-cylinder Testastretta engine first seen on their 2024 Panigale and Streetfighter V2 models, producing 115 horsepower with 67.9 lb-ft of torque – said to be 18 pounds lighter than its predecessor Multistrada.
The new bike features a cast aluminium monocoque chassis designed to make it easier for riders to maneuver, offering greater contact area between legs for enhanced comfort. Furthermore, an adjustable two-position rider seat is included as a factory accessory.
Suspension duties are handled by a 45mm Marzocchi fork and progressive Sachs shock, providing 6.7 inches of travel. On the top-spec V2 S model, semi-active DSS suspension with five riding modes adapt engine power, traction control, ABS wheelie control and more; Ducati claims their model can handle everything from city streets to off-road trails.
The Chassis
Ducati has replaced their main chassis with one made from cast and welded aluminium, with a steel trellis subframe and double-sided swingarm, creating a slimmer riding experience and keeping weight within reason at 199 kg in base spec. They have also reconfigured contact patches on rider knees and inner thighs to increase comfort, as well as provide more neutral corner entry/exiting.
New rider and passenger seats feature two position adjustability, with an adjustable windshield providing improved aerodynamic protection. Both models include a five-inch color TFT dash with three display modes. Electronic features of note include cornering ABS/traction control as well as lean angle sensitive Ducati Wheelie Control/Engine Brake Control as well as cruise control; additionally both models offer Quick Shifters/multimedia systems along with Brembo dual radial mount four piston front brakes.
The Electronics
Ducati has also invested considerable effort into its electronics for enhanced functionality, using its Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 with improved pedal feel and faster shifts, as well as tailored gear ratios specifically for the Multistrada; such as shorter first and second gear ratios to ensure usability at low speeds while increasing full-load acceleration.
Both standard and S models come equipped with fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi forks and Sachs shocks at the rear, while Ducati’s semi-active Skyhook suspension electronically adjusts for different riding modes and features an easy Minimum Preload feature to lower suspension at a touch of a button.
The rider can select from five riding modes that pre-set engine power and response to predetermined values with the ability to make modifications on-the-fly. In addition, this bike comes equipped with six-axis IMUs and cruise control; additionally it also features an “coming home” feature that keeps its headlight illuminated after turning off engine to help illuminate driveway or garage entrances.
The Design
The 2025 Multistrada V2 features an extensive range of electronics, as well as five Riding Modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro and Wet that adjust engine power and response accordingly. There’s also cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control and engine brake control with Brembo handling braking duties with dual 320mm front discs and 265 mm rear discs respectively.
The Multistrada V2’s 890cc twin-cylinder engine and aluminum monocoque frame combine to make it one of the lightest intermediate crossovers available today, boasting claimed weight savings of 40 pounds over its predecessor compared to maneuverability and low-speed handling.
Buyers seeking off-road capabilities should also consider alternatives like Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT and GT+, Triumph Tiger 900 or KTM’s 990 Adventure. The Multistrada V2 comes in both standard and S versions; with the latter featuring semi-active Ducati Skyhook suspension that enables riders to lower the seat down as far as 790mm with just the press of a button.