Ducati’s Multistrada has long been set as the marker for a do-it-all adventure bike. Although it may have started life in 2003 as a truly odd-looking machine (seriously go and look at it), the Multistrada has since developed and evolved into something truly marvellous for a touring and long distance rider. One that is, in my opinion, absolute stunning too.

Fast forward to 2025, and we have the chance to ride the latest iteration, the Ducati Multistrada V2 S (and V4 S that I’ll cover in another feature) – this one fitted with the latest 890cc V-Twin, redesigned chassis and frame, and this S model fitted with semi-active suspension, and a host of the latest electronic assists.

Though some may be disappointed that the V2 loses a bit of power this year, the Euro 5+ engine still provides a hearty 115 bhp, and has shed some weight for 2025. But how is it on the road, and are you better off stumping up the extra cash for the V4 – or does the V2 do the job just fine?

A raft of changes for the 2025 Multistrada V2, including:

• Lightest Liquid-cooled Multistrada V2 ever (-18kg)
• Euro5+ homologation.
• IVT Intake Variable Timing with hollow stem intake valves
• 2025 power – 115 bhp and 92 Nm
• Shorter gearing for 1^st and 2^nd gears
• New 5” TFT screen
• Evolved chassis – aluminium monocoque frame, trellis subframe, new aluminium double-sided swingarm.
• Adjustable seat (830-850mm) and optimised passenger comfort.
• Updated 2025 style – new beak, fairings and deflectors. Multistrada V4 inspired.
• Minimum Preload function on S version via Ducati Skyhook Suspension
• 5 Rider modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro, Wet)
• ABS Cornering.
• Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, Ducati Brake Light Evo.
• ‘Coming Home’ light function.
• USB plug (positioned on the left of the cockpit).
• Ducati Multimedia System (standard on S version).
• A2 version available (35 kW).

Base price for the V2S works up from £16,390 for red, or +£400 for the green model as ridden – and what a stunning green colour it is, though if you’re happy to go without the semi-active suspension you can opt for the £13,995 base model.

If you’re after panniers, the Travel V2 S offers these, plus centre stand and heated grips for £17,590.

Get to your local Ducati dealership to have a play on one - if they have any left!

V2: 890cc 115.6bhp and 92.1 nm

At the heart of the Multistrada is the new V2 motor, unveiled at EICMA 2024 and boasting a 115 bhp at 10,750 rpm, and 92.1 Nm at 8,250 rpm – well, I say ‘boasting’, as on paper that’s still absolutely enough to enjoy on the road. Yet, historically, the V2 has had more power – and by shifting down the power on paper, particularly with previous models in mind, many adventure riders may think that Ducati has dulled the experience somewhat.

I can only give you my experience, simply that it’s simply wicked to experience on the road. You can use all of the power with 70% of the maximum torque at your fingertips from 3,500 rpm, and it sounds stunning

Despite the lower quoted power, on the road it’s an absolute joy to ride. Delivery of power varies between the rider modes, but even in Sport mode felt smooth and gradual on opening the throttle. It’s more than enough to get you across the country at a good pace with revs left to spare, and enough for blasts at the weekend purely for fun.

Your given maintenance service intervals are every 9,000 miles or every 24 months, and the spring valve timing system (from the Granturismo V4 unit) allows the valve clearance check every 30,000 km (or 18,600 miles) as it's no longer a desmo motor. Only slight downside was the vibrations found high in the revs – but these bikes were barely run-in, so I’ll reserve judgment there.

Despite being a bike on the larger end of the scale, purely by overall size, the 202 kg weight is carried well, giving the bike some lovely character in the twisties – and is set up well for luggage and a lucky pillion passenger.

The S model boasts a 45mm front fork paired to a semi-active rear shock, with Ducati Skyhook tech to tweak the bike’s behaviour on the road, plus ‘minimum preload’ that can lower the bike at a stop with a dedicated button on the left switchgear. Not the first time we’ve seen it, it also features on the Harley-Davidson Pan America, but it’s a very handy feature if you need it.

Braking power is provided by twin Brembo M4.32 monobloc radial calipers with 4-calipers, on 320mm discs, plus a 265mm disc and floating Brembo caliper at the rear, and cornering ABS. Under heavier braking on our trusty 'adventuruous' British roads, the ABS did click in, but it didn’t spoil the ride - and I could then adjust the ABS intervention if I found it was interfering with my riding.

Last up the frame uses the V2 motor as a stressed member, an aluminium monocoque chassis and trellis sub-frame, and a new aluminium swingarm. Ducati says lots of the design philosophy finds its way across from the Multistrada V4.

As you’ll guess, the overall package on the road here can be played with to your heart's desire, and is an absolute blast on the road – steering feels responsive and flickable, and despite the larger scale size, it handles beyond its class.

Last note here on the afternoon ride on the V2 S will be dedicated to the electronics – and there is plenty to mess around with. Either pick a pre-configured riding mode and set off, or spend the time to dive deeper and set the power mode, cornering ABS, suspension setup, traction control and wheelie control to your hearts desire.

It’s not quite as ‘luxurious’ to navigate as the V4 S Multistrada, but that’s on a whole different playing field – in comparison to many other systems in the two-wheeled-world this Ducati one feels intuitive and good to use.

On the road, in the 830-850mm saddle, you’re comfortably positioned in the classic adventure-tourer upright position – with a one-hand adjust screen that can help deflect some oncoming blusters a bit higher up. If you’re taller, this may be into the top of your helmet, but the screen itself doesn’t dance around in the wind, and is clear to see through.

You also have a 19 Litre tank, which should be good for around 200 miles – depending on your riding, luggage and overall riding weight. You get cruise control and a USB socket as standard, too – and it’s comfortable on the pegs!

Pros

• New V2 motor is brilliant fun.
• Good price point for a Ducati.
• A do-it-all dream.

Cons

• Shorter riders will want to double check the size.
• High in the revs, you may notice some vibrations (possibly only on low-mileage examples).

An afternoon on the Ducati Multistrada V2 S gave me the chance to really enjoy the new V2 motor from Ducati, and get a glimpse into what your average rider will enjoy getting up to – countryside blasts, commuting runs, and a coffee stop to chat about your next ride.

Power might be lower, but so is the overall weight, and it’s all packaged together in a terrific road-focused platform that isn’t a huge dent in the wallet – well, compared to the V4 S I rode earlier in the day.

You can utilise all of the engine power on the road, and it doesn’t feel like it runs out of steam at the top end, either. All in, a fantastic touring bike, one that I’d love to get a go on again.

Cheers to Ducati UK and Potski Media for having me out for the day!