Hey fellow riders! Ever find yourself staring out the window, dreaming of open roads that twist and turn through breathtaking landscapes? Yeah, me too. And when that wanderlust hits, there's one family of bikes that always comes to mind: the Ducati Multistrada. I went to the hills with fellow biker Chetan, who has a Ducati Multistrada V2 S.
Chetan with his Ducati Multistrada V2 S
For years, Ducati has been synonymous with passion and performance, and the Multistrada range perfectly embodies that spirit, just with a healthy dose of versatility thrown in. It's not just a one-trick pony; it's a whole stable of capable machines ready for pretty much anything you can throw at them.
Think about it – the name itself, "Multistrada," literally translates to "many roads." And that's exactly what these bikes are built for. They've evolved from being that trusty all-rounder to a complete lineup designed to tackle everything from your daily commute to epic cross-continent adventures and even some light off-roading.
Now, when you're looking at bikes in this premium adventure and sport-touring category, you know you're in good company. The Multistrada goes head-to-head with serious contenders, like the legendary BMW GS family and the adrenaline-pumping KTM Super Duke GT. Each has its own flavor, but the Ducati brings that unmistakable Italian flair and a focus on sporty handling that's hard to ignore.
One of the coolest things about the entire Multistrada family is the brains behind the brawn: those sophisticated riding modes. Seriously, this is a game-changer. It's like having multiple bikes in one! Whether you're carving up mountain passes in "Sport" mode, cruising comfortably on a long haul in "Touring," navigating city traffic in "Urban," or even venturing onto some gravel in "Enduro," the bike adapts to you.
We're talking about instant adjustments to power delivery, throttle response, traction control kicking in just when you need it, and the ABS behaving exactly as you'd want it to. And if your bike has electronic suspension, even that adjusts on the fly! It's not just a few presets either; some of the newer models let you really fine-tune things, and even have track-focused "Race" modes for when you want to unleash the beast.
For those looking to jump into the Multistrada world, the V2 and V2 S are fantastic starting points. They offer that classic Ducati feel and performance without being overly intimidating. That sweet 937cc Testastretta V-twin (or the newer 890cc V2) packs a punch, delivering around 113 to 115 horses and a healthy dose of that Ducati torque – around 96 Nm. Trust me, that's plenty to put a smile on your face.
And Ducati hasn't skimped on the tech either. The newer V2 models boast a sharp 5-inch full TFT display. It's bright, easy to read, and gives you access to all the vital info and settings without feeling overwhelming. Plus, who doesn't love a full LED lighting system? The Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) are a brilliant touch, lighting up the inside of those twisty roads at night – a real confidence booster.
Load Adjustment with DSS: One of the major benefits of DSS is its ability to automatically adapt to changes in load. Within the riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro), there are often sub-menus or settings specifically for adjusting the load. You typically select options like:
- Rider Only: For solo riding.
- Rider + Luggage: For solo riding with luggage.
- Rider + Passenger: For riding with a passenger.
- Rider + Passenger + Luggage: For riding with a passenger and luggage.
What happens when you select a load setting: When you choose a load setting in the electronic menu, the DSS control unit adjusts the preload on the rear shock (usually via an electronic actuator) and optimizes the damping settings in real-time to compensate for the added weight. This ensures the bike maintains proper ride height, steering geometry, and responsiveness without you having to manually reach for any tools.
Load setting options
Now, if you're the type who loves those seamless gear changes, the V2 S often comes with the optional Ducati Quick Shift (DQS). Clutchless up and down shifts? Yes, please! It makes spirited riding even more engaging and those long rides a little less tiring.
So, what are your thoughts on the Multistrada? What's your favorite feature or the model that catches your eye? Let's chat in the comments below! I'd love to hear your experiences and what draws you to this incredible family of motorcycles. Keep the rubber side down, folks!
Cheers!
Biker BT
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