The Motorcycle That Combines Adventure Ability With Street-Bike Manners
Owning a fleet of bikes is a dream of many – one for each purpose. We all want a three-bike or five-bike garage to adore each bike for its purpose. A bike to commute on, a bike to take to the track, and one for the weekend rides. However, the cost of maintenance and looking after all these bikes is quite the hassle. But there is a type of bike that is quite versatile and can serve many purposes at once — Adventure motorcycles.
Touring, commuting, weekend runs — an adventure motorcycle can do it all pretty well. For those who are looking for an adventure motorcycle that balances nimbleness, practicality, and performance, and doesn’t shy away from the trails, there are middleweight ADVs that do the job pretty well. Middleweight ADVs are known to be quite versatile and easy-going in most riding conditions.
Middleweight Adventure Motorcycles Offer Impeccable Versatility
Middleweight Adventure motorcycles offer the best of both worlds – a big bike feel as well as ease of riding. Slotted right between beginner-friendly ADVs and heavyweight ADVs, the middleweight segment of ADVs is known to be quite versatile.
With ample power for highway touring and nimble enough for city riding, middleweight ADVs are aimed at those who want a motorcycle that can do most things right. A middleweight do-it-all motorcycle might just be the only motorcycle you need in your garage. This segment of motorcycles has slowly become quite competitive, with multiple motorcycle brands bringing in their best effort.
The Trade-Off Most Riders Are Tired Of Making
Big adventure motorcycles like the BMW R 1300 GS, KTM 1390 Super Adventure, and many others are extremely impressive motorcycles with loads of power, very comfortable, and loads of fun on the off-road trails. However, on the streets, these bikes are quite intimidating and heavy, making it quite difficult to maneuver around. Moreover, these hefty ADVs are quite expensive to maintain, and the running costs are not low either.
Riders wanting a big ADV have to compromise on city riding capability, high maintenance, and high running costs. However, middle-weight adventure motorcycles are lighter, easier to ride around the city, and are also cheaper to maintain. Additionally, these motorcycles are a lot of fun to ride on the streets while still performing decently off-road. But not all middleweights are created equal — and one Italian manufacturer has taken the formula further than anyone expected.
The Ducati Multistrada V2 Balances On-Road Fun With Mild Off-Road Abilities
MSRP: $16,995
Considered to be one of the most premium bikes in its segment, the Ducati Multistrada V2 is a hoot and a half on tarmac. The “Multistrada”, meaning “multi-road” in Italian, does live up to its name, especially as the V2 is quite a versatile motorcycle. Dressed up in a sophisticated ADV suit, the motorcycle feels like a street bike with respect to its on-road mannerisms — nimble, agile, and a lot of fun. However, it still proves to be versatile as it can take on mild off-road trails. Where the Multistrada V2 shines is highway touring with ample power on tap and a comfortable saddle.
Powered By An 890cc V-Twin Built To Be Versatile
Ducati’s lightest-ever V-twin is a mix of tradition and versatility. While many manufacturers are offering parallel-twin and triple engine options, Ducati decided to stick to its traditional 90-degree V-twin layout. Being the lightest V-twin from the Italian bike maker, the engine helps save 40 pounds.
The 890cc V-twin engine produces a commendable 115 horsepower and 67.9 pound-feet of torque, paired with a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox and a bi-directional quick shifter. The engine is meant to be versatile, and with a shorter gear ratio for the lower gears, the acceleration is quite impressive, while Ducati offers a taller gear ratio for the sixth gear for better highway cruising. Ducati has also eliminated the Desmodromic valves, making this engine more reliable and cheaper to maintain than before.
A New Aluminum Frame That Makes This ADV Corner Like A Street Bike
Along with a new engine, the Ducati Multistrada V2 also received a new chassis. This is an aluminum monocoque frame with a steel-trellis sub-frame. A lighter chassis allows for improved handling and flickability of the ADV. The Multistrada V2 also gets a dual-sided aluminum swingarm, much like the bigger Multistrada V4.
All of these components resulted in a shorter wheelbase of 61.9 inches and a sharper rake angle of 24.3 degrees. This translates into a more agile ride in the corners and an easier city riding experience. This frame, combined with fully adjustable 45mm inverted Marzocchi forks and a fully adjustable Cantilevered Sachs monoshock, offers a versatile suspension setup.
The Design And Feature-List Is Unmistakably Ducati
One of the key reasons for buying a Ducati is its impeccable design, and the Multistrada V2 is no different. Even though it is an adventure motorcycle, the Multistrada V2 has a sleek and aggressive design language. The sharp front end with sleek LED DRLs resembles the Panigale and the larger Multistrada V4.
Thanks to the new chassis, the motorcycle does seem slimmer, further adding to the sleek and aggressive design. Ducati has somehow managed to combine function and form rather than prioritizing one over the other. The fairing is very helpful in keeping the windblast under control, and the aerodynamic deflectors help smooth airflow while still adding to the sharp design of the ADV.
Cornering ABS, Heated Grips, And Fog Lights: A Feature List That Rivals Bikes Costing Twice As Much
The Multistrada V2 is loaded to the brim with features and tech. It gets a slew of features like cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, wheelie control, and engine brake control. Moreover, it also gets multiple ride modes, a five-inch TFT screen, a tire pressure monitoring system, heated grips, and front fog lights. All these features combined provide for a safe and convenient riding experience.
Ergonomics Tuned For Long Hauls, Not Just Showroom Appeal
Ducatis are known to be exotic motorcycles built to cater to desirability and sheer design excellence. However, the Multistrada takes a different approach. The Multistrada V2 is built with practicality, usability, and convenience in mind. The lighter chassis ensures an easy riding experience, and the ergonomics of the motorcycle are built for comfort. So, whether it be everyday commutes or weekend tours, the Multistrada V2 will leave you impressed with its practicality and day-to-day usability.
At $16,995, The Multistrada V2 Is A Pricier Option Than Its Rivals
Starting from $16,995, the Multistrada V2 is more expensive than most of its rivals. However, with the hefty price tag, you get impressive build quality and a design that stands out. The versatility that the Multistrada V2 offers, especially considering how easy and effortless it is to ride thanks to a lighter chassis, makes it seem like a solid pick. The Italian ADV does have its own charm and provides the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and convenience.
Source: Ducati
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