So does size really matter?
DUCATI MULTISTRADA V2S 3689 MILES Multistrada V2S ticks all the boxes, but can it excite like its V4 big brother does?
When the latest evolution of the Ducati Multistrada V2 was unveiled in November 2021, the overriding feedback from the launch in Italy was that it was every bit as good as, if not better than, its Multistrada V4 big brother. Testers raved about its engaging ride, ease of use and impeccable manners making it more usable in the real world and every bit as much fun.
But I have to say that after eight months of running the V2S I’m not sure I fully agree. While there is no question that the V2S is an accomplished bike, it does everything so well, with such minimal fuss, that it never really got my juices flowing. With a claimed 113bhp, it’s obviously fast enough for the road and while it has plenty of power, you do have to work at it and exploit the slick quickshifter and autoblipperassisted gearbox to make rapid progress. Handling is solid and precise while the overly wide bars give good leverage and control, but can be awkward when filtering.
The addition of the excellent Dunlop Road Smart IV tyres after I got a puncture on the way back from the Isle of Man TT also helped sharpen up its handling with notably increased grip levels compared to the original fit Pirellis. The electronics are typical top notch Ducati, with a plethora of options to enable you to personalise your ride. Plus it’s loaded with a suite of unobtrusive rider aids. And the brakes offer a tremendous amount of power, feel and accuracy thanks to the quality of the Brembo calipers and the advanced lean angle sensitive cornering ABS.
But having ridden a V4R with its breath-taking 170bhp motor, the V2R, as good as it is, left me a bit cold. The V4 is, as MCN’s chief road tester Michael Neeves so aptly explained, ‘a superbike on stilts’. It’s a brilliant description of a bike that is not only incredibly fast, but engaging and usable. Yes, it’s significantly bigger and also significantly more expensive (to the tune of £5100 to be precise) than its little brother, but it’s also something special, a trait that it reminds you of every time you start it up and pull away.
I’ve spent the last few years wanting to ride smaller capacity and lighter adventure bikes off-road as I enjoy them more and find them more capable, but when it comes to the road – and eating up big miles you can’t beat cubes.
‘When it comes to the road you can’t beat cubes’