Overview
Performance And Engine
The Ducati Multistrada V2 S runs on a new 890cc, 90° liquid-cooled V-twin engine called the “Ducati V2.” It has four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing, a 13.1:1 compression ratio, and electronic fuel injection with a 52 mm ride-by-wire throttle. For India, Ducati lists 85 kW (115.6 hp) at 10,750 rpm and 92.1 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. This engine meets Euro 5+ emission standards. It’s tuned for strong torque across a wide range, focusing on low and mid-range power for touring and riding with a passenger, but still has enough top-end punch to feel sporty. The V2 S feels quick in city traffic and relaxed on highways, so you don’t need high revs for overtaking or climbing hills.
The Ducati Multistrada V2 S comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the same as the base V2. Its transmission uses a straight-cut primary drive with a 1.84:1 ratio, and the gear ratios are set up for both city and highway riding. Power goes to the rear wheel through a chain drive with a 15-tooth front and 40-tooth rear sprocket. The clutch is hydraulic, slipper, and self-servo, which helps smooth out downshifts and makes stop-and-go riding easier. The gearbox also features Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0, so you can shift up or down without using the clutch, giving the V2 S a premium, sport-touring feel on highways and twisty roads.
Ducati India doesn’t give an official top speed for the Multistrada V2 S, but Indian spec charts list it at 182 km/h for the 890cc V-twin engine. This figure is based on real-world tests and matches the engine’s power and weight. In practice, the V2 S can cruise easily at 120–130 km/h on highways, and you can reach close to 180 km/h on open, straight roads if you tuck in.
Mileage And Fuel Efficiency
Ducati India doesn’t provide an official ARAI mileage for the Multistrada V2 or V2 S, but most spec sites quote 16.9–17.0 km/l based on ARAI test cycles. These lab numbers suggest a range of 330–340 km with the 19-litre tank, but real-world riding usually falls short of this.
Owners in India usually get lower real-world mileage, around 12–14 km/l in mixed city and highway use. In heavy city traffic, some see 11 km/l or less, while careful highway riding at 100–110 km/h can reach 15–16 km/l. Most riders won’t match the ARAI figure under real-world conditions. The V2 S has similar fuel economy to the base V2, with only small differences due to extra features. Electronic suspension and premium parts don’t significantly change fuel consumption. You can expect a practical range of about 220–270 km per tank, depending on your riding style and conditions.
Features And Technology
The Ducati Multistrada V2 S comes with premium features for adventure touring on Indian roads, including its E20-compliant 890cc V2 engine, Öhlins DSS suspension, and IMU electronics as per Ducati India specs.
- Riding Modes: Five selectable modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro, Wet) adjusting cornering ABS, DTC (8 levels), DWC, EBC via Bosch 6D IMU; fully customizable for monsoons, traffic, or highways.
- Power Modes: Full/Low/Minimum throttle mappings independent of riding modes for urban creep or NH sprints.
- Bosch Cornering ABS: Dual-channel with dual 320mm front semi-floating discs (Brembo M4.32 monobloc 4-piston callipers), rear 265mm disc (Brembo 2-piston); lean-optimised for ghat corners.
- Ducati Traction Control (DTC): 8-level 6D IMU wheelspin control, mode-adjustable for wet gravel or rain-slicked roads.
- Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC): IMU front-lift management, levels per mode for safe acceleration.
- Engine Brake Control (EBC): Prevents rear lockup on downhills like Western Ghats descents.
- Ducati Brake Light EVO (DBL): Auto-flashes during hard braking for visibility in chaotic traffic.
- 5-inch TFT Colour Display: 800×480 px full-colour, 4 customizable layouts, sunlight-readable with Bluetooth nav for Indian routes.
- Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down 2.0: Clutchless bi-directional shifting for overtakes and city stops.
- Cruise Control: Electronic for fatigue-free long NH cruises like Delhi-Mumbai.
- USB Port: Dashboard Type-A for phone charging during navigation-heavy tours.
- Full LED Headlights with DRL: Adaptive LED, auto-off indicators, Coming Home; beak fairing aids unlit rural night rides.
- Adjustable Seat Height: 830-850mm standard (790-810mm low kit + susp.); suits 5’6″-6’2″ riders with pillion comfort.
- Pirelli Scorpion Trail II Tyres: 120/70 ZR19 front, 170/60 ZR17 rear tubeless on cast alloys; dual-compound for tarmac/off-road mix.
- 19-Litre Fuel Tank: Contributes to 202kg wet weight (no fuel), E20-compliant for ~320km range on Indian premium fuel.
- Öhlins Electronic Suspension: S-spec 45mm NIX30 USD fork (170mm travel, full adj.), TTX36 rear monoshock (170mm, remote preload); Skyhook EVO auto-adapts.
- Aluminium Monocoque Frame: Stressed-engine design, double-sided swingarm; 18kg lighter for pothole nimbleness.
- Ducati Multimedia System (DMS): Standard smartphone connect for music, calls, and TTN nav via app.
- Anti-Theft System Ready: Optional immobiliser for city parking.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Ready: Sensors for loaded long-hauls.
- Heated Grips: Standard on S for Himalayan chills or damp grips.
- Vehicle Hold Control: Hill-hold for steep ghats like Ooty or Munnar.
Build Quality
Ducati’s new aluminium monocoque frame uses the 890cc V2 engine as a stressed part, which brings the weight down to 202kg (wet, no fuel; 215kg with fuel). This design makes the bike more rigid, so it handles India’s rough highways without flexing or creaking. Riders say there are no rattles even after tough ghat rides. The build quality stands out with durable paint on the big 19L tank, tight panel gaps, and good plastics, though the switchgear doesn’t feel as premium as the Brembo and Öhlins parts.
Features like variable valve timing and strong valve springs allow for 45,000km service intervals, which helps address concerns about Ducati maintenance in remote areas. Air ducts help keep heat away from your legs in Bangalore traffic, though some warmth still builds up in 40°C conditions. The suspension and double-sided swingarm remain tight after testing, and the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres perform well on both tarmac and gravel. With proper Ducati Network maintenance, the bike is built to last over 50,000 km. Vibration isolation is better than before, with rubber-mounted handlebars reducing buzz at 100 km/h, and corrosion-resistant finishes are good for humid coastal areas.
Handling
The V2 S sets a new standard for mid-weight adventure bike agility on Indian twisty roads. Its 170mm Öhlins Skyhook EVO suspension in Dynamic mode gives sharp feedback, making it easy to handle tight corners like a sportbike. Riders appreciate the 24.3° rake and 106mm trail, which keep steering neutral even with the bike’s tall stance. The narrow waist helps with U-turns in city traffic, and the light 202kg chassis makes it feel even lighter. Pirelli tyres grip well on wet roads, and the 6D IMU allows precise traction and wheelie control on loose surfaces.
Comfort mode softens the ride for potholes without making the bike feel unstable at 140 km/h. You can adjust the suspension for solo or two-up riding, and users say the V2 S corners faster than the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. The front Brembo M4.32 callipers offer strong, fade-free braking, and the 1,573mm wheelbase keeps the bike steady on straight highways. The 850mm seat height can be challenging on rough rural roads. Enduro mode increases ground clearance to 220mm for light off-road trails like the Rajasthan dunes, with little front-end dive when braking.
Comfort
The V2 S gives you an upright riding position with wide, adjustable handlebars and a neutral peg-seat setup, moved 20mm forward for Indian riders. The multi-position windscreen works well for long rides over 300km. Riders have done Delhi to Pune comfortably, though the firm seat can cause soreness after 45 minutes, while the softer pillion seat is better for two-up trips. The Skyhook suspension adjusts automatically for luggage or a passenger, making the ride smooth over Mumbai’s bumps in Comfort mode. Heat from the V2 engine is manageable while moving, but can build up when stopped.
Cruise control helps reduce fatigue on highways, and the standard heated grips on the S model are useful in cold weather. The TFT display is easy to read even in bright sunlight. The tall gearing is comfortable at 120 km/h, with low noise and vibration above 2,000 rpm. The bike is vibration-free at cruising speeds, and the narrow tank makes it easy to use a tank bag. The optional low seat kit (790mm) helps shorter riders, making the V2 S practical for daily commutes in Kerala as well as weekend tours.
Styling
The V2 S takes design inspiration from the Multistrada V4 and Panigale V4, with a sharper, more aggressive beak fairing and integrated LED DRLs that give it a striking front look. Riders say it appears less bulky yet still impressive, with slim side panels that showcase the new monocoque frame and air-cooled fins. Twin asymmetrical headlights sit on either side of the beak, and the sculpted 19L fuel tank tapers smoothly into the high tail section, which features a compact LED taillight and a sharp, trapezoidal underbelly exhaust silencer.
The V2 S has updated ergonomics, with handlebars set further forward and redesigned seat humps for easier pillion access. Muscular tank extensions reflect Ducati’s design style, and riders notice the family resemblance to the V4 models, making the bike feel both premium and approachable for Indian touring. The 19-inch blacked-out cast alloy front wheel and gold-anodised Öhlins forks add style, while handguards and the windscreen keep the adventure look without making the bike bulky. Its size (1,510mm tall, 1,000mm wide) fits well in most garages, balancing sporty looks with everyday practicality. The slim mirrors come from the V4, and the 5-inch TFT dash sits flush for a clean appearance.
Colour Options And Variants
India-exclusive colours for the Ducati Multistrada V2 S are
- Ducati Red
- Storm Green
Both colour options have red frame stripes, red Brembo callipers, and gold Öhlins labels for extra style. Ducati Red highlights the brand’s racing history, while Storm Green is more subtle and blends into city traffic. Riders say the glossy paint resists chips, and the clear coat protects against monsoon weather. There are no custom graphics, but you can add optional tank pads for a personal touch. Ducati Red looks great in showrooms, while Storm Green is more understated on the road.
Only the V2 S variant is available in India. It stands out with Öhlins Skyhook EVO suspension, a TFT display, heated grips, and a full electronics package, compared to the base model’s mechanical Sachs suspension. There are no sub-trims like the Travel or Rally packs offered globally. All V2 S bikes come standard with Ducati Quick Shift, cruise control, and cornering aids. Accessories like panniers and TPMS can be added after purchase through dealers. There are no engine or power differences; all use the same 890cc V2 engine.
Value For Money And Pricing
The ex-showroom price of the Ducati Multistrada V2 S starts at ₹ 20,99,800 in India. EMI starts at ₹33,626 monthly over 3 years at 9% interest through Ducati finance. No launch discounts apply, though dealership negotiations may yield accessories; resale holds at 85% after one year. Servicing costs ₹25k every 15,000km, with premium fuel costing ₹15/km.
The ₹21 lakh price brings top-tier Skyhook EVO suspension, a 6D IMU safety system, and a lightweight 202kg build for the mid-weight adventure class. Long 45,000km valve service intervals and an unlimited-kilometre warranty help offset the higher service costs, and strong resale value suits riders who cover about 20,000km a year. The daily running cost is higher than rivals at 17 km/l (₹15/km compared to ₹10), but the bike’s exclusivity and refinement make it worth it for enthusiasts. Accessories like panniers (₹1 lakh) are available without the required extra package.
Direct rivals for the Ducati Multistrada V2 S in India are
- Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro
- BMW F900 GS Adventure
- KTM 890 Adventure R
- Honda Africa Twin
The Honda Africa Twin stands out for its reliability and DCT gearbox. The V2 S, however, leads in technology and Ducati prestige, even with its higher price.
