Ducati Multistrada 950 V2 [2022] Review: The Swiss Army Knife of Motorcycles

Introduction

The Ducati Multistrada 950 V2 is not just a motorcycle - it's a declaration of intent. For 2022, this Italian all-rounder continues to blur lines between sportbike agility and adventure touring capability, wrapped in a package that feels distinctly Ducati. After spending days threading it through mountain passes, grinding gravel backroads, and enduring highway slogs, I can confidently say this bike lives up to its "Multi" prefix. Let's dissect why this middleweight contender deserves your attention.

Design & Aesthetics

Ducati's design team nailed the brief here. The 950 V2 carries the Multistrada family's signature beak-like front end and muscular fuel tank, but in a more approachable package than its 1260cc sibling. The trellis frame isn't just structural art - its red powder coating pops against the Street Grey or Ducati Red liveries.

The 19-inch front wheel gives it ADV credibility, while the slim waist (thanks to the side-mounted exhaust) keeps it feeling sporty. At 830mm (32.7"), the seat height is manageable for most riders, though the optional 850mm (33.5") perch benefits long-legged pilots. The 20L fuel tank's sculpted knees recesses create an intuitive riding triangle.

Heart of the Beast: Testastretta V2 Engine

The 937cc L-twin is pure Ducati theater. With 113 HP (83 kW) peaking at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm (70.8 lb-ft) torque arriving at 7,750 RPM, it's beautifully anti-social. Cold starts erupt into a mechanical symphony - the desmodromic valve train clatter smoothing into a bass-heavy idle.

Ride-by-Wire throttle response is crisp in Sport mode, yet mellows beautifully in Touring. The 6-speed gearbox slots positively, aided by the quickshifter's seamless up/down operation. Cruising at 120 km/h (75 mph) sees the tacho hovering at 5,000 RPM in sixth - relaxed enough for all-day rides, yet primed for instant overtakes.

Fuel economy surprised me - 5.9 L/100km (39.8 mpg) is achievable with restraint, translating to a 340km (211 mi) range. Push hard and expect 6.5 L/100km (36 mpg), still respectable for a twin.

Chassis & Handling

The steel trellis frame and aluminum swingarm combo yields a 1,594mm (62.8") wheelbase - Goldilocks dimensions for stability and agility. Coupled with 25° rake and 106mm (4.2") trail, it carves corners like a sportbike yet remains unflappable over broken tarmac.

The 48mm USD fork and Sachs monoshock (both electronically adjustable via Ducati's Skyhook Suspension Evo) handle everything from parking lot speed bumps to hard charging on goat trails. With 170mm (6.7") travel at both ends, it's more capable off-road than its street-biased Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires suggest.

Braking is Brembo theater - twin 320mm front discs with radial-mount 4-piston calipers haul down the 222kg (489 lbs) wet weight with authority. The rear 265mm disc lacks initial bite but offers progressive feel.

Tech & Electronics

The 5" TFT display is a masterclass in usability. Four ride modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro) alter throttle response, ABS intervention, and traction control settings. Cruise control works seamlessly above 50 km/h (31 mph), while the self-canceling turn signals are a godsend in traffic.

Ducati's Skyhook Suspension Evo deserves special mention. This semi-active system continuously adjusts damping based on road conditions and riding style. Switching from "Dynamic" to "Comfort" modes is like swapping sport springs for touring units - all while rolling down the highway.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The rider triangle strikes a perfect balance - upright enough for visibility, sporty enough for control. Wind protection from the manually adjustable screen is adequate up to 140 km/h (87 mph), though taller riders might crave more height.

The seat initially feels firm but proves its worth after hour three. Heated grips (optional) and abundant storage options (with Ducati's accessory cases) make this a legit tourer. Passenger accommodations are generous by class standards, though the high exhaust limits pillion foot positions.

Competition

The middleweight ADV/touring segment is fiercely contested. Here's how the Multi V2 stacks up:

1. BMW F 850 GS Adventure
   More off-road capable with its 21" front wheel and longer suspension travel (230mm vs 170mm). However, the BMW's 853cc parallel twin lacks character compared to the Ducati's V2, and its tech suite feels dated.

2. Triumph Tiger 900 GT
   The Triumph's 888cc triple delivers smoother power delivery, and its 19"/17" wheel combo matches the Ducati's road bias. However, the Tiger feels bulkier at low speeds, and its styling lacks Italian flair.

3. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
   Yamaha's CP3 engine is a torque monster, and the Tracer's electronic suspension matches the Ducati's adjustability. However, the Yamaha's chain final drive feels crude next to the Multi's refined shaft-driven siblings, and its wind protection falls short.

Ducati's Edge: The Multi V2 strikes the best balance between emotional engagement (that glorious V2) and technological sophistication. It's the segment's best road-biased all-rounder.

Maintenance

Ownership requires embracing Ducati's character - including its service needs:

1. Desmo Service
   The desmodromic valvetrain demands precise adjustment every 15,000 km (9,300 mi). While complex, this system ensures perfect valve closure at high RPMs. MOTOPARTS.store stocks complete valve shim kits for DIY mechanics.

2. Fluid Recommendations

3. Engine Oil: 15W-50 full synthetic (3.4L with filter change)
4. Coolant: 2.4L of ethylene glycol-based mix

5. Brake Fluid: DOT 4 (bleed annually for optimal ABS performance)

6. Chain Care
   The 114-link chain requires regular cleaning with non-aggressive solvents. Our store offers premium chain kits including the exact 15/43 sprocket combo for precise gearing retention.

7. Tire Pressures

8. Front: 2.4 bar (35 psi) / 2.5 bar (36 psi) when loaded

9. Rear: 2.4 bar (35 psi) / 2.9 bar (42 psi) when loaded

10. Winter Storage
    Use fuel stabilizer and maintain battery health with our smart charger range. The Multi V2's CANbus system is sensitive to voltage drops.

Conclusion

The 2022 Multistrada 950 V2 is that rare machine that disappears beneath you - not through anonymity, but through intuitive competence. It's equally happy threading Barcelona's Gothic Quarter as it is attacking Alpine passes or grinding down fire roads. While the 15,000km service intervals help contain costs, this is still a motorcycle that demands engagement - both mechanically and emotionally.

For riders who want one bike that does everything with Latin flair (and have the toolkit to match), the Multi V2 remains compelling. And when the time comes for upgrades - whether crash bars for adventures or sport screens for touring - MOTOPARTS.store has every accessory to make this Italian thoroughbred truly yours.

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