Imagine embarking on a thrilling two-week adventure, covering 3827 miles on a Ducati Multistrada V2 S with your partner. But is this sub-litre adventure bike up to the task of accommodating two riders, luggage, and the demands of long-distance touring? That's the question I set out to answer as we rode from the UK to the toe of Italy and back.
The Journey Begins:
Our journey started in the UK, with a ferry ride to Calais, France. From there, we ventured to Strasbourg, then crossed borders to Lake Como in Italy, Piran in Slovenia, and Makarska in Croatia. After a ferry ride back from Dubrovnik to Bari, we explored the Italian towns of San Spirito, Scilla, Salerno, Arezzo, and Turin before heading back to France, visiting Dijon and Troyes.
First Impressions:
The Ducati Multistrada V2 S, with its 890cc V-twin engine, proved to be a capable companion. Surprisingly, it offered ample legroom for both riders and enough space to move around, addressing initial concerns about comfort on long rides. The handlebars were well-positioned, but the reach could be slightly improved.
Challenges and Comfort:
However, the manually adjustable screen became noisy at motorway speeds, and the seats, though comfortable initially, caused soreness after a few hours of riding. This led to some creative solutions, like using a beach towel as extra cushioning. Despite these minor issues, the ride quality was exceptional. Adjusting the electronic rear preload and keeping the damping in comfort mode transformed the Ducati into a smooth operator, effortlessly gliding over various road surfaces and tackling corners with confidence.
Performance and Practicality:
The Ducati's performance impressed, especially in top gear, though the mirrors blurred above 80mph due to engine vibrations. It effortlessly handled overtakes and navigated tight turns without the need for constant gear changes. The lower gears showcased its power, keeping the wheelie control active during hard acceleration, and the exhaust delivered a satisfying pop and bang on the overrun. The speedometer's slight over-reading might raise eyebrows, but the impressive fuel efficiency, managing over 200 miles per tank, is a welcome feature.
Practical Features:
The standard panniers on the £18,195 Multistrada V2 S 'Travel' version proved robust, easy to use, and spacious, though carrying them up narrow hotel staircases without inner bags could be cumbersome. The three-stage heated grips were a welcome addition on chilly mornings, and the non-radar cruise control performed well, albeit with a unique disabling mechanism.
Technical Insights:
In terms of technical details, the bike covered 3827 miles this month, achieving an impressive 52mpg. Fuel costs amounted to £468.80, and the next minor service is due in 2505 miles.
And here's a thought: Could this adventure bike be the sweet spot between comfort and performance for long-distance touring? Share your thoughts below, especially if you've had similar experiences or have alternative touring bike recommendations. Let's spark a conversation about the perfect blend of adventure and luxury on two wheels!
