Ducati Multistrada V2 versus Harley-Davidson Nightster

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Ducati

Ducati Multistrada V2

Adventure
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Nightster

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2022 bis 2025~
Built von 2022 bis 2024
RRP 15.990 €
RRP 14.995 €
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Pros:
  • great V2 engine with decent performance
  • wonderful sound, bubbling intake noise
  • Strong brakes
  • Very good technical equipment
  • light and handy, agile handling
  • also absolutely suitable for two people to travel
  • Two seat heights (adjustable)
Pros:
  • High-revving engine with good taste
  • Good driving performance
  • Amazingly manoeuvrable
  • Relatively lightweight, also suitable for beginners
Cons:
  • Heated grips not standard
Cons:
  • Sound 1b
  • Processing here and there a bit unloving

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.572 mm
Length :
2.190 mm
Seat :
830 mm until : 850 mm
Weight :
199 kg
Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat :
705 mm
Weight :
221 (max: 418 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 96 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 215 km/h
Performance: 116 HP at 10.750 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 8.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
345 km
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Performance: 90 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 95 NM bei 5.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
229 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Monocoque frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Marzocchi USD fork 45 mm, fully adjustable (travel 170 mm)
Rear suspension:
Sachs monoshock absorber, fully adjustable (travel 170 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70-19
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Showa telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 114 mm)
Rear suspension:
Stereo struts, spring base adjustable (travel 76 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 100/90-19 57H
Rear tyres: 150/80B16 77H

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc, Brembo Monoblock 4-piston, radial bolted, radial brake pump ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo 2-piston caliper ( 265 mm)
Front brake
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 260 mm)

Result

Thanks to the weight savings, the new Multistrada V2 is significantly improved compared to its predecessor in terms of drivability and also in terms of technical equipment. The price is justified in view of the abundant technical helpers and the installed components - even compared to the competition. Ducati calls the new Multi V2 a cross-over - and that's what it is, but it's also very suitable for the really long journey, so it's also a real adventure bike somewhere.
 
The test bike was kindly provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Bremervörde . By the way, both a V2S and a V2 are available there as a demonstrator for test drives. So you can compare the difference in suspension directly - if you find one, please write to us.

Price/availability/colours/years of manufacture

  • Price: 15.990€
  • Used (3 years old): 0.000€
  • Availability: Facelift since 02/2025
  • Colours: red

Conclusion - what sticks

The Harley Nightster is a lot of fun! Especially on country roads, it turns out to be a surprisingly agile bike. The engine has decent power and feels just as surprisingly comfortable even in higher speed climes. The Nightster looks like a typical Harley, but is different in many ways. Better or worse? Matter of opinion! Real V2 steam hammer fans will not convince them, if only because of the restrained sound (90 dbA stationary noise). However, we believe that Harley wants to win new customer groups with the Nightster, and that should succeed.
 
The test bike was kindly provided by Harley Davidson Kiel for this test. There is the Nightster as a demonstrator - among many other chic Harleys. A visit to HD Hiel is always worthwhile, if only because of the wide range of used machines. In addition, you can do a wonderful round around the Westensee - have fun!

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 14.999€
  • Availability: since 06/2022
  • Colours: red, black, grey