Ducati Multistrada V2 versus Kawasaki Versys 1000 S
Ducati Multistrada V2
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- 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)
- Heated grips not standard
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.190 mm
Seat : 830 mm until : 850 mm
Weight : 199 kg
Length : 2.270 mm Height : 1.490 mm
Seat : 840 mm
Weight : 257 (max: 459 ) kg
Engine
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 96 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
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
Performance: 120 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 102 NM bei 7.500 U/Min Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 404 km
Chassis
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
Double profile frame (aluminium) Front suspension:
43 mm upside-down fork (travel 150 mm) Rear suspension:
Horizontally arranged back-link gas pressure central strut (travel 152 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Brakes
Double disc, Brembo Monoblock 4-piston, radial bolted, radial brake pump (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo 2-piston caliper (∅ 265 mm)
Double petal brake discs. Brake caliper: Double radially mounted, monobloc, opposite 4 pistons (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc. Brake caliper: Single piston (∅ 250 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.
Conclusion - what sticks
Driving pleasure, tour suitability, reasonable price-performance ratio and anything else? To be honest, there are hardly any points of criticism for us. The bike rides really extremely pleasant and smooth. The upright Adventure sitting posture in combination with the supple row quad is a great combination, which brings a lot of advantages on longer tours.
The optics can be discussed as always, but that's also a matter of taste here. By the way, the machine is available in the two color combinations Pearl Storm Gray / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Flat Spark Black & Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Flat Spark or in short Gray / Black & Green / Black. We find both successful and appealing.
Only a 19" front wheel instead of the 17 incher would be Dietmar and me perhaps still a concern. But even there, the spirits are divided, because the 17 inches in front of course ensure a good steering behavior. Either way, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S is an excellently successful travel machine and Kawa does not promise too much! "Every street - At any time" we can sign with a clear conscience.
The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau.
