Over the course of the last five years or so, we have seen the motorcycle industry evolve into something quite different. In the past, buyers were generally content to accept that certain motorcycles could only do certain things, but this is no longer the case. Today, versatile motorcycles are hogging the industry spotlight. This kind of versatility demands a more versatile engine, and many will argue that it doesn't get more versatile than a good ol' V-twin.Yes, parallel-twins dominate the landscape, and a 270-degree parallel-twin does a great job of mimicking a V-twin. But nothing quite compares to the real thing. V-twins have long since proven to be really versatile powertrains, offering impressive mid-range performance, which is ideal for real-world riding conditions. They are also naturally balanced, and, in the right state of tune, won't vibrate much at all. Yet, somehow, the number of versatile bikes with V-twin engines is quite low today. Versatile Bikes With V-twin Engines Are Rare In 2026 Suzuki CyclesMany riders have discovered the advantages of owning an adventure bike, or middleweight sport touring bike. But with ongoing trends and the popularity of different engines, only a few of these bikes actually make use of a V-twin. Understressed inline-four examples and massive parallel-twin engines are the most common sight, alongside a sprinkle of inline-triples.Harley-DavidsonAs a result, V-twins are usually reserved for either really dated machines like the Suzuki V-Strom 650 or behemoth cruisers/tourers from American bikemakers. All hope isn't lost, however. A certain Italian giant has rekindled its interest in the V-twin layout, whipping up a brand-new powerhouse that meets the smooth, stable, and built for distance brief well.Triumph MotorcyclesAnd to make matters sweeter, the engine powers a versatile crossover machine. While adventure bikes are getting most of the attention, crossovers are arguably even more versatile. These bikes blend the comfort and features normally associated with a touring bike, and add long-travel suspension. This gives these bikes a tall, commanding seating position and mild off-road capability. On that note, let's dive in further. The Ducati Multistrada V2 S Offers Luxurious Versatility MSRP: $19,995 Ducati Back when the Multistrada first came out, it was one of the very first crossover motorcycles. While the original wasn’t exactly “dirt-worthy”, the latest V2 S certainly promises more than a little capability in that department, without compromising on-road handling or comfort. While down on power compared to the aforementioned Japanese bikes, it is significantly lighter, and the midrange punch from its new twin offers more than enough real-world performance for most riders. But what really sets it apart is a certain level of luxury that other manufacturers simply can’t compete with. A Modern V-Twin Headlines The Mechanical Package Power: 115 Horsepower Ducati Most brands have developed parallel twins, and in some cases, triples, for their mid-range motorcycles. Ducati made the decision to stick with tradition, and rather than develop an all-new, more efficient 90-degree V-twin. While there are always some teething issues with new engines, the famed Italian brand has been on a roll of late, and there is no reason to believe that this lump will be any less reliable than any of the other powertrains. Ever since VW took over, Ducati has gone from strength to strength, producing desirable motorcycles that are actually mechanically reliable. No More Desmo Service Woes Ducati Although the shape of the V-twin might be the same, it is quite different on the inside. Ducati elected to go with modern variable valve timing instead of the traditional Desmodromic valves that have been used in every Ducati V-twin since the 70s. While there will be some Ducatisti out there that lament this fact, the brand has not been shy to move with the times and ditch certain elements of tradition in favor of performance, and in this case, pragmatism.The reality of the matter is that “Desmo” services are frightfully expensive. Paying so much extra for no practical or performance benefit just doesn’t make any sense on a bike like the Multistrada. This modern twin also has longer service intervals now set at 9,000 miles, and the first valve clearance check will only happen at 28,000 miles. The Multistrada V2 S Is The Ideal Travel Companion Ducati One of the many things that sets Ducati apart from other manufacturers is the fact that most of the assembly is still done by hand. This human element is something that, unfortunately, ended up introducing problems in the past, but quality control has improved no end, and some mechanization has also been introduced over the years. Today, this “human element” is more valuable than ever before as we see technology taking over in various industries all over the world.For Ducati, this is what infuses the motorcycle with its “soul” and is a genuine point of difference. Each aspect of the motorcycle is built with the rider in mind, and in the case of any Multistrada, comfort is the priority. The Skyhook semi-active electronic suspension is arguably the most sophisticated suspension currently on the market, and takes all the hassle out of suspension setup, with pretty much every conceivable adjustment done via the TFT interface. Comes Armed With Premium Kit Ducati Even though this is a middleweight, it is priced like a flagship. We are not talking about much of a value prospect here. In fact, there are several middleweight tourers and ADVs that offer better value. But, you most certainly do get what you pay for. In terms of electronic features, pretty much every conceivable bell and whistle is present, including cruise control, traction control, a quickshifter, cornering ABS, that 5-inch TFT dash, ride modes, and an adjustable windshield.Even though all the tech, not least of which is the electronic suspension, adds a lot of weight to the platform, it is still pretty light. Its compact monocoque chassis is responsible for most of the weight savings, but the new V2 is also, by some margin, the lightest V-twin Ducati has ever produced. This all combines to deliver a truly dynamic ride. It is rather obviously not an off-road-oriented bike, but with it being so light, it is not a liability off-road either, and it is also nimble enough to use daily. Even though you will be saying no to several fantastic motorcycles at this price point, none offer the same combination of versatility and luxury. Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications