Ducati’s press day delivered icy winds and red-hot machines

We meet at Ducati’s headquarters, where the bikes for the day are neatly lined up. The temperature isn’t exactly what we’d hoped for, but at least the sun is out. It dawns on me that this is my very first ride of the year — I’ve sold my own bike and haven’t yet decided what I’ll be riding this season. Joining me on today’s ride from All about Bikes is also Micke Westin.

It’s an interesting line-up in front of us. Ducati has introduced a new platform this year, which they refer to as “mid-displacement”.

The new V2 896 engine is used across several models, including the Panigale V2, Monster, Streetfighter V2, DesertX, Hypermotard V2 and Multistrada V2 S Travel.

The differences between the models lie mainly in camshafts, software and power delivery, while the core engine remains largely the same.

We each choose a bike to start on, and I go for a safe bet — the Diavel V4. It’s a tough, solid machine that won’t let you down in a hurry. As we roll out of the car park, the feeling is the same as every spring when you finally get back on the road. It makes you happy from the inside out.

Micke: “The Ducati Diavel V4 is pure power. 182 horsepower, a wide rear and attitude to match. Surprisingly usable at speed, but not built for tight back roads.”

Before long, we’re out on a narrow, winding road passing horse paddocks and open fields. We pull over and my hands are freezing. I wish heated grips were standard on these Italian beauties — at 8°C and windy, it’s simply too cold without them. This time I opt for the updated Multistrada V4 Rally. A comfortable and adventurous touring bike packed with modern technology — from automatic lowering for shorter riders to new electronics that enhance the riding experience, and heated grips. This is a bike you could ride across countries without getting tired or uncomfortable.

It’s easy to ride and incredibly smooth, handling even the tightest corners with ease. The screen also helps keep the wind at bay. For those who want it, there are plenty of settings to adjust, along with multiple riding modes and options. I don’t spend much time fiddling — I simply enjoy the ride before it’s time for the next swap.

Micke is equally impressed with the Multistrada — particularly the V2 S Travel. The new 890cc engine, producing 115 hp, is exactly as strong as it needs to be without becoming excessive. The engine is smooth, the chassis reassuring, and the overall package delivers exactly what the Italian name promises: many roads — “Multistrada”.

“This is a bike for long days, not just quick rides,” says Micke.

Next time, I go for the complete opposite: the Panigale V4 — a motorcycle that deserves to be ridden longer, harder, and above all in the right environment. That is to say, not during a group ride with quick swaps on an icy spring day. I enjoy the brief time I get on it, keeping in mind that I’m a little rusty this early in the season.

We’re soon approaching the next stop, and my attention is drawn to the Scrambler Nightshift — a café racer with attitude and striking details. For 2026, the model has only received a new colour, but it’s a very good one. I’ve always liked the Scrambler range — they’re easy to ride, playful, and look great. I’m genuinely tempted by this one; the whole concept appeals to me.

It comes with plenty of modern features such as riding modes and cornering ABS, to name a few, while still retaining a raw retro style. On the road, it’s great fun, and despite having no wind protection at all, I still find it comfortable at higher speeds.

“The Ducati Scrambler is a favourite from previous test rides — and a great benchmark for comparing the new bikes. It’s light, compact and uncomplicated, with an engine that’s more than capable,” says Micke.

“But the riding position is slightly cramped, and without wind protection you’re quickly exposed. When a few snowflakes started falling, that became very clear,” he adds.

The next bike I tested was the Hypermotard 698 Mono RVE. This is where you really feel like a kid again — fast, compact, playful and raw. For 2026, it will also be available as a V2, but that wasn’t the version we tested.

Light snow has started to fall, and when we stop to take a few more photos, I ride the Hypermotard back and forth a few times.

It seems there’s a school nearby, as groups of teenagers pass by.

They watch us wide-eyed as we ride back and forth, clearly enjoying the sound of the engines. The cold has settled into my hands, and before we head towards the ferry from Vaxholm to Rindö, we swap bikes again.

I choose the new Monster, which has been significantly updated. I can’t recall riding any of the previous generations, but it doesn’t matter — it quickly becomes clear that this is exactly my kind of motorcycle. The sound alone makes your heart beat faster, and suddenly the cold is gone. The Ducati Monster has essentially become an entirely new machine, with a new engine, design and geometry.

We continue along the winding roads, and the bike responds to the slightest input. It’s easy to ride and incredibly fun. We reach the ferry and have to wait a while before boarding. On the other side, it’s about a ten-minute ride to the restaurant Syrran & Jag, where we stop for lunch. I find it hard to give the bike back — it’s high on my wish list for the summer, I can tell you that.

The Monster also features the new V2 engine, producing 111 hp at 9,250 rpm. The entire bike has been slimmed down by 4 kilos and is easy to handle whether you’re pushing on or riding slowly.

I’d happily take this one home for a longer, more thorough test to really get to know it over several days. Maybe even a track day…

After lunch, I switch to a yellow Streetfighter V2S. I don’t quite click with it — perhaps because I’m still longing for the Monster. The ride isn’t very long before we stop again, this time at a petrol station to buy ice cream.

It doesn’t matter that it feels like the Arctic and snowflakes are drifting through the air. When you ride motorcycles, you eat ice cream — regardless of the weather. That’s just how it is.

When it’s time to head off again, I climb onto the Streetfighter V4S. I’ve ridden this model several times before, including during a longer test.

Perhaps it’s partly because I’m starting to feel a bit tired and frozen through — I was up at 5am to drive to Stockholm — but I don’t quite connect with this bike. It’s brutally good-looking, but a little too aggressive for me. I think I’d need a few days with it to really enjoy the ride and understand how to get the best out of it.

As the day draws to a close, we head back to Ducati’s headquarters. One of the year’s major new releases, the DesertX, wasn’t available during the day due to delays from the factory. Ducati’s adventure bike has been made lighter, more agile and given an entirely new chassis. We hope to get the chance to test ride it — along with the new motocross and enduro models arriving later this summer.