2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S Review

There’s an adventure bike to suit all tastes these days, and at the premium end of the spectrum lies this 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S. 

First breaking cover in October 2020 and now available here in Australia, this all-new, high-performance blaster is also bristling with the latest rider safety and convenience tech, while positively oozing Latin flair. But, is it worth its hefty $38,690 (ride away, as tested) price tag? Let’s find out... 

Birth of a dynasty 

Ducati’s Multistrada family arrived way back in 2003. I rode that first V-twin model – a Ducati Multistrada 1000 DS – at its world launch in Sardinia, but my oh my how Ducati’s dual-sport dynasty has progressed in the years since... 

This fourth-generation Multistrada is powered by Ducati’s new Granturismo V4 engine, a thumping 170hp/125Nm, 1158cc fire-breather based on the Desmosedici Stradale powerplant used in the Panigale V4 superbike. 

A new MotoGP-derived monocoque frame with trellis subframe and double-sided swingarm is mated to Ducati’s Skyhook semi-active electronic suspension (V4 S and V4 S Sport only). The wheelbase is now shorter, at 1567mm, while a 19in/17in wheelset treads a neat line between on-road agility and off-road stability. 

And it’s positively chock full of new tech, which we’ll get to in a bit... 

New-look range 

Our test bike, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S ($33,490 ride away), slots in above the base Multistrada V4 ($28,990 ride away) but below the Multistrada V4 S Sport ($36,790 ride away). Three pre-existing V-twin models are also still available: the Multistrada 950 ($21,500 ride away), Multistrada 950 S ($24,000 ride away), and the Multistrada 1260 Enduro ($32,400 ride away). 

The Multistrada V4 S builds on the base V4 model with electronic suspension, a larger 6.5-inch TFT display (5.0-inch on the base model), backlit handlebar switches, a full LED headlight, cornering lights and a hill hold control. The V4 S Sport adds a carbon-fibre front mudguard and an Akrapovic muffler.

We should point out that our test bike also features spoked wheels plus Ducati's optional Travel (panniers, centrestand, heated grips and seats) and Radar (adaptive cruise control/blind spot monitoring) packs, together adding $5200. And our bike came fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber, instead of the standard Pirelli Scorpion Trail II. 

I’d like to say I’d ridden the new Multistrada to Uluru and back, or even on just a quick interstate day trip. But COVID-19 crushed any such aspirations, and between border closures and lockdowns I was fortunate just to grab a few days on it, with a day in a state forest for good measure. 

Editor Dylan and I were, however, able to pit the Ducati against an arch nemesis, the updated KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, and that quickly revealed just how good adventure bike riders have it these days – or at least those who can splash this sort of cash... 

Related reading: 
Adventure bike buyer’s guide, over 900cc
Ducati Multistrada V4 2021 unveiled with pricing
Ducati unveils new V4 Granturismo engine

Imposing stance 

It’s an imposing thing in the metal, all angles and lines and quite tall too, and it grabs attention as so many Ducatis do. You can’t go past Ducati Red in my books, although there’s Aviator Grey also on offer (add $400). 

Hopping aboard, I was immediately surprised by how manageable the seat height is, and how you sit ‘in’ this bike, not ‘on’ it. The seat height can be adjusted from 840mm to 860mm, and the Multistrada is quite slim through its midsection. Admittedly I’m on the taller side (188cm), but I had no trouble getting both feet down flat to the ground at a standstill. 

The chunky and broad handlebars deliver a commanding stance and the ergonomics feel just right whether sitting or standing. I normally require higher handlebar risers on many adventure models, but not here. 

The Granturismo V4 fires up with a prod of the starter (it’s keyless starting, although there’s a key in the fob for the fuel cap) and settles into a steady, even beat. A handful of revs, ease out the nicely weighted (and span-adjustable) clutch, and we’re off, the pipe emitting a gruff note befitting a bike from Bologna. 

I must admit, I still readily associate Ducati more with V-twins than V4s, and while this new one still has a raspy edge to it, it’s also very refined, with just enough vibration to give it some soul. The mirrors blur ever so slightly as a result, but there’s no tingling through the 'bars or footpegs. 

And it’s quick – give it a handful from anywhere just off idle to near its 10,000rpm redline, and it surges forwards in most gears; at 100km/h in sixth the V4 is spinning at 4000rpm. It’s a thrilling unit with a soundtrack that only gets better with revs, with a smooth wave of low-down grunt that feeds into a fat midrange, with a storming top-end to finish. 

Thirsty work 

As for fuel economy, we want to put more miles on the Multistrada before we reach a definitive conclusion, but it’s on the thirsty side. Ducati quotes 6.5L/100km, and after one 200km run – admittedly a stop-start session with plenty of dirt – we recorded 8.0L/100km. The latter equates with a safe range of around 250km from the 22lt tank, which seems modest for a mile-eater. 

Because, after all, the Multistrada V4 S is exceptionally comfy, with supportive seating, an upright ride position and good legroom. The screen is effective too, with a simple but effective manual adjustment system, while pillions are also well catered for. 

And when it’s time to up the pace, it’s a hoot to chuck through the bends. Neutral steering and a low centre of gravity make hammering through wide, open sweepers a revelation – it tracks beautifully, even on our test bike’s more off-road-focused rubber. 

The Brembos – M50 Stylema calipers up front – arrest all this dynamic might with complete precision, while the Ducati Skyhook suspension takes the transference of force in its stride. 

This electronic semi-active suspension is a huge asset: stiff and responsive for blistering on-road handling, yet supple enough for off-road work. It's a quality set-up, and switching settings is simple too. A handlebar button lets you choose from five preload settings, while damping settings can be tailored within each ride mode. 

Sophisticated smarts 

There’s a heap of electrickery at play in this Multistrada V4 S, so let’s dive in... 

There are four ride modes – Touring, Urban, Sport, and Enduro – and within each you can customise not just the aforementioned suspension settings, but engine power/response, the cornering ABS and traction control settings, wheelie control and the bi-directional quickshifter. The latter works a treat, although there is certainly no issue with shifting in the usual manual way. 

Backing up that on-road performance is no shortage of off-road ability. While we suspect most owners will stick mainly to the blacktop and dirt roads, it will handle more technical going if need be. 

That became clear at a disused quarry we visited, where despite its considerable weight (243kg wet), the Ducati was entirely happy to negotiate rutted and broken terrain, and even get a little air. Even when rain cut proceedings short and turned the clay surface into a skid pan, the Multistrada V4 S impressed for its forgiving nature. 

The 6.5-inch TFT display is a beauty. There’s a bit of head scratching to begin with, and at first it’s easy to confuse the indicator stalk with the joystick, but the menu system and the joystick navigation become second nature soon enough. It's slick and you can customise the display too, although I don’t like having to go into the menu system to set or adjust the heating for the grips or the rider’s seat. 

You can access call management and music via the Ducati Connect app and sat-nav via a second Sygic app, but it’s a bit fiddly to get it all working and I had to keep reconnecting my smartphone each time I started the bike. Give me Apple CarPlay/Android Auto any day. 

There’s a dedicated glove compartment (with USB port) on the tank for a smartphone, but it’s not big enough for large-format phones and it doesn’t have a lock, for when you inevitably wander off from the bike and forget your phone. 

Hits and misses 

But this is a very practical machine in most respects. The lockable, hard factory panniers can be easily mounted or removed; there’s a 12-volt outlet near the instruments; the sidestand works well and has a decent footplate; the tyre valves are angled for easy access; and the footpegs have pop-out rubber pads to leave bear-trap-style ‘pegs for off-roading. The auto-cancel indicators work well too. 

And I love the adaptive cruise control, which lets you follow the vehicle in front at one of four set distances. It’s a mainstay in many modern cars, and it's great to see its arrival in the motorcycle world – although using it involves a bit of a leap of faith at first, until it wins your trust.

Oh, and using the clutch or gearshift doesn’t deactivate the cruise control. This was a bit alarming at first, though you quickly adapt – hit either brake to shut the system down. 

The blind spot monitoring system, which triggers an orange warning light on the top of the relevant mirror to indicate there’s a vehicle lurking nearby, is a worthy addition too (though still no replacement for a good ol’ head check). 

The verdict 

The Ducati Multistrada V4 S has Latin allure in spades, but also sublime performance and ability, both on-road and off. It’s a beautifully cohesive melding of form and function. It’s not cheap, but damn – it’s good! 

Specs: 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S 

PERFORMANCE 
Claimed maximum power: 170hp (125kW) at 10,500rpm 
Claimed maximum torque: 125Nm at 8750rpm 

TRANSMISSION 
Type: Six-speed 
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, slipper 
Final drive: Chain 

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR 
Frame type: Aluminium monocoque 
Front suspension: 50mm inverted fork, Ducati Skyhook electronic adjustment, 170mm travel 
Rear suspension: Monoshock, Ducati Skyhook electronic adjustment, 180mm travel 
Front brake: Twin 320mm discs with radial-mount four-piston Brembo calipers, ABS equipped 
Rear brake: 265mm disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper, ABS equipped 
Wheels: Spoked – 19-inch front, 17-inch rear 
Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR; front 120/70ZR19, rear 170/60ZR17 

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES 
Claimed wet weight: 240kg 
Seat height: 840-860mm 
Wheelbase: 1567mm 
Rake: 24.5 degrees 
Trail: 102.5mm 
Fuel capacity: 22 litres 

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY 
Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, LED Daytime Running Lights, Ducati Brake Light, Ducati Cornering Light, Riding Modes, Power Modes, Hill Hold, Ducati Quickshift, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring 

OTHER STUFF 
Price: from $33,490 ride away ($38,690 ride away as tested, with Travel + Radar packs and spoked wheels) 
Colours: Ducati Red or Aviator Grey (add $400) 
Test bike supplied by: Ducati Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres