Ducati Multistrada V4: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
Ducati's new Multistrada V4 platform has the opportunity to establish the Italian firm's name as a leader in the adventure segment
Why is the Ducati Multistrada V4 a bikesales BOTY finalist?
The new Ducati Multistrada V4 is a genuinely capable and competitive entrant into the red-hot large-capacity adventure bike segment.
Most people wouldn’t quickly associate Ducati with dual-sport motorcycles, but the Multistrada moniker has been quietly successful over the past five or six years.
But with the new Multistrada V4, the Italian firm has broken down the door with a high-tech, high-performance adventure tourer that will compete with category leaders like BMW and KTM.
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The star attraction is the brand-new Grandturismo V4 engine. Despite the V4 format, this is a totally different engine to the one found in the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4. It is built and tuned specifically for adventure touring, but it still has that blistering performance for which Ducati is famous.
Also featured on the Multi V4 is a wide array of tech features including revolutionary (optional) radar units that enable adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Who will the Ducati Multistrada V4 appeal to?
Ducati might not have the dual-sport reputation of BMW or KTM, but it does have its own reputation for Italian passion and quality.
Off-road focused adventure riders will naturally look elsewhere, but those looking for a true all-round adventure tourer won’t find much better than the Multistrada V4. It is comfortable and supremely capable on the tarmac, but it also handles the dirt with very little fuss.
In full spec, the Multistrada V4 isn’t cheap, so it will likely appeal to those with deeper pockets and time on their hands to go exploring the country.
It’s fair to say most Multistrada owners will likely spend most of their time on the tarmac, but they’ll be able to get off the beaten track when required too.
How much does the Ducati Multistrada V4 cost?
Pricing for the Multistrada V4 varies greatly depending on what variant and equipment packages you choose. And there is a lot to choose from…
There are three variants in the range – the V4, the V4 S, and the V4 S Sport. The base-level V4 checks in at $28,990 ride away, but you get a pretty basic package for that price.
Next up is the V4 S, which starts from $33,490. This comes with a bigger TFT screen, smartphone connectivity, and semi-active suspension as standard. You can also purchase the V4 S with a ‘Travel’ package (from $35,990 ride away), a ‘Travel and Radar’ package (from $37,590 ride away), a ‘Performance’ package (from $35,690 ride away) and a ‘Full’ package (from $39,690 ride away).
The V4 S Sport starts at $36,790 ride away, and climbs to $41,790 ride away for the full fruit package. Across the range, things like different colours, liveries and spoked wheels alter the pricing too.
What does all this mean? Well, if you want to get the most out of the Multistrada V4, then you’re going to have to spend a few dollars. Our pick is the V4 S with ‘Travel and Radar’ package and spoked wheels. It’s not cheap, but it is worth every penny.
What have we already said about the Ducati Multistrada V4?
We tested the V4 S version with the ‘Travel and Radar’ package and we were very impressed. Our test was rather short (due to lockdown), but we did get the chance to compare it with the updated KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.
When comparing the two, bikesales editor Dylan Ruddy said: “The KTM is like a LandCruiser – simple, indestructible and supremely capable – while the Ducati Multistrada V4 is the Range Rover equivalent: sleek, sharp, luxurious and well-equipped, but also still capable.”
Senior journalist Rod Chapman was also impressed: “The 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.”
Ducati Multistrada V4 at a glance:
Price: From $28,990 ride away
Engine: 1158cc, Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valves-per-cylinder, 90-degree, Granturismo V4
Output: 170hp (125kW)/125Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 240kg (wet)
Seat height: 840-860mm
Fuel capacity: 22 litres
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