Ducati Multistrada V4 (2025 - ) review

Despite looking very similar to the outgoing Multistrada V4 there is no reason to mark the new version down here. After all, ‘If it ain’t broke…’ and all that, along with the reality that although there are few major changes there is a selection of smaller but still significant ones. Consider this the elite sport philosophy of ‘marginal gains’ for maintaining a winning streak, something the 2025 Multistrada very much embodies. As such the already brilliant V4 engine maintains its performance level but gets the latest Euro5+ compliance, with improved economy and improved sound into the bargain. There are also tweaks to brakes and suspension, and the option of new, lighter wheels. The headlights have also been updated and now joined by an optional foglight – a motorcycling first, no less. There are also two new modes to the electronic rider systems and the luggage carriers have been repositioned to improve pillion comfort. In short, Ducati’s best (and best selling) model is now better than ever.

The roomy, wide-barred and upright seating position with its adjustable screen and seat height were already about spot on, and thankfully remain unchanged. You still also get the option of ultra-high or ultra-low seating as your stature requires. Changes such as they are relate to the positioning of the optional luggage, which is available in plastic or aluminium designs. The top box has been moved back by 12mm and the side panniers by 25mm for the plastic ones and 30mm for the metal alternatives all in the name of pillion comfort. Like its BMW R 1300 GS rival the Ducati has an automatic seat lowering system, now operating to a level of your choosing in a range from 15mm to 30mm at speeds of under 10km/h, or just over 6mph. Overall, no complaints as before.

Bikes simply don’t much more practical or versatile than the Multistrada – it’s name does translate as ‘Multi-Street’ after all. And now, with a full five different versions of the V4 available and pair of V2 950cc V-twin versions still available if there isn’t a Multistrada to tick your boxes you must have very peculiar requirements. Focus for this review is the most popular V4 S version but there is also the base V4 without the electronic Skyhook suspension, the sportier Pikes Peak with matched 17-inch wheels, the off-road ready Rally with its wire wheels and bigger tank and the Hypersport RS using the Streetfighter’s more powerful engine and superbike spec components. All have their own selling points but the V4 S really does do it all – and now better than ever. So, you can tour on it in comfort with the radar cruise, luggage and heated grips. You can enjoy the sportier side thanks to the 170 horsepower output, excellent handling, cycle parts and electronics. And if you want to risk a bike this costly in such demanding conditions you could even commute on it, or go off road.

Spot the theme but there wasn’t much wrong with the old V4 S but somehow Ducati has made it even better. The basics of the brilliant Granturismo chain-cam motor are unchanged, that being 170 peak horsepower with a fat mid-range, character reminiscent of a V-twin and excellent electronics including launch and traction control, quickshifter and a device that shuts down the rear two cylinders at standstill to aid economy and emissions. What’s new is the latest Euro5+ compliance, a new exhaust enhancing the sound, two new modes (Wet and Enduro) plus extended rear cylinder deactivation (now chiming in at low speeds) which is claimed to boost economy by a further six per cent. Braking-wise, the front Brembo twin discs are unchanged but the rear disc has grown from 260 to 285mm with a revised caliper and master cylinder to suit. That now works in an even more involved way with Ducati’s electronic ‘linked’ brake system where the rear also, depending on mode and settings, activates the front.

More detail changes here, the swingarm pivot moving up by a whole millimetre to reduce suspension squat under acceleration, the new rear suspension unit also getting a wider range of preload adjustment. The forks have an upgraded position sensor to work with the semi-active system and new lighter forged or wire wheels are available as options. You’d be hard pushed to tell the difference even on a back-to-back test but the ride is sublime whichever mode you’re in, the steering is accurate and natural in its feel while few adventure bikes manage the double act of sportiness and practical comfort you get here. If you want it more to the focused side there’s still the option of the Pikes Peak or RS versions as well.

Finally, a chink in the Multistrada’s armour! OK, Ducatis were never meant to come cheap and the V4 S is one of its top-end models with prices approaching £25K before options. On top of that it’s also a heavy, sophisticated and powerful machine so it’ll get through tyres, brake pads, chains and fuel with suitable appetite depending on your riding style. That said, it should be more affordable to run than an equivalent superbike and nobody ever bought into Italian exotica expecting it to be cheap.

OK, we’ve no particular reason to doubt the reliability of the new Multistrada V4 S and, by all accounts, the outgoing version has a decent track record. That said, this new version has such a comprehensive array of updates including some new tech that we feel we must reserve judgement slightly.

We’ve come an awful long way from the nightmares of Italian bikes of the past. At the time of writing the new Multistrada V4 S comes with a standard, manufacturer-backed FOUR-year warranty covering all parts and labour, which is significantly more than the two-year versions many rivals offer. While its servicing story is equally impressive with standard major services only due every 15,000 miles and, most impressively, the expensive valve check/adjustment service only due every 36,000.

There isn’t the space to cram it all in here but try this for starters, the spec including six standard, customisable modes, a big TFT dash with backlit switchgear, radar cruise and proximity alerts, semi-active suspension on this S version, rear cylinder deactivation and automatic seat lowering, the expected traction, launch and wheelie control, quickshifter, ‘linked’ brakes … the list goes on. On top of that, options include heated grips and seat, two-different (updated) luggage sets; different seat heights, lightweight wheels… In one useful update, and following BMW’s lead, Ducati is now bundling options into accessory packs, the Sport Travel and Radar ensemble with cast wheels and plastic luggage and Adventure Travel and Radar with wire wheels and fancier aluminium luggage both standing out.

There have always been plenty of reasons to buy the Multistrada V4. It’s stylish and sporty, practical yet sophisticated and generally does pretty much everything most motorcyclists could want. And if the V4 S doesn’t, there are four other Multistrada V4s that might fit your preferences better. This new version, does all of those things even better still. It goes more efficiently, handles better thanks to the suspension changes, has more features and is even better equipped. The only complaint? Subjective but the new colours and loud and proud graphics are a bit in your face and the price gets even scarier when you add some options. But you can’t have everything!