Ducati Multistrada V4S adventure/sports (2021-)

In terms of performance, sophistication, versatility and style the Multi’ V4 simply is beyond criticism. But what stands out the most is its fully-integrated effectiveness – that’s the biggest testament of all to its design success. Ultimately it’s a sexy, red Italian performance machine that happens to look like an adventure bike. As a Ducati you can’t ask for more. But although not quite perfect (slightly small tank, fewer accessories than some rivals) there’s no reason not to give it 5 out of 5 here.

Being a bigger V4 gives the impression that this version is more cumbersome than the old, slimmer V-twin. On board, however, there’s nothing to grumble about. The upright ‘adventure style’ riding position is natural and comfortable, not at all awkward and with a saddle height adjustable from 840-860mm. While the screen is two-way hand adjustable, too, can be altered on the move and, although quite slim, does a more than acceptable job of fending off the worst of the elements, even when cruising at motorway speeds. For an ‘adventure’ bike, again, we can’t fault it.

The original 2010 Multistrada S redefined practicality via its pioneering, integrated electronics system which allowed the rider to switch between engine maps/suspension modes. Urban, Touring and Sports all came at the press of a button. This all-new version takes that concept even further. The astonishingly grunty and potent V4 gives more performance (yet in Urban mode is a pussycat); the sublime, semi-active Skyhook suspension is beyond criticism; it’s impressively manageable around town and can take a pillion, luggage and more. It’s truly a bike for all reasons – perhaps not the best at any one facet (and also so luxurious it’d be a crime to commute through winter on one) but it probably does more things better than any other machine.

With its all-new Granturismo V4 engine (it’s a radical redevelopment of that of the Panigale superbike, with camshafts instead of Desmodromics) producing a whopping 170bhp plus masses of torque and ultra-sophisticated modes and electronics, performance-wise, the new Multi’ wants for little. Its turbine midrange powers out of turns and its top end speed is simply blistering. No current adventure bike is so fast. Just as impressively its top-spec brakes are its performance equal in comprising superbike quality Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mount calipers biting on dinner plate sized discs with cornering ABS.

Does the Multistrada excellence ever end? Not here it doesn’t. On paper, a fairly hefty, V4 adventure bike with long travel suspension and a 19in front wheel should not add up to handling excellence. Honda’s imperfect VFR1200C Crosstourer attests to that. The Multistrada, however, again proves to be a wonder, being lighter than you might expect with impressively accurate steering for an adventure bike (although not quite as sharp and secure as, say, a 17in wheeled super naked) and control and comfort from the slick suspension that has the be experienced to be believed.

Perfection always comes to an end somewhere and it’s here with Ducati’s new ‘wunderbike’. You can’t have everything after all. When you’re talking about a 170bhp four Ducati that costs upwards of £20K you can’t expect running costs to be cheap and with slightly thirsty fuel consumption, a healthy hunger for consumables such as tyres, chain, brake pads etc, plus likely high insurance, that’s likely to be the case here. Although we have slightly given it the benefit of the doubt simply because even though its performance is huge, being an adventure all-rounder means it’s also likely to be ridden less hard than an equivalent sports bike or super naked.

Ten to 15 years ago Ducatis sometimes had a reputation for being fragile and erratic – not any more (probably due to their recent ownership by Audi). Service intervals have been extended, quality improved and reports of technical problems largely few and far between. We’d expect exactly the same of the Multistrada V4 S. That said, as the Grandturismo engine is largely new as are new electronic systems such as the optional radar-controlled cruise control, we’re reserving judgement slightly out of prudence. On the whole, however, we have very little cause for concern.

Although a sophisticated, performance Ducati, the servicing requirements of the Multistrada V4 S are better than you might expect. Basic oil changes services come only every 9000 miles, major valve clearance services are a whopping 37,000 miles apart, the air filter is a quick release type requiring no bodywork removal and the switch from complex desmodromics to valve springs further simplifies (and cheapens) things. It’s manufacturer warranty, meanwhile, is a fairly standard issue two years/unlimited mileage jobbie for all parts and labour.

How long have you got? In S trim, the Multistrada V4 not only has the standard cornering ABS, traction control and rider modes but also semi-active suspension, a slightly larger full colour 6.5in dash (it’s 5in on the base model), quickshifter, hill hold, cornering headlights and keyless ignition while our test bike was also fitted with the £900 optional extra of radar-controlled cruise control and blind spot indicator. In short, it’s wanting for nothing and if there’s something you DO want – panniers, sports exhaust etc – they’re all available as optional extras, too.

There’s plenty of reasons to buy a Multistrada V4 S – if you can afford it – but two main ones stand out: If you want true superbike performance, cycle parts and style but in an upright, more comfortable, more practical package, it’s certainly the one. But it’s more than that, too. If you’re an exotica enthusiast, want something Italian, exclusive, classy and stylish but in a bike you can use for everything, all year round, the Multistrada V4 S is for you, too. In the car world nothing comes close. Not until Ferrari build a comfortable, capacious SUV that is…