Introduced in 2021, the Multistrada V4 S ushered in a new era of Ducati adventure-touring motorcycles that demonstrated the Italian company’s product-first mentality. The Multistrada V4 is built around the 1,158cc Granturismo V-4 engine, which abandons desmodromic valve timing in favor of conventional valve springs, enabling valve-check service intervals to stretch to 37,000 miles (about twice as long as the Multistrada 1260′s interval). Ducati claims the Granturismo V-4 produces 170 hp at 10,500 rpm and 92 lb.-ft. of torque at 8,750 rpm, and is both more compact and 2.6 pounds lighter than the Testastretta DVT of its predecessor. In Borgo Panigale, if signature technologies are no longer the ideal solutions for engineers’ goals, they’re out.
If this lack of sentimentality seemed striking to Ducatisti at first, Ducati surely softened the blow by seducing them with not only increased performance but with typically up-spec components and technology that boosts convenience, comfort, and safety. Headlining the technology suite are the front and rear radar that facilitate adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection. Smartphone mirroring, semi-active suspension, and all the rider aids you could wish for round out the tech package. The Multistrada has an array of aerodynamic deflectors for rider comfort. Tons of options for luggage, seats, windscreens, and wheels—not to mention several different model variants—give buyers plenty of options to make the Multi their own. On the road, the Multistrada V4 confirms the value of Ducati’s lack of sentimentality—when you’re slaying corners in complete comfort, the furthest thing from your mind is the lack of desmodromic valves.
The 2024 Multistrada V4 S starts at $27,195 for Ducati Red with alloy wheels. Aviator Grey or Iceberg White colors add $300 to the base price. Spoked wheels add an additional $800 to the price. The V4 S Grand Tour ($28,395) comes from the factory with touring features like a centerstand, auxiliary lights, and side cases, and has a unique GT livery. Additional variants include the Rally ($30,595), RS ($38,895), and Pikes Peak ($31,595), which we’ll cover in separate buyer’s guides.
