2025 Ducati Multistrada V4 Preview

The brand from Bologna starts to make a pretty big fuss about its new bikes around summertime(ish) every year, and the so-called Ducati World Premiere series is now rolling out the info for 2025 in earnest. The latest release revolves around its top-of-the-class Multistrada V4 machines, which receive incremental upgrades to the suspension and electronic refinements this year, rather than a full-blown redesign. For 2025, the US will see three V4 Multis: the V4, the V4 S, and the V4 Pikes Peak. But we’ll just unpack the first two here; the Pikes Peak bike deserves its own blurb.

Editor’s note: We’ve reported on the original Multistrada V4 with our Is Ducati’s Multistrada V4 the Fastest Adventure-Touring Bike?, 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S MC Commute Review, and 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Review articles and videos.

As before, there are subtle differences between the three Multis heading stateside, but their mechanical foundations are identical, with all three retaining that boisterous non-desmo V-4 Granturismo engine—the 1,158cc mill that makes a claimed 170 hp at 10,740 rpm—mated to a six-speed gearbox and hung from an aluminum monocoque frame. A few aesthetic nips and tucks surface for the 2025 models however, with both V4 and V4 S models receiving edgier front fascias and revised LED lights that Ducati says is a nod to the Panigale, along with a sleeker rear end with a new, slimmer exhaust. (That double front headlight is also complemented by new cornering lights for better illumination in the wee hours.)

On the chassis side, both V4 and V4 S now have their double-sided swingarm pivots moved 1mm higher than before to counter squatting effects on the suspension, a tweak that Ducati says will enhance riding manners at full load. There are some differences however, with the base V4 retaining its (manually) fully adjustable suspension, while the V4 S trades up to the semi-active Ducati Skyhook electronic suspension with 50mm Marzocchi fork, with a new sensor on the front fork as well as a new rear monoshock with a greater preload range. The V4 S also sports a self-leveling function for when passengers or cargo are onboard, and a new bump detection system works to adjust the rear suspension in rougher environments; there’s even a new button that can tweak suspension settings on the fly.

Related: 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S First Ride Review

Differences between the V4 and V4 S continue in the braking department, with the lower-spec V4 equipped with Brembo Monoblock four-piston calipers and 320mm discs up front, and a 280mm disc out back. The V4 S meanwhile, sees the more premium Brembo Stylema calipers and larger front discs, at 330mm, and both Multistrada models get the three-level engine-braking control system which debuted on the Rally. The Electronic Combined Braking System, which manages both front and rear brakes when either is engaged, also appears on the 2025 machines.

Other V4 and V4 S electronics are upgraded too, in the form of the new Ducati Vehicle Observer system (or DVO), a technology evolved out of the brand’s MotoGP race efforts. DVO now oversees the cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control functions, reading and processing data from 70 different sensors to estimate forces and loads on the bike in all kinds of road conditions.

As far as onboard input goes, riders now get a choice of five ride modes on both models, including a new Wet mode that joins the existing Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro modes; that Enduro mode has also been recalibrated to “enhance performance” by limiting power to 114 hp, lessening traction control, and deactivating wheelie control and ABS to the rear wheel.

A more notable addition for the 2025 Multistrada V4 S is the electronically controlled Automatic Lowering Device, which drops ride height automatically below 6 mph. Upon accelerating and over 31 mph, the V4 S then returns to its original riding height; the setting can be deactivated by the rider onboard. And on the V4 S, passengers get a break too, as the panniers and the top case have been moved back to provide more legroom; standard seat height is adjustable for both.

Hard to believe but “Wait! There’s more…” Although the Multistrada V4 S is already equipped with a front and rear radar system to support adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection, the 2025 model goes even further, now offering a Forward Collision Warning (FCW) function as well, which warns the rider of potential collisions ahead with a pop-up on the dashboard. In emergency braking, the new Ducati Brake Light also activates the direction indicators to signal the danger to vehicles following.

Of course you need a command center for all this electronic stuff, and the Multistrada V4 S boasts a larger 6.5-inch TFT color dashboard that has been updated for easier use with a new interface. You can still access navigation and phone functions via the Ducati Connect application as well; apparently the base model sticks with the 5-inch display.

In North America, the new Multistrada V4 comes only in standard Ducati Red and is priced at $19,995 in base trim. The V4 S here is offered in the Travel & Radar trim, which includes a centerstand, heated grips and seats, front and rear radar, and plastic side cases, in either red, white, or black. MSRP for the Multistrada V4 S is $28,305; any color but red adds $300 to the price. We expect to see the bikes in dealerships sometime this October.