2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S MC Commute Review

Keen to leverage its sensational V-4 powerhouse, Ducati overhauls its 2021 Multistrada V4 S ($24,095-$24,695 as tested) adventure-touring bike. In fitting it with an all-new powertrain, chassis, and electronics package (with radar-equipped adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection), Ducati aims to not only improve this four-generation Multistrada’s versatility, but to enhance comfort and riding thrill with its now signature hot-rod style.

Editor’s Note: the Multistrada V4 has been reported on during the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 First Look Preview and 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S First Ride Review. This content describes what it is like to ride during the official US press introduction.

Related: 2020 BMW S 1000 XR MC Commute Review

Swing a leg over the Multi and remains a sizable ADV rig Still, the ergonomics are well proportioned and eerily similar to a current generation globe trotting Boxer Twin. A broad forward fairing and manual-adjustable windscreen provide good coverage against elements and the seat is nice and cozy. Our S model was equipped with heated grips and rider and passenger seats.

A larger displacement 1,158cc V-4 purrs in a way that the previous L-Twin never did. And with its 2mm wider cylinder bore compared to the Panigale V4 superbike, it delivers pleasing torque at lower rpms. Still, because it’s a modern Ducati, the engine loves to scream and is a hoot to ride with the throttle wrapped to the stop. But it’s fun-loving pedigree has a price, with the Multi recording an paltry 30-mpg average.

The Multistrada is the first Ducati to employ a conventional, non-desmo valvetrain. This boosts valve adjustment intervals from 18,000 miles to a whopping 37,280 miles. On a side note, this mileage interval is well above German and Japanese-made ADV rigs in this segment. After initial 600-mile service, the V-4 engine goes 9,000 miles between scheduled oil and filter changes, just like the previous L-Twin version.

Combined adjustable engine power and throttle maps allow the engine to go from mild to wild with a push of a button. Traction and wheelie control, as well as multi-mode ABS are also included. Our S-model also includes semi-active suspension damping adjustment that is light years ahead of the electronics unveiled on the second generation Multistrada.

Keeping tabs on everything is a larger and more crisp-looking 6.5-inch color TFT display, (again, an identical size as the Motorrad setup). The display is a big improvement versus previous iterations and is generally easy to read while riding. However, menu navigation remains clunky and it’s easy to get lost within sub-menus. Ducati could do well by simplifying the menu and engineering the software intuitiveness of a modern smartphone.

Despite fitting a larger diameter 19-inch front wheel, the Multistrada still handles like a dream on pavement. Although it weighs 530-some pounds with 5.8-gallons of fuel, in motion it offers sportbike-like agility. On road handling is again, eerily close to the Motorrad division’s XR bike… which is a good thing.

Added ground clearance and more intuitive ergonomics make it easier to ride the Multi like a dirt bike. Squeezing the machine in the standing position is more dirt bike-like and the suspension is most certainly better equipped for riding in the rough stuff. While excellent on road, the radial front brake master cylinder is a tad too touchy over slick terrain. Another strike is the puny rider footpegs which build pressure on the soles of the feet when standing. Lastly, the hydraulic-actuated clutch lever could also allow more inward adjustment as it can be hard to reach during delicate maneuvers.

Smoother and more fun, today’s Multistrada V4 S is a significant improvement of the bike of old. Not only is it more entertaining, it offers a refined level of touring and off-road competency. Consider its enhanced durability and advanced gizmos, including one-of-a-kind adaptive cruise control and there is a lot to love about this new Ducati.

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Rev’It Offtrack

Gloves: Rev’It Cayenne Pro

Pant: Rev’It Trousers Offtrack

Boots: Rev’It Discovery Outdry