2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S First Ride Review

Ducati’s 2021 Multistrada V4 S is a huge step forward from the outgoing Multi L-twin. There’s a completely new V4 Granturismo engine, a lighter chassis, and a more off-road-oriented 19-inch front wheel. With front- and rear-facing radar, onboard technology is raised to a level not seen in the motorcycle market. And in typical Ducati form, the styling is simply stunning.

Little more than the Ducati badge survives from the accomplished L-twin. From the move to 36,000-mile service intervals to a sharper off-road edge, the Multistrada V4 S represents a dramatic attempt to reinvent the Multistrada and redefine the adventure market.

The new 90-degree V-4 uses a counter-rotating crank, same rotation as the Panigale’s Stradale V4, though little of that 214 hp superbike engine remains. Capacity is up 55cc from 1,103cc to 1,158cc, with a larger 83mm bore out from 81mm. Peak power is an impressive 170 hp at 10,500 rpm, and 92 pound-feet torque at 8,750 rpm.

But the main talking point is the switch away from Ducati’s signature desmodromic valve system to conventional spring-operated valves. The main reason for this is to extend the service intervals to an industry-leading 36,000 miles, before the clearances need checking, as opposed to 18,000 miles on the desmo L-twin.

Ducati purists, for whom the desmo system has been the unique selling point of Bologna engines since the ’70s, may object, but this is a pragmatic move by the factory. Not only can service intervals be wider—Kawasaki’s Versys and Z1000SX models are, with 26,000-mile intervals, a distant second in this market sector—but servicing time and costs will be reduced for the customer too. Meanwhile, the desmo system survives in all other Ducatis, the MotoGP Desmosedici included.

Compared to the discontinued Multi’s 1,260cc L-twin, peak power figure is up by 10 hp and, like the torque, chimes in higher up in the rev range, though the peak torque figure is down slightly. However, the new V-4 is 2.6 pounds lighter than the twin, 3.3 inches shorter, 3.7 inches lower, and only 0.8 inch wider. It is also higher in the chassis, giving the new Multi 8.6 inches of ground clearance, 1.8 inches more than before.

The new Multi is also equipped with (optional) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) along with front and rear radar detection. Once the cruise control is set to any speed between 30 kph (18.6 mph) and 160 kph (99.4 mph), ACC will maintain that speed, gently accelerating or decelerating depending on the information gathered via the radar’s detection. BSD, meanwhile, uses the rear radar to monitor vehicles approaching from the rear, and illuminates an LED in the rearview mirror as a warning.

Predictably, the new Multi V4 S is laden with other advanced rider aids, including cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, cornering headlights, and hold control for hill starts plus multiple riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro. Each mode alters the power, power characteristics, the eight-level traction control (TC), cornering ABS, and, on this S model, the base setting of the electronic Skyhook Marzocchi suspension.

Relaying all this information to the rider are all-new full-color clocks, 5 inches on the standard model and 6.5 inches on the S model. New (backlit) switch gear with a new joystick on the left bar makes it both easy to use and intuitive. Interestingly, Ducati has also added stability control while the adaptive cruise control is activated. If the bike should begin to weave, the IMU will detect this and automatically reduce the power to reduce the weave.

Chassis-wise, a light aluminum monocoque with a bolted-on trellis subframe is also introduced. Wheelbase is shorter and there’s a more aggressive, sporty rake and trail to compensate for the larger-diameter 19-inch front wheel.

On the road, fueling is perfect and the V4 is smooth and chilled. In the dedicated Urban riding mode, it’s particularly easy and user friendly to ride, while the new chassis has none of the top-heavy, intimidating feel of some adventure bikes. With the manually operated screen fully upright there is little wind noise, and comfort and ride quality are all-day excellent. In fact, with the BSD system watching your back and the ACC managing and monitoring the traffic in front, the Multi V4 S experience is super relaxed.

That said, flick into Touring mode and acceleration onto the freeway is stunning, those 170 Italian horses certainly want to run. Despite its new valve train, the Granturismo sounds as intoxicating as any traditional Ducati V-4. As we rode in the hills toward Tuscany, I deliberately slowed down, then rapidly accelerated through each mile-long tunnel just to enjoy the Ducati music made by its unique firing order.

The V4 S does not turn like a ponderous, 536-pound adventure bike running on a 19-inch front tire either. Instead, steering is accurate and the bike deceptively nimble, even at speed, while refined cornering ABS and powerful Brembo Stylema front brakes are always on hand if you should dive in a little too hot.

As the pace quickened, I personalized Sport mode by reducing the TC and turning off the wheelie control. Grip in the dry is excellent and there’s enough grunt for the odd effortless wheelie over crests and when driving out of tight corners.

In Sport mode, the Marzocchi Skyhook electronic suspension really comes into its own. I deliberately pushed hard on uneven roads, and the new Multi delivered. The 50mm fork is excellent, but it’s the rear end that truly impresses, staying planted and under control no matter how provoked and despite having 0.4 inch more travel than before. Hit an undulation hard on the power and you can feel the rear shock compress, the tire grip, but then slow and control the rebound as the spring tries to unload the rear Pirelli.

A well-ridden Multi V4 S could give a sportier bike a run for its money on the right road, and that larger front wheel hasn’t hindered the steering or fun. It will be interesting when we test both the new and old bike back to back. The best compliment I can bestow on the chassis for now is that, on asphalt, the new Multi handles like a sportbike with a 17-inch front wheel.

Ducati has made huge gains in the off-road capabilities of the new Multistrada V4, too, with the introduction of that 19-inch front wheel and greater ground clearance, along with a specific Enduro riding mode and electronic suspension.

In Enduro mode, the Skyhook suspension is more accommodating to off-road riding: ABS is set to 1 (low), there’s no cornering ABS, no ABS on the rear, and no rear wheel lift-up prevention, while rider aids are also reduced. I went a little further and turned off the TC. I also repositioned the standard bars a little higher and removed the rubber from the pegs for more grip—both easily done.

On the move, the new Multi feels more at home off road. The slim seat allows you to move freely whilst standing up, the high bars are more accommodating, the mirrors don’t get in the way of your arms, and there is lots of peg room for bulky boots. You can even change the gear lever position to accommodate them.

Despite the V4 S’s size and weight, I felt comfortable off road. We only got a taste of what this bike can do, but first impressions are good and it is clearly ahead of the old model on easy dirt, though it will be interesting to see how it compares to the competition in tougher terrain.

This is truly four bikes in one: Far more capable off-road than before, comfortable for touring, it can make you smile in the mountains, and is relatively easy to live with and use around town. It’s a little thirsty and pricey, though the latter is arguably justified by the ground-breaking technology and the bike’s sheer desirability. In the flesh, the V4 S oozes class and sleek sophistication. If the 1,260 V-twin created a sense that anywhere and anything was possible, the new bike doubles it.

Predictably, there’s a long list of trim and accessory packs, which means you can personalize your Multistrada V4 S to fit the way and where you ride, direct from the factory. And there’s that world first: front and rear radar detection, which allows the introduction of Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection, both of which work smoothly and add to the touring experience. I can’t wait to get more miles on the new Multi and really push the boundaries off road.