Before you get lost in spec sheets and buzzwords, here’s the simple truth. The Ducati Multistrada V4 S isn’t trying to be just another big adventure bike. It’s Ducati’s idea of what a modern long-distance motorcycle should be, fast, comfortable, loaded with technology, and genuinely enjoyable to live with every single day. On paper, it sounds almost excessive, a V4 engine, radar, semi-active suspension, and electronics that rival luxury cars. But motorcycles aren’t bought on paper. They’re bought on feel. So we rode the Multistrada V4 S the way most owners actually will, through city traffic, long highway stretches, twisty mountain roads, and broken tarmac, to see what it’s really like.
Design: Different, but Very Deliberate
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The Multistrada V4 S looks very different from older Multistradas. If you loved the muscular, slightly organic design of the earlier bikes, this new one might feel a bit cold at first glance. It’s sharper, more angular, and far more technical in its design language. There’s less emotion in the curves and more purpose in every line.
In photos, the design can look a little polarising. In person, though, it makes a lot more sense. The tall windscreen, wide tank, and upright stance give it a proper long-distance presence. It looks like a machine built to eat kilometres without breaking a sweat. While I still miss the warmth of the older design language, this new look grows on you. It feels lighter, more engineered, and unmistakably premium. And yes, when you park it somewhere, people stop and stare.
Up close, the quality is exactly what you’d expect from a flagship Ducati. The switchgear feels solid, the panels fit beautifully, the LED lighting looks sharp, and nothing feels cheap or rushed. It’s a bike that feels expensive in all the right ways.
Engine: Power Without the Drama
The heart of the Multistrada V4 S is Ducati’s 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine, and honestly, it’s one of the biggest surprises of this motorcycle. You see 170 horsepower and expect something aggressive or demanding. Instead, what you get is smooth, refined, and incredibly easy to ride.
The throttle response is beautifully controlled. There’s no snatchiness, no sudden rush that catches you off guard. Roll on the throttle and the bike just gathers speed effortlessly. It’s calm when you want it to be and seriously quick when you need it. Vibration is almost nonexistent, and the overall refinement makes it feel perfectly suited to long days in the saddle.
This is not an engine that tries to impress you by being wild. It impresses you by being mature. It has the performance of a sportbike, but the manners of a proper tourer.
City Riding: Big Bike, Surprisingly Easy
Big adventure bikes and city traffic usually don’t mix well, but the Multistrada V4 S handles urban riding far better than expected. The weight is well hidden, the balance is spot-on, and the smooth throttle makes crawling through traffic stress-free.
Heat management deserves special mention. For a V4, it does an excellent job of keeping things comfortable, even in slow-moving traffic. The upright riding position gives you a commanding view of the road, and filtering through gaps feels natural rather than intimidating. It’s the kind of bike you could realistically use every day, which isn’t something you can say about many motorcycles in this segment.
Highway: Where It Truly Shines
Get the Multistrada V4 S out on the highway and it immediately feels at home. Wind protection is excellent, with very little buffeting even at higher speeds. The seat is supportive, the ergonomics are relaxed, and the bike feels rock solid at speed. You could sit at cruising pace for hours and step off without feeling broken.
Then there’s the radar-based adaptive cruise control. I’ll admit, I was sceptical about it on a motorcycle. After using it, I’m sold. It works smoothly, maintains distance confidently, and reduces fatigue on long rides in a way you don’t fully appreciate until you experience it. Once you’ve lived with it, going back to a bike without cruise control feels like a downgrade.
Corners and Ghats: The Real Surprise
This is where the Multistrada V4 S genuinely caught me off guard. Big ADVs usually feel a bit vague when pushed hard in the corners. The Ducati doesn’t. It feels planted, stable, and eager to lean.
The Skyhook suspension constantly reads the road and adjusts in the background, keeping the bike composed no matter what you throw at it. Through fast corners and twisty sections, it feels more like a sport-touring motorcycle than an adventure bike. It holds a line beautifully and inspires real confidence when you start riding harder. If you enjoy spirited riding on mountain roads, this bike will put a big smile on your face.
Technology: A Lot of It, Used Well
Yes, the Multistrada V4 S is packed with technology, radar, blind-spot detection, ride modes, semi-active suspension, and a large TFT display. The good news is that it never feels overwhelming. The menus are clean, the controls are intuitive, and everything works the way you expect it to.
The radar and blind-spot systems operate quietly in the background, adding a layer of safety without being intrusive. The TFT display is clear, easy to read, and one of the best in the business. This is technology that actually improves the riding experience, not just something added for brochure points.
Touring Comfort: Set It and Forget It
As a touring motorcycle, the Multistrada V4 S absolutely nails the basics. The seat is comfortable for long hours, the riding position allows you to move around, and the overall ergonomics are spot-on for covering serious distance.
Add features like heated grips, heated seats, and large panniers, and it’s ready for proper touring. One of the best features is the automatic preload adjustment. Whether you’re riding solo, with a pillion, or fully loaded with luggage, the bike adjusts itself. You don’t have to think about it. You just ride.
Final Verdict: A Ducati That Makes a Lot of Sense
The Ducati Multistrada V4 S isn’t meant for riders who want to spend most of their time sliding through dirt trails. It can handle bad roads easily, but that’s not its main focus. This is a motorcycle built for tarmac, long distances, fast corners, and high-speed comfort. If you want a premium adventure touring bike that blends serious performance, real-world comfort, and cutting-edge technology into one cohesive package, the Multistrada V4 S is right at the top. What stands out most is how complete it feels. Nothing feels out of place, and nothing feels like an afterthought. Ducati didn’t just build another adventure bike. They built a long-distance performance machine that feels confident, refined, and unmistakably Ducati.
