Ducati’s Multistrada should need no introduction. The Italian brand’s pioneering adventure sportsbike revolutionized biking with its comprehensive switchable engine and suspension riding modes when introduced as a V-twin in 2010. A later update introduced ‘Skyhook’ semi-active suspension then, in 2021, when it was replaced by the all-new V4 version, it raised the bar again, this time debuting tech such as radar cruise and proximity warnings. As a result, the Multistrada has become Ducati’s best-selling model family.
That’s why this update is a big deal – and is also why, with so much ‘right’ about the V4 S already, instead of wholesale changes, Ducati has taken a marginal gains approach. Although at a glance little has changed, virtually every aspect of the bike has been subtly improved and updated. The result isn’t a quantum leap forward, it didn’t need to be, but the new Multistrada V4 S has better performance, electronics, handling, braking, styling, equipment – and it even sounds better, too!
With 170bhp, an epic, grunty midrange and some of the best electronics in the business already, there wasn’t much wrong with the old V4 S but now it’s even better, albeit subtly. Peak output is unchanged but exhaust and other changes have made the cam chain driven ‘Granturismo’ motor now Euro5+ compliant, while also improving the exhaust note. There are also two new 114bhp riding modes (with six modes in total) – Wet and Enduro, while the scope of the rear cylinder deactivation system has been extended, resulting in a claimed reduction in CO2 emissions and a 6% boost in fuel economy.
The chassis is also upgraded, but again only subtly. The swing arm pivot point has been moved up by a whole 1mm, which is claimed to reduce suspension squat under acceleration although this is impossible to tell when tested in isolation. The forks have an upgraded position sensor which works with the semi-active system and there’s a new rear shock with wider range of preload adjustment, while lighter forged or wire wheels are available as options. In truth, it’s difficult to vouch for the improvement without riding old and new bikes back-to-back but there was nothing to complain about with the old, and there certainly isn’t with the new. To be honest there are so many modes/adjustments available you’ll be able to modify the settings until you find something that suits.
It's a similar story with braking. The front twin disc/Brembo Stylema calipers set-up is unchanged and remains enormously impressive. But the rear disc has grown from 260 to 285mm with a revised caliper and master cylinder to suit. That’s because Ducati has also ramped up its ‘Electronic Combined Braking System’ which is basically a sophisticated linked system where the rear pedal now, depending on mode and settings, increasingly activates the front. It takes a little getting used to but is fully adjustable and works impressively.
The riding position is also largely unchanged, providing a roomy, wide-barred, upright, adventure bike perch with height adjustable seat and screen. It’s natural, familiar and comfortable, but sportily involving, too.
One change is Ducati’s automatic seat lowering system. Like BMW’s R 1300 GS, the suspension lowers at low speed to aid the rider reach the ground. It activates at under 10kph and now operates between a range of 15 to 30mm (your choice). It’s slick and completely unobtrusive. The final change is to the design and positioning of the optional extra luggage (in either a plastic or aluminium design). The top case is now mounted 12mm further back with the panniers 25mm or 30mm further back respectively, to give the pillion more room.
The Multistrada is about as practical or versatile as a bike get – its name does translate as ‘Multi-Street’ after all. And now, with a full five different versions of the V4 available (plus another two 950cc V-twins), there’s one to cover every preference. As a reminder, there’s the base V4 (without electronic ‘Skyhook’ semi-active suspension or radar), the sportier Pikes Peak (with 17in wheels), the more off-road focused Rally (with wire wheels, big tank etc) and the exotic, hypersport RS (which uses the Streetfighter’s more powerful engine and superbike spec components). The new S, however, really does it all, including light off-roading, and now better than ever. It’ll tour (with comfort, radar cruise and optional luggage and heated grips); be sporty (thanks to its 170bhp, excellent handling, cycle parts and electronics); commute (although at £20k+ it’s probably a little too precious for that) and, yes, even go off-road (optional wheels, Enduro mode etc).
Few bikes have more. As standard, the new Multistrada V4 S has six customizable modes; big TFT dash with backlit switchgear; radar cruise and proximity warners; semi-active suspension; rear cylinder deactivation and automatic seat lowering; an absolute raft of traction, launch and wheelie control options; quickshifter; ‘linked’ brakes, the list goes on. And if you want more, optional extra cost goodies include heated grips and seats; two-different (updated) luggage sets; different seat heights; lightweight wheels, performance pipe and more. One development worth picking out is that, like BMW, Ducati is now bundling some of its options into accessory packs, with, for 2025, the ‘Sport Travel and Radar’ pack (cast wheels, plastic luggage) and ‘Adventure Travel and Radar’ pack (wire wheels, alloy luggage) standing out…
The new Multistrada V4 S starts, as we write, at £21,495, which is a whole chunk of money more than, say, BMW’s latest R 1300 GS, and that’s before you start ticking options boxes such as heated grips, luggage, fog light and so on. As a performance machine with 170bhp it’s also not going to be cheap to run with a hunger for consumables such as tyres, brake pads, chains, fuel etc. That said, it should be cheaper to run than an equivalent superbike and, besides, Italian exotica was always this way…
On the plus side, Ducati’s recent reliability record is very good, service intervals, with major services only due every 15,000 miles and, most impressively, the expensive valve check/adjustment service only due every 36,000, are now right up there with the very best and it comes with a four-year warranty covering all parts and labour, which is significantly more than the two-year versions many rivals offer.
There have been plenty of reasons to buy the Multistrada V4 ever since the launch of the original in 2021, with its rise to be Ducati’s best-selling family with around 11,000 sold globally each year the proof. It’s stylish and sporty, practical yet sophisticated, and does pretty much everything most motorcyclists could want. The difference here is that this new version does all of those things even better still. It goes better (is more economical), handles better (due to the suspension changes), has more features (extra modes, fog lights and more) and is even better equipped. I’m not personally a fan of the restyle and its price, especially with options added, is getting scary, but in every other respect the new Multistrada in near perfect.
2025 Ducati Multistrada V4 S Specification
Price: From £21,495
Engine: 1158cc V4, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 170bhp (125kW) @ 10,750rpm
Torque: 123.8Nm (91.3lb-ft) @ 9000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain final drive
Frame: Aluminium monocoque
Suspension: (F) Marzocchi 50mm USD fork, (R) preload adjustable mono shock. Ducati ‘Skyhook’ semi-active system
Wheels: Cast aluminium, 19”/17”
Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II (F) 120/70 x 19, (R) 170/60 x 17
Brakes: (F) 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, four-piston Brembo Stylema radial calipers, Brembo master cylinder (R) 280mm disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper. Cornering ABS as standard equipment
Weight: 232kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1,566mm
Seat height: 840-860mm
Fuel tank: 22 litres
Fuel consumption: N/a
Service intervals: 15,000 miles
Warranty: 48 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.ducati.com
Words: Phil West
Photos: Ducati
