The Ducati Multistrada V4 S: A Superbike in Adventurer’s Clothing

Let’s be honest: the 1,158cc Granturismo V4 engine sitting inside the Multistrada V4 S is a bit of a monster. On paper, 170bhp sounds impressive, but on the open road? It’s transformative. This isn’t just a touring bike; it’s a rocketship with a windshield. While it pulls cleanly from as low as 3,000rpm, the real magic happens once you cross that 6,000rpm threshold. At that point, the bike stops merely accelerating and starts inhaling the horizon. It moves with a ferocity that makes you completely forget you’re piloting a machine that weighs nearly 230kg.

Power with a Personality

The beauty of the V4 S lies in its dual nature. If you’re feeling brave, flick it into Sport mode and sharpen the throttle response. Suddenly, 200kmph is something that happens in the blink of an eye. But if the weather turns or you just want a relaxed cruise, Wet mode smooths everything out, delivering a linear, gentle power curve that keeps things civil without losing that signature Ducati soul. With five customizable ride modes, you can basically program the bike to match your mood for the day.

During my time with it, I eventually gained enough confidence to dial the traction and wheelie controls down. The result? Pure, unadulterated fun. We’re talking effortless hops over speed breakers and enough mid-corner grunt to leave you laughing like a maniac inside your helmet.

Smart Engineering for the Real World

Ducati didn’t just focus on raw speed; they also addressed the practical headaches of a big V4. The rear cylinder deactivation system is a game-changer for city riding. By shutting off the rear two cylinders when you’re idling or crawling through traffic, it significantly cuts down on the heat baking your legs. It’s a seamless system that wakes up the moment you demand more torque, ensuring the bike stays efficient and comfortable when the pace slows down.

Physics-Defying Handling

You might look at the 19-inch front wheel and the sheer size of the Multistrada and expect it to be a handful in the twisties. You’d be wrong. It feels incredibly light on its feet, diving into corners with a precision that feels almost rail-guided. Much of this composure comes from the new aluminum swingarm, which features a pivot point raised by 1mm to prevent the bike from “squatting” under hard acceleration. Whether you’re navigating a tight hairpin or flowing through high-speed sweepers, the Multi remains unflappable.

Braking Confidence

Stopping power is handled by top-tier Brembo hardware, and it’s exactly what a bike this fast needs. The brakes don’t have that grabby, nervous bite found on some track bikes; instead, they offer a progressive, confidence-inspiring feel. The more you squeeze, the more authority you have. The latest model also features a larger rear disc that’s electronically linked to the front, working behind the scenes to keep the chassis level and stable no matter how hard you’re shedding speed.

If you’re looking for a machine that can handle the daily commute, a cross-country tour, and a spirited mountain run—all without breaking a sweat—the Multistrada V4 S makes a very compelling case for being the only bike you’ll ever need.