2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S First Ride Review - Cycle News

Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Ducati must have taken note of Honest Abe’s words because the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S is the first giant leap into the future of production motorcycles.
The digital age has been upon us for years, but motorcycles have been slow to adapt. Some 26 years after Mitsubishi created the first adaptive cruise control system for passenger cars by equipping its 1995 Diamante sedan with a Preview Distance Control system, Ducati has teamed with Bosch to bring the first motorcycle-specific system to market in the ’21 Multistrada.
Available in the four different versions-the $19,995 base model; the Ducati Red Multistrada V4 S with cast wheels ($24,095) or off-road-focused spoked wheels ($24,695); the same V4 S in Aviator Grey for $24,295 ($24,895 for spoked wheels); and the Multistrada V4 S Sport ($26,095, alloy wheels only). All models fitted with the radar (V4 S/V4 S Sport) require $850 for the software activation.
Ducati has created nothing short of a super sports tourer in the Multistrada V4 S.
Chapters:
Intro: 0:00
Radar tech: 01:28
V4 motor: 03:11
Chassis tech: 04:40
Dash: 05:57
Ride impression: 07:04
Fitment: 09:40
Radar: 10:25
Blind Spot Detection: 11:50
Off-road performance: 12:25
Finish: 15:12
Rennie wears:
Arai XDV Depart White/Blue helmet
www.araiamericas.com/xd4-depa...
Dainese Antarctica Gore-Tex Jacket
www.dainese.com/us/en/motorbi...
Dainese Antarctica Gore-Tex Pantswww.dainese.com/us/en/motorbi...
Alpinestars Corozal Adventure Drystar Boots
www.alpinestars.com/collectio...
Alpinestars SPX AC V2 Gloves
www.alpinestars.com/collectio...
Sena 10C Evo bluetooh camera
www.sena.com/product/10c-evo

[@cyclenews]

The radar technology is developed by Bosch, and Ducati is the first manufacturer to offer such technology for sale to the public.

[@Noregret348]

HELLO KTM HERE !!!!

[@markettradinggenius]

C.N, right now BMW is fuming by the mouth...lol....they are probably saying, "we can't let ducati do this to us"...lol..

[@drmengawyong]

Well Bmw need to dump the boxer engine as it has been maxed out Ducati took the plunge trellis v 2 gone panigale engine in unfortunately the 1000rr is too viby

[@raypetrocelli595]

I ordered mine and can't wait for delivery of it even though not in season but just to have it in the garage to look at. Go Ducati Multistrada V4S.

[@jetninjamonkey]

Best review of the Multistrada I've seen to date.

[@mxengineer1]

Great review Rennie! I know you evaluator role is to be objective but it is easy to tell this motorcycle really impressed you and was fun to ride! (you cannot hide your enthusiasm!) Great to see how well the radar worked and nice to have blind spot detection. This latest Ducati looks to be a very capable all around motorcycle. Looking forward to more of your reviews on this bike as you ride it more.

[@ksheehan330]

The reviewer is an Isle of Man TT competitor! Massive props to this Dude.

[@cyclenews]

Thanks Kevin

[@BIGGGESTAL]

Great review thanks. Mine is on order

[@Ctaff63]

Great,straight to the point review, which makes a change. 👍👍🇬🇧

[@marywhitman9283]

Beautiful bike 😍 Great review!

[@movem1]

Solid review. Man you had that moto at full lean on the tarmac. Love these fast ADVs 👍

[@ytnim321]

If that lean was on those tyres it's amazing

[@roller8898]

Excellent review mate !

[@wimmm72]

As always ,Rennie nails it again in this slick review!

[@cyclenews]

Thanks mate!

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

I ordered mine and can't wait for delivery of it even though not in season but just to have it in the garage to look at. Go Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally. Great review, king regards from Catalonia!

[@cyclenews]

Nice! Congrats

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

@@cyclenews thank you!

[@AnthonyGriz]

The way the road & off-road handling was described, was what my split used to be (90-On/10-Off) out on my old Tenere, so this sounds like the perfect setup for some big tours post-covid with mostly road and some nice dirt tracks thrown in for good measure. Nice review!

[@cyclenews]

Thanks, Anthony. Yes, you're right. It's surprisingly good off road, but it's a big ol' bike, a bit like the 1200 Tenere's were. As long as you're careful with it, you'll be able to do most dirt roads, but it's not going to take you places an 890 Adventure R will.

[@AnthonyGriz]

@@cyclenews Definitely sounds like it's exactly the type of bike I'm after then. As a daily ride, and something that is comfortable doing light duty in the dirt for getting to campsites or long stretches of dirt roads here in Australia, as well as great road manners for long-distance tours, it sounds like it's probably going to have a nice spot in my garage sometime this year.

[@user-vm2mb3rj6c]

I have a Panigale and wanting to get another bike. was planning to get SFV4S but this bike changed my mind.

[@crismercado6513]

Wow.. My dream bike.. ❤️❤️❤️

[@NorCalSaint]

Sat on both the V4s and V2s last week-end. V2s would be my pick, seemed more manageable

[@josen1320]

Apparently the radar doesn't tell you there is a car coming the other way when you pull out to pass as the rider in this video learned. Does this bike's cruise control also apply full brakes if it sees a stopped vehicle ahead of you?

[@c_dubbzz6127]

Can't wait for when they make a new Hypermotard with this engine.

[@cyclenews]

Imagine that! That'd almost be too mental. Almost.

[@foolspeedahead]

I feel like that would ruin it. That twitchy little twin gives the Hyper the character it needs.

[@blademanu7]

Cool 😎👍

[@rohitcharles007]

What about it's indicator on front?

[@jesseonamotorcycle]

I can't wait for the iceberg white, almost sure I'm buying it! lol

[@Uninfluenceable]

I use the Distronic radar cruise on my car regularly because I hate driving. I ride my motorcycle for the exact opposite reason, because I love riding. Therefor radar cruise on bikes is definitely not for me. If the Multi is your only mode of transport then maybe I can understand the need for this, but if that's the case you may want to check your priorities.

[@Andrea18353]

I still prefer the 1200 DVT....more beautiful lines, this is more like a GS, and if i need such bike i think its better to chose the leader BMW imho

[@billiondollardan]

Anyone else having a hard time getting one? It's July 2021 and I can't even order one in. There are two V4 multis in the entire state of Ohio and the one near me has a recall job to complete before they sell it. They say Ducati doesn't even know when they'll take orders for next year

[@markettradinggenius]

BMW will now have to play "catch up"....lol....gotta love it !

[@Fradant123]

Multistrada V4S the best adventure motorbike in the planet, at the moment

[@christopherchapman7453]

All radar systems are not created equal. Some work and some are super glitchy. The ones in our semi trucks will pick up road signs, and bridges and slam on the brakes on the freeway with no other cars anywhere in sight. Even the safety video we had to watch before we drove the new trucks stated, this system has LESS faulty applications than the older system.

[@wiw9387]

I'm curious. Since there aren't anymore desmo valves, would service prices drop or will they remain the same?

[@cyclenews]

Good question...

[@wiw9387]

Wish they would address this lol

[@wiw9387]

Although I wish they'd also do this to their scrambler line cause 7500miles is too little mileage to put in before you perform a valve check of a valve check

[@mrpantur7280]

2017 yamaha tmax 530 has cruise control.

[@daveffs1935]

Radar adaptive cruise control?

[@travelinben1966]

Like it, but the 950s has more than enough poke for me.

[@Yeahbuddylightweigh]

Didn’t ktm 1290s adventure s first start the radar tech ?? Think the new 1290 s would give it a run for its money

[@cyclenews]

Technically, yes. KTM bought out patents for Adaptive Cruise Control last year, but Ducati was the first to offer it for sale to the public. The 2021 1290 S Super Adventure will have ACC/radar, but Ducati beat them to the punch of sale by a few months.

[@pimpshark]

@@cyclenews But KTM or BMW don't seem to be going with rear blind spot ? Which I think is such a wasted opportunity, leaving Ducati to always be ahead.

[@jonasbaine3538]

Which has faster acceleration: S1000XR or this?

[@cyclenews]

Probably this, but I'd have to put them head to head to find out.

[@red.riot.2280]

If they would just make a street fighter GT... I like the change to springs. Give me this engine. The sportiness of the fighter. But with a windscreen and panniers.

[@Firestorm637]

Motorcycles catching up to cars safety as electronics become smaller and less expensive. It’s about time.

[@ski3435]

IMHO...only valuable if you do a lot of heavy traffic freeway riding...which I never do. Just wait till the bike slams on the brakes unexpectedly. That will wake you up!

[@RemboUSMC]

We are not in the era of radar in the US just yet. Waiting for approval but apparently the press bikes you guys are using have it turned on.

[@cyclenews]

Yes, very true. They will be road-legal by June.

[@RemboUSMC]

@@cyclenews That is what I hear. Until them my MSV4 does not have the radar I paid for

[@pja9421]

@@RemboUSMC Unless you have paid up front, it appears in the description above that Ducati will be charging another $850 to activate. You would think after paying this much for the bike that would be included.

[@RemboUSMC]

@@pja9421 I brought this up with my dealer and was assured I already paid for it. We will see in a few months.

[@pja9421]

That is good to hear

[@aurorajones8481]

13:40 Ive seen some guys doing some crazy off road stuff in these. So i think they can do that, and do it well. It just requires the rider. LOL Thats on us.

[@xtremeelectronics2862]

👍👍

[@salisburyplain998]

It's an optional extra.

[@estebanod]

I'm barely adult and Ducati already makes me want to be in dept 😩

[@gregmatty6393]

I love how NONE of you testers are allowed to comment on the miserable fuel range everyone is getting from the barely 6 gallon tank. Any touring bike with a 6 gallon capacity should see an indicated range of 250 miles when taking it easy. This alone may be a deal killer for me.

[@aurorajones8481]

LOL everyone has but this guy. So thats not true. Just bought one and hell yea its terrible milage. But worth it if you know what i mean. But if thats your bag buy an Africa Twin they get great milage.

[@rv16ad]

@@aurorajones8481 250 range is plenty, i don't understand why people are complaining ,at that range you are on the bike for 3hours before you consider getting fuel. 3hours in the saddle and i am ready to stop and have a short break and stretch my legs,so refuelling while doing this is no big deal and there are plenty of fuel stop anywhere within this range.

[@TRocksGarage777]

I have a 2022 MSV4s and if your easy on the bike you can get 40-41 mpg. If you are really getting on it you will end up with 28mpg. She is a thirsty girl, but for touring you can get good mileage on the highway.

[@kaan2528]

new KTM superadventure s 1290 or Multi V4 ?

[@cyclenews]

Can't tell you until I ride the KTM...

[@kaan2528]

I am looking forward to comparison video soon

[@garyrayner6330]

This is the motor that should be in the v4 street fighter. A torque beast which is low on maintenance without desmo. 200hp naked bikes with most power up top make very little sense on the road.

[@xtremeelectronics2862]

✌✌

[@jenshilgers177]

you got me with the sex on wheels thing ;) gonna have to testride it to compare it with my gs

[@lennykibbs260]

I had a 13 Pikes peak, now I have a 1250 GSA, as much as I like the GS, this has my curiosity going... one thing I do miss about my pikes peak is the exhaust note, very intoxicating with a full exhaust

[@markgrainger8695]

Good rave Renski ! Im fucking buying one,tomorrow!

[@nikosdanelakis3613]

👌✌️✌️👍👍👏👌

[@mortenviking3196]

What about shorter riders?

[@cyclenews]

You can get the low seat height option.

[@JMeyer-qj1pv]

I think KTM kind of blew it by deciding not to put blind spot detection on the 2021 1290 Adventure. Kudos to Ducati for putting radar front and back.

[@robb8773]

I'll keep my R1250GS with its shaft drive, plenty powerful enough for me

[@Firestorm637]

This V4 suddenly showed up one month before Harley Pan America release. With this bike and the Honda Rebel 1100, Harley will struggle more with old school, over priced bikes with fancy named paints that do not sell new bikes.

[@drewyager4020]

Just give us Apple car play motorcycle manufacturers. Jesus already

[@cyclenews]

Too right.

[@TheSanDiegoDude619]

Honda has already. Goldwing and Africa Twin.

[@stevesmith866]

Far out man? 15:50 this review sponsored by Cheech and Chong. The future is here , a few bong hits then we put our Ducati on cruise control and do nothing but hang on.

[@cyclenews]

Watch what I saw at 11:40.

[@robb8773]

The 2021 BMW R1250RT was the first to have ACC not Ducati.............

[@kenneth61]

Nah I keep my strong characterful dry clutch ST3 with non electronic jimsjams. The only mode this bike goes in depends on me.

[@markettradinggenius]

C.N, right now BMW is fuming by the mouth...lol....they are probably saying, "we can't let ducati do this to us"...lol..

[@jcpatrick4824]

🕊 🇺🇸WWG1WGA🇺🇸 Gratitude!!! 🙏🍀👍

[@dylanw890]

I love how this bike looks like a bird

[@someguy5035]

Not impressed. You want something good on the road? Buy a cruiser or a sport bike. Want something good off road? T7 et all. Want something that does both well? AT. This thing and the GS are needlessly and undeservedly expensive and neither are that great.

[@timothymills733]

As a long time Ducati owner, trusting your safety to complex electronic technology developed by Ducati? umm, hard pass for me.

[@saisr1]

Most of it is Bosch isn't it?

[@cyclenews]

It is developed by Bosch, Ducati's commercial partner. My apologies, I should have made that clear in the video--Rennie

[@timothymills733]

@@cyclenews Thanks for the update. I take back my earlier comment. This makes sense given Bosch's close partnership with VW\Audi. I may need to try out one of these.

[@kennedyracing7527]

Audi technology!!

[@54Rocketeer]

The Ducati connect is useless

[@fabiopacca5028]

I have a Pikes Peak 1260, and IMHO I prefer my Pikes Peak over the MS4s. My bike with straight exhaust (Akrapovic) and lithium Ion battery weights 489 lbs with full tank ready to ride. (some parts were replaced by carbon fiber also) Pikes Peak V2 has 158 HP and 95 ft-lbs . The V4s weights 570 lbs (as per video of Revzilla were they weighted the bike kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmWYYYdud6yLnpo 4:40min) It has 170 HP and 92 ft-lbs. I had the V4s for couple of hours last Saturday, thanks to Ducati Pompano, FL. I wasn't that impressed with the V4s, don't take me wrong, it's a great bike but by comparison with the V2 Pikes Peak it's hard to buy it. Pikes Peak, much better front suspenders (Ohlins NIX), rear shock is Ohlins TTX 36, (on the V4s they are Marzocchi) The rims on the Pikes are Marchesini. What blew me away was the price: Sport model $29,485.00 out the door. I guess I'll keep my Pikes Peak. The dealer said that a Pikes Peak V4 is on the way, price? Who knows?! PS: I could care less for the "radar". Cheers!

[@stuartb1963]

You might as well stay at home and let the bike ride itself, not interested Mr Ducati bike's are about passion exhilarating and freedom not gadgets controlling the ride or infotainment systems you should be immersed in the riding

[@cyclenews]

You can always just, you know, not engage the radar. Then it's like every Ducati before it.

[@stuartb1963]

@@cyclenews why pay for something you don't want, also i feel too much tec detracts from the purity of the ride if i want colourful screens and flashing lights i would buy an Xbox be far safer too.For me good ride is a rejuvenating experience your so focused you're immersed in it there's no room for other thoughts it's cleans and clears your psyche.l don't want to lose that experience but you pays yer money and makes yer choice

[@alwinarakkal8896]

@@stuartb1963 but those radars in back for blind spots are really useful

[@stuartb1963]

@@alwinarakkal8896 i agree on that one

[@robertos4172]

How many of us pass my accelerating from behind the car in front to get close with enough speed differential to spend less time in the opposite lane or to make a pass that would otherwise be difficult........ Even worse, what if moving out of the "radar shadow", accelerating to pass it triggers and kills the acceleration with you incapable of completing the maneuver halfway around the truck with oncoming traffic..... Absolutely No thanks.

[@suezix8689]

Do your research, as long as you accelerate manually the radar won't ever override you. Of course if you plan on overtaking a car on the ACC alone in contra-traffic all sorts of crap can happen, but then you'd be very silly for trying in the first place.

[@RalphMercuroMusic]

This is not an issue. It works just like adaptive cruise works in a car. The rider still has complete control of the bike.

I stopped caring when it couldn't play spotify in the dash

[@carlosprieto4580]

Welcome Ducati V4 S.......gs is dead

[@MUNRO13]

What a fucking terrible idea.

[@stefanflorea9455]

Is a nice street motorcycle, however, Enough with the phony bombastic british accent comments to an Italian motorcycle to be sold in USA. It's about the CASH... Mediocre and deceiving review!