Ducati Multistrada V4S - Test Ride Review

[@2BWiley2]

Enjoyed your reviews on all four bikes. Just sharing a bit of perspective as a MS 950s owner that put about 40K miles on mine and has the V4s ordered for delivery in about a week. Your observations of the 950 are spot on - I live in Central CA midway between LA/SF where I can literally drive dozens of miles on twisty canyon roads without coming across more than a few cars and that 950 rips the twisties. I have farmland, and so outfitted mine for enduro riding around the farm and adjacent national parks and it really handles that well too. I’ve also had countless occasions to put more than 400 miles a day in on the 950 and its comfortable enough that it doesn’t completely drain me out doing so. I haven’t regretted owning that bike for a second - it does everything and it’s a constant “compliment magnet”. Also, I’ve only ever needed my scheduled oil changes, scheduled Desmo valve work, tire replacements about every 7k miles (Scorpion Rally STRs) and replaced the chain/sprockets at about 30k miles - zero other issues ever. My only two comments would be that if you ever decide to get the rear top case, you might want to consider getting a steering damper along with it. I would frequently start getting the wobbles right in the 75mph to 85mph range with top case on, which is “freeway passing speed” daily here in CA when the freeways get moving so it was definitely an intrusion I could never get to go away sans damper. So why am I moving to the V4s? Mostly because with 40k miles on the 950 it felt time for a new bike, the V4s felt as agile/capable for me in the twisties as the 950 when I tested it (at least for me personally), I have to confess there have been times where I wanted more top end grunt (only in the triple digits), and the good ‘ol “What the hell, YOLO” factor. Bottom line, if you get the 950s - you’ll have zero regrets. Enjoy, and ride safe!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers for that, really useful, I'll take what you say about the steering damper on board, as speed wobbles are very low on my list of fun things! It sounds like the roads around you are awesome and I can see why the V4S would suit those roads perfectly, the only roads it felt heavy on for me were the very tight twisties of the type that you get in the Yorkshire Dales over here, where you are constantly on the brakes and flipping direction. I'm guessing that canyon roads in California might not be so tight? Hopefully I'll get to ride them one day! I hope you enjoy the new bike, awesome machine, ride safe!

[@2BWiley2]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Yes, steering damper is a worthy call if you are going to ad the top case. You might be right about the “very tight twisties”. I only tested the V4 around Santa Barbara where my dealership is located, which has some winding roads near the shop but nothing like the super-tight mountain twisties near my home/farm about 1.5 hours further up the coast. I guess the real test begins when I get my new baby home in about a week! I’ll look forward to enjoying vids of you and your new baby soon regardless your bike-choice. All those bikes you are considering are unquestionably winners in their own unique ways - and anything can be mastered once owned and ridden hard for a bit - but I for one am rooting for you to go the 950s route! Safe riding!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@2BWiley2 You too! Decision vid won't be too far down the line!

[@tristanlim13]

Spot on. I’m riding the 950s and tested the V4S, thinking if I should change. After testing it, I finally understand why they put up the radar on the bike. To make it easier to ride for normal use.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Good point!😂

[@rideswithhoover9789]

Ducati have just released a V2S to replace the 950S which is one step up . From what I’ve see on KZbin.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Yes, I hadn't realised that was just round the corner when I bought mine! It looks good! I'm not sure how different it is to the 950S or if it is just a bit of repackaging/ re-naming to stay in line with the whole V2 version of bigger V4 bikes at the moment - I'm thinking Tuono etc.

[@theworldsbonkers]

After owning 2 BMW 1200 gs adventures I was looking for a change.I test rode the BMW s1000xr and wasn't for me I then test rode the Multi V4S from the same place as you Leeds Ducati came back from the test ride and bought one.I was blown away by the power and smoothness of the bike.Gets delivered January due to ordering spoked edition there's a waiting list.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Yes, it is an awesome bike. I must admit a couple of times I have thought to myself should I have gone for the V4 rather than the 950. They are both great bikes though and I am still loving the 950, I bet you can't wait for January now!

[@theworldsbonkers]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker really am looking forward to getting it. My son is taking his A2 through BMW rookie to rider scheme. So all being well we are going to have a crack at the NC500 next year.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@theworldsbonkers That sounds excellent, I cant wait until I can ride with my kids on their own bikes - they both love being on the back and are definite future riders, but they are only 13 and 11 at the moment. I want to do the NC500 as well next year as well, so you never know, I might see you on the road! Did the Crieff Cloverleaf this year, which I can highly recommend as well. It is four circular, all-day routes starting and finishing in Crieff, which is a town in central Scotland. Great routes.

[@philipfisher4244]

Good real world reviews - I wish you success with building subscribers

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers! And thanks for watching!

[@JonLong]

I'm also deliberating between the Multi V4S and R1250 GS (test rode both) and enjoyed your thoughts on them. I love the look of the Multistrada, but I'm leaning strongly toward the GS. The weight on the Multistrada feels exceptionally high, and it feels like a lot of mass has to move from side to side when changing direction. The GS felt much lighter, and the suspension felt more composed on less-than-perfect roads.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Agreed. If my decision was between the V4S and the GS I would be in the GS camp 100%

[@jamiek9907]

Here's a spanner in the works....Yamaha 1200 tenere....just a thought...a box to think out of .🤔🙄😁

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Not a bike I had considered to be honest, for some reason I always think of Tenere's as being too tall for me for some reason. I rode the new (at the time) Tenere 700 at the MCN show in 2019 and found it tall - I have pretty short legs! Really good bike though, just tall.

[@jamiek9907]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker I agree at 875mm the 700 tenere is a tall bike. 1200 tenere 845-870mm Gs. 830-850mm 950s. 840mm ( just a quick Google search so don't put on the bonfire if I'm wrong 😂😂) Engine wise I thought it might be your style.😉 A very underrated bike and forgettable bike but a wild card atleast.😁

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@jamiek9907 Definitely worthy of a wild card! I didn't realise it was 875mm! What were they thinking of? I know it makes it more viable for off road, but I'd need steps to reach it!😂😂😂

[@jamiek9907]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker yep the 700 is no good if you suffer from nose bleeds 😂😂 but 1200 has a ickle bit about it that may supprise.🤔

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@jamiek9907 I'll have to try that then! I did get a bit of vertigo on the 700!🤣

[@travelinben1966]

The 950S is a great bike,and more realistic to ride in the real world.The shaft drive on the GS is nice to have though.Tough call,but at alot less money,the 950S should scratch that itch for you quite nicely.Great review.Thank you.👍👍

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Yep, itch being nicely scratched now! Cheers for watching👍

[@gnmurray5955]

This is sooo interesting. I didn't have as much access to various bikes down here in Tasmania (despite having some of the world's best biking roads ) and only rode the Tiger GT Pro before riding the bike that I bought, a BMW R1250GS Rallye which I love. A major consideration down here was the reputation of the company backup and BMW's is unsurpassed so it was an easy decision.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Agreed, BMW's reputation is second to none and the GS is one hell of a bike, I don't think you can go wrong with it.

[@northernboy5427]

Great vid mate. Think it’s just public roads that are the problem and not the bike😂😂

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Definitely, the bike is awesome, I love it.

[@glenntoulouse5710]

Had a multi 950 traded for gs1250 te and its a better bike for me. Better build quality, shaft drive, more grunt, same on fuel, more comfort on long tours, better luggage capacity, better dash, better suspension.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Well... with my head I have to confess I agree with you, the GS is the better bike in terms of all of the things that you mention and I very nearly went down the route of buying one, but... my heart preferred the Multi and if I had have gone down the GS route I think I would have been looking longingly at Multistrada's every time I saw one, which I don't do when I see GS's now. Although I will admit that every now and then when the dash doesn't do exactly what it is supposed to or I stop on a road with an awkward camber and realise how tall and top heavy the Multi is, I do wonder if I should have gone with the GS! But all in all I'm happy with my choice, I love it every time I see it.👍

[@stuarthall2523]

Bikes have come on so much in the last few years, 800-900 engines are all you need these days. Hard choice to make between the 950 and GS. Both have had reliability problems, and Ducati servicing will be higher. Depends how on how long you intend to keep the bike.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Nice decision to have to make though!👍

[@trakdoc9528]

Reliability problems? 950 issue is the fuel sensor. GS?

[@RichDunn]

I have a Multistrada V4S and Streetfighter V4S, and the SF definitely punches harder when accelerating. The Multi is much more practical though.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

You have impeccable taste in bikes! Yes, I suppose in hindsight the Street Fighter is always going to be the quicker bike, it has more power and weighs nothing. I think I was just taken by surprise in the moment by how hard the V4S pulls, it is an awesome bike, as is the Street Fighter!

[@RichDunn]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Thanks, TBHB. It's more than fast enough! 🤪

[@Lochwood92]

Yeh always thought a v4 multistrada would be too much for a tourer and fuel comsumption wouldn't be that great either. surprised you haven't had a shifty at the new 900 tracer.. looks an awesome machine. Good luck with your choice. 👍

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Fuel consumption? I thought there was a leak! I did consider the Tracer, but got swayed by the looks of the Multi!🤣

[@davem3008]

It's official.... some bikes do have way too much power 🤣 Great honest review 👍

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Cheers. I just wouldn't know what to do with it all!

[@tomtraynor5384]

I probably don't NEED a 10-million dollars either--but I'll take it! Ya never know.... ;)

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@tomtraynor5384 Ha, ha, fair point, me too!!!🤣

[@andrewlaitt9586]

Pan America? (I’m looking forward to trying it at the ABR festival)

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Yes, I'd like to give that a go as well - I'll be at the ABR, so I might see if I can get on one.

[@IanTed]

Great bike but the 950S is a better package for £5000 less…and has a much better range.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

I think so too.

[@gsd32i]

I would try the gt in all honesty. If you don’t try then you won’t know or try a super duke. The twins have great amounts of low down drive ability and real world use ability . Good luck

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

I do definitely want to ride one, looks like a lovely bike.

[@rossmunro277]

Hmm... Interesting, I thought that the 1260 multistrada would do it for you. I know you like the fun and flickability, of the Duke, I rode the new monster last week which has the same 937cc engine as the 950 multistrada, I don't know whether you felt the same, but I felt that the power and character of the ducati 937 was very similar to our 790 dukes, so you would want the same, and a bit more to ramp up the fun factor, no?

[@volt7cooltangs701]

BHB is going to find it hard to find a stellar jump forward from his Thruxton R and Duke 790. Both great bikes and both fast enough. Yes a longer range tourer he might need. Tiger 1200, wonder if he’s tried that?

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

I totally agree, the ride of the 950 was very similar to the Duke, partly why I really like it. I'm not necessarily looking for more power than that, I love the fact that you can use all the power on offer on the roads.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

I haven't to be honest, but I'd like to, I do like Triumph's and the Tiger is a good looking bike.

[@HunterChristianDarkman]

For most of your riding in the video, you indicate that it's too much bike for it. Had you used "Urban" mode for those slower speeds, I'm certain you would have found it to be much better, as I have. Yes, more power than you ever need, so? :-) As much as I think the smaller Multistradas might be more suitable, they just don't have all the great features :-)

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Totally agree about the lower speeds, it is a complete pussycat for slow riding, really easy. When I say it has more power than I need I mean 'for the road'. With my naughty right wrist If I had a bike that was a lively as the V4S, with endless power, I am pretty sure it would be a race between me losing my license or killing myself, the power would just be too tempting! The reason I went for the 950 is that it is a more useable real world bike and for 2021 they have exported most of the features from the full fat Multi to it, so it is the best of both worlds for me. The V4 is a bloody great bike, just way more than is sensible for me.

[@HunterChristianDarkman]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker I was just suggesting that most of the riding in your video was at speeds that were more suitable for Urban mode. I think your experience would have been much better in that mode. As for features, Ducati continues to leave out key/desireable features in the lesser models. I ride in memory of my daughter, and I wanted the full meal deal. The V4S is that, and mostly much better than the 2011 model I had previously. (Still, it would be great if the 950 had all the features of the V4S :-) )

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@HunterChristianDarkman Yes, it would be nice if they put the full kit on the 950, I love that radar! I see what you mean about the Urban mode and you are probably right, as the traffic was horrendous on the day I did the test ride. I'm really sorry that you lost your daughter, I couldn't imagine that pain. I totally get why you wanted the full meal with all the trimmings for those rides - ride safe fella!✌️

[@HunterChristianDarkman]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Condolences are appreciated. However, I have come to terms with a fallen world, and I have hope for the future - I am okay, and she is remembered. True about all the trimmings - if I wanted something more practical, I would have saved a bank account of money! Honoring my daughter with the high end is similar to a gaudy church dedicated to Jesus. I used to think it was a waste when the funds could have gone to help the poor, etc. but even Jesus said that the poor would always be with us, but He would would not, and accepted a similar honor from someone, so by His example, it is an appropriate way to honor my daughter.

[@MotoGoato]

It may well be a bit of a weapon and a very tasty bike ... but at £18K+ it's pretty damned pricey too!!

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Yes, you're certainly paying for what you get, but having said that you can see where your money has gone with that bike, it is a top end bit of kit and very well put together. Still a bloody lot of money though!!!🤣🤣🤣

[@raimotanila9374]

1158 cc

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

👍

[@DukeOfTwist]

If I was a betting man, I'd say you're getting the 950 multistrada, for this one reason "Desire". You've longed for it, dreamt about it & for the fact you really don't find the GS that attractive even thou she could still show you a good time. Its the same as Saturday night nightclub selections; who do you really wanna take home? lol

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

I like your way of thinking - the GS would be a corking one night stand and do things that might surprise you, but the Multi is definitely more long term girlfriend material.

[@gregorybigg8924]

It’s not 1300cc it’s 1158cc 🙄

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Doh! You're right, hadn't realised I'd said that!🙄

[@greg_takacs]

"I don't need this much power" - noone

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

🤣🤣🤣...for the road. I have a very naughty right wrist - if I had this bike there would be a race between losing my license and killing myself!🤣🤣🤣

[@greg_takacs]

@@TheBoltHoleBiker fair enough. I love my V4S but my riding areas in the US is vastly different from yours from the video so the insane amount of power is well used.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

@@greg_takacs Enjoy it! Awesome bike.

[@davydthomas6621]

Come on. Talk about a cliff hanger. I don’t think I can wait that long. And yes. The V4 is exactly just that, a weapon for a track and the uk road don’t allow you to do just anything with a bike that has that much power. Like you said police, speed cameras, animals and little old dears on a Sunday drive are just of a few hazards on the uk roads of today. But come on. Spill the beans.

[@TheBoltHoleBiker]

Well, just between you and me I may have put a deposit down on a bike... and it might be red. Keep it to yourself though!🙄