Is the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally worth buying? Long-term test

#ducati #multistrada #v4rally #adventurebike
MCN Editor, Richard Newland takes us through his year with the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally. Read more here: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
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[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Would you take a Multistrada V4 Rally over the competition? Tell us below!

[@TwoGoTouring]

As you guys are testing them on our behalf it would be great if you would nail your flag to mast and tell us if you would buy this bike over the competition? ( ignoring the price )

[@bsmukler]

Yes, and I love it. 😊 It represents a big step forward from its predecessor (1260 Enduro) as well as, I think, the R1250GS Adventure.

[@richardtarr9767]

Yes and I did. Traded in a 1290 SAS and initially I missed the Twin low down grunt and the loonyness of the KTM, but as Richard said, the MS v4 Rally can be so docile around town and ferocious if you so wish. I also appreciate the brilliant screen and its aerodynamic perfection, the geometry relationship between the seat, pegs and handlebars fits me perfectly. No suspension glitches for me, it works perfectly and via the excellent switchgear, it's easy to set up. Sygic works fine but drains the phone battery and there is no means to charge via USB C cable so it's the excellent Zumo XT2 and the Sygic as backup should I ever need it. I've had GSs, KTM, but this has given me the most fun so far and I'm looking forward to touring the Eurohood in the summer.

[@bsmukler]

I completed one trip before my new Zumo XT2 arrived, using the 12 volt outlet and an Optima USB connector. The nav worked okay, but I didn’t like the phone getting so hot. I’ve had various Garmin devices for years and much prefer them to App-based systems. Enjoy your Rally!

[@petewatson9866]

No, The power is addictive but that’s it, when you are touring you want reliability and more mpg, let’s not forget about cooking nuts on the continent

[@cesbaral]

I've got this bike, after testing a v4s, and really love this one due to fuel tank capacity and also feels more stable, I'm a naked bike guy (my favorite is my streetfighter v4 sp), but this one made me love the sport's touring segment, as its like a sports bike on heels capable of taking you almost anywhere

[@matsrekdal3065]

To adjust the chain, you need a 36 mm (not 32), 12 tooth socket to loosen the wheel. Also, instructions on how to do the adjustment is found on both the chainguard and in the manual. Yes, damping is semi-auto, but you can also manually choose between 5 settings, from very soft to very hard. ACC has 4 settings (not 3), near, medium, far and very far. Lowering the bike (minimum preload) can be done anytime as long as the speed is below 100 km/h. Fantastic bike. Coming from the v4s, this is under serious consideration, along with the upcoming, new GS Adventure.

[@MrBiggles]

Great to see this in depth chat review thanks guys. In two minds about the V4 rally and the new GS.

[@7443jan]

What a very nice place to talk about the Multistrada.

[@JanPeters]

I've got this bike, after owing a V4S, and totally love it. Did you know you can suspend cruisecontrol activity by closing your gas, and then further 'beyond' close? Super handy.

[@arthurwilliams5786]

Hey thx 🙂 was hoping to find the difference of rally & the S so this has done it thx again. Ashley from Australia 😊

[@bmazzuia]

Great video and great choice on rider to review the bike, He definitely represents the target for this segment.

[@RikkyTang]

Excellent video, Richard's views sound very much like the considered and comprehensive observations of an owner; just the kind of thing a prospective owner would want to know 👍 Not me though... at 5'7" I just don't wanna go there!

[@reghardhamman3057]

Great bike. Want one. Consensus seems to be that IF you can afford it, you should go for it.

[@Ducatijay72]

Cheaper than a divorce 😊

[@alexandrevarandasfireball]

The best bike ever money can buy!

[@Honda_Africa_Twin]

Talking about perfect timing. I was just searching for a long term test of the exact same bike, and here’s a video uploaded 7 minutes before I opened my tablet. I am considering changing my BMW R1250 GSA for this one. Thanks for the upload, I just had to comment before watching. Cheers.

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

This is better, I have already tried them, even the new 1,300.

[@Honda_Africa_Twin]

@@mardelplatalimousines3423Thanks for your input. I am eager to book a test ride as soon as the snow melts.

[@TheFozzy222]

Yes same here, got the 1250 but don't like to look of the 1300 ....this one looks so good.

[@TwoGoTouring]

I’m thinking exactly like you 👍

[@bsebesty]

@@mardelplatalimousines3423 Finally, somebody giving a good reference point. I'm thinking of moving on from my 4 yrs old 1250GSA.

[@hamsterclamper]

Interesting comments, but a bit monolithic. Poor Neevesy couldn’t get a word in edgeways🤔

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Exactly what I was thinking. I guess it comes down to who’s boss and wants all to know this.

[@iancharlton5530]

It was his bike on test so ye he is going to say more than Neevesy. Watch all of the other bikes test vids they are the same.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@iancharlton5530 I’ve watched each and everyone of them. However, I haven’t seen one where Neevesy was interrupted as much. Just revisit a couple and you will notice this part. Perhaps you missed this.

[@splodge5714]

​@@marcusgeorge1825it should be the person who's riding the bike doing all the talking, his experience of it is what we want to hear.

[@GGMM42]

Who cares? I watch the video for the info, not for whoever is delivering it.

[@joerogers1138]

I bought my Rally back in November 23. This bike is for those that, either 1. Have the financial fortitude to afford it, or 2. Are Ducati enthusiasts and will make it work. I fall in the latter category. Just like every other make of bikes out there, there are nuisances that make each great, and…not so great. Ive owned at least one from the major brands, BMW, KTM, Japanese Big 4. Loved them all, but for me, the Ducati gives me the warm fuzzies. Is it worth the price? For most, the answer is no. For me, absofuckinglutely

[@ricardoedwardo5799]

I’ll echo your comment. It’s soooooo worth it. Came from 2 Tuono V4s over the last 4 years and thought I’d never want another bike, until I rode the V4s sport full👺 Happily be in debt for this outstanding machine!

[@rostyslavkozhushko5841]

I am debating on it, recently have up for sale my 2016 KTM 1290 Super adventure, for me only V4s are worth updating after LC8 engine, what would be your sought on the Ducati?

[@kuhndj67]

I'm obviously a Multi fan... but the increasing bulk of the Multi since I bought mine has driven me toward the dreaded 3 letter acronym (specifically the M1000XR variant of the three letter acronym). Regarding tires... the "adv" tires never really performed any different on dirt roads than typical touring tires (which is to say... poorly) AND they were just as prone to punctures... so I moved away from the "Scorpion Trial's" and "Trailmax's" to the Pilot Road's and Angel GT's which are better on the road and last longer. (actually running Diablo Corsa's on my Multi now, but that's a different beast). On my Lightweight ADV bike (Husqvarna 701 Enduro) I did the same thing in the other direction... went from mediocre performing Karoo's and TKC80's to a much more dirt-surefooted MT21 and D606 configuration.

[@TeslasSecret]

Indeed. It’s become huge ! The Rally makes old 1260’s look one midgets.

[@ChrisMag100]

Agree. My 2013 weighs ~500lbs wet without luggage. M1000XR has my attention, despite not being a BMW fan. I’ve ridden the V4 S and Pikes Peak. Like them both, but prefer the lower weight of my 13’, and the rev limit of my Streetfighter. Also, the fuel economy of the MSV4 is a concern.

[@kuhndj67]

@@ChrisMag100 Yep... I have the 15 so it's heavier than the 13 but still about 515 with a full tank (actually more like 500 now that I have Carbon wheels). I've seen 575 for the v4 from owners and I don't trust Ducati's weight claims for the Multi since they definitely exaggerate... so I tend to believe the owners. The M1000XR though is right around 500 wet... so is the closest to the old twin multi's of any of the current options.

[@markholmes5695]

Range is incredible. To be honest though 400km is a LONG drive, circa 3.5 to 4 hours non stop . I’d need to pee, or have a coffee. I live in Europe so filling stations are everywhere, I never actually drive off road so fuel tank size doesn’t really bother me!

[@Bagley996]

Hi What crash bars are fitted to the Rally? Great vid, thank you

[@Ducatijay72]

Wunderlich through nippy Norman's 😊

[@stevebagley9641]

Thanks

[@MikeK6046]

Great review, AWESOME motorcycle!! IMO only 20% of riders can "effectively" use "all" the power this Ducati (and similar) delivers.

[@jimpanzer07]

Looks like a great bike, even better in person, the only downfall is the huge price - $30,600 before tax and fees in the US

[@SimonBerrecloth]

So I guess the question is would you buy one over the standard V4S? When you gave it back in MCN you wrote that the only thing stopping you getting one would be the standard model. Why was that?

[@jamescrampton6803]

I wish you could get the V4S with the bigger tank!

[@Simbacutie1662]

How tall are you?

[@mrcintheuk4641]

I find it sad, and to be honest quite pathetic, that these days the discussion about bikes is about heated seats, size of the phone holders, when to use the side stand because of the auto height adjustment, anomalies with the dynamic cruise system, etc, etc, etc.

[@matsrekdal3065]

See your point, but i believe the reason for this is because the bike in general is so good. Like they talked about: engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, handling, wind protection etc, everything is top notch. I come from the Multistrada v4s, and even though i didn't care much about things like the navigation system, it's worth a mentioning simply because it is really bad. Some of the competiton have better solutions, such as Honda with Android Auto.

[@markholmes5695]

@@matsrekdal3065I use a phone holder and google maps. Better than any other bike or car ‘in system’ solution. Not as fancy but it’s most accurate

[@user-ux4yl4uk4u]

I love my Italian siren, do it and you’ll never regret it

[@beverleynorth4914]

Is it top heavy? I’m 60 and find it a bit of a worry moving a big heavy bike about in the garage

[@SuperKTMboy]

I had a 1200 Multi Enduro, great bike but dear lord on a camber manipulating it or up a ramp into a garage etc by yourself then you were in the lap of the gods if it went sideways.I am 6ft, 78kgs and pretty fit but found it tiring after a while...same girth as GSA etc otherwise it would have stayed. The tank though not as defined as the V4 here will feel retrospective I imagine with weight wise especially getting it about the place....it will not get lighter is the adage in all of this.They are good going but and it is a lotta weight to through around.

[@Bazza47]

Have you tried a GS as with the boxer engine the COG is low down so it doesn't feel top heavy at all. I'm 5'7" and 67 and have had 3, the last being a factory lowered 1250.

[@SuperKTMboy]

@@Bazza47 No sir, I am kinda outta the loop now with big adv tourers as such....I have reverted back to naked madness.

[@richardtarr9767]

It feels top heavy in the garage, but light as a feather on the road.

[@filipepaninho6558]

Multistrada V2 / V2S probably a better option...

[@beverleynorth4914]

Any tips on how to get your leg over ……..with the large panniers

[@davidrobinson8740]

Get on like you are mounting a horse. Leave on sidestand. Left foot left peg and swing over

[@kuhndj67]

The seat height is the same as older Multi's (33.4") and I have no issue climbing aboard mine (5'10"). On my MUCH taller 701 Enduro (37" on my bike) I have to put a foot on the seat and hop in (either that or use the peg if footing is good).

[@adamc209]

Just hop up the side using the foot peg, I usually do it from side stand side, left foot on peg with bike on the stand and climb on 👍🏻

[@ljj808]

Surely being unable to get an Insurance quote is a downside ??

[@splodge5714]

Was relaxed and enjoying this until he said £27 grand!!! Look forward to the Triumph Scrambler 400 and a sensibly priced bike.

[@PromethSunrise]

broke boy

[@Ducatijay72]

That's with full luggage around 25.5 k normal so it's only one kidney

[@stockmatthew2010]

Did 2100 miles in one hit on my 2018 GSA, wonder how good this would be

[@dirkdigglertube]

How much MPG do you do with it?

[@oblivion0077]

I think it gets 30-35mpg

[@MrOnnoV]

Pricing is prohibitive. I'd like to know how reliable it is ie. Driving vs in a shop and how $ to maintain. That goes for all these tests though. Otherwise lots of info though.

[@valeriocometti4416]

I did 11000 miles with mine: not a single issue with it, I took it to the dealer only for yearly service (approx 350€ each). Never owned a better bike.

[@sagormans]

I have no idea why Ducati don’t just use car play to link phones etc. the system works and it means you can use other nav/music apps.

[@asimms4101]

4000 miles since July.....

[@rickeco4tango33]

I have this motor in a Panigale V4s and it’s too much🤯 that’s a horrible idea, when and where do we start!!

[@Ducatijay72]

It’s not quite same engine, it’s not desmo and doesn’t rev as high plus 60 km service for valvers two year oil change (9000) miles the new rs will have the desmo

[@Final_Boss_Racing]

I’m only watching this bc Neevesy is here.

[@mojosdad68]

Great bike, but far too pricey.

[@martinhughes9769]

Too expensive , you could buy a decent bike and a small car

[@christofonobrown3659]

I think it’s pricing is inline these days for these high end bikes. Equipped similarly the GS is now more expensive than a Ducati.

[@kevingallen1678]

Adjust the chain twice in 4000 miles!

[@thodoris3790]

bikes for the rich

[@brucekendall52]

180NM for rear wheel.What nonsense.

[@marksmallman4572]

176 actually..

[@bhok1971]

Get a V Strom 800 and a 6 month trip around the world instead 😂

[@KalJoao]

No kidding. I can afford the Multi but I dont want to spend that much on my new commuter so i cant decide what to get!

[@thor8640]

I own a 2021 V4S and this will be my next bike. Can somebody dive into these APP's that every motorcycle manufacturer exclusively uses? KTM, BMW and Ducati all use their own version which are usually (as stated in this video) prone to connectivity issues. I turfed my Sygic 3 months into bike ownership. WHY is nobody giving us Apple Car play and Android Auto? Works without fault in my car, but om your bike?? HAAA, forget it manufacturer seem to say, we want you to be aggravated about a connectivity solution that we overcomplicated and did not test enough.

[@Honda_Africa_Twin]

Honda gives you Apple CarPlay and Android auto on Goldwing, Africa Twin, NT 1100 and maybe some other models.

[@thor8640]

@@Honda_Africa_Twin yup, that is why i did not mention Honda.

[@mortarman81guns]

I don't know if there's any truth to it, but I read someplace that it's due to Bosch's controllers for all the electronics on the bike. Apparently, Bosch doesn't allow for anything other than apps written to it's API, and it's likely that to integrate CarPlay with the Bosch controller may be cost prohibitive due to the effort involved and Apple's licensing fees - although with a $30+K bike it makes one wonder if buyers wouldn't find it worth the incremental price differential if it wasn't too outlandish. Personally, I would have been willing to pay an extra $500 - $1K for the option. As it is, I dislike the Sygic app so much that I bought a Garmin and the optional high-mount for my bike, so that was nearly an incremental $1K anyway. Like I said, I would have liked an option for CarPlay even if it was more money. If I attend the next Alpino Giro, I'll have to remember to ask Jason Chinnock about it.

[@thor8640]

@@mortarman81guns ok, may be valid. Thought most cars these days have Bosch ABS, Collision avoidance and so on. I would really like a motorcycle journalist to dive into the topic and find out why we do not get ACP and AA.

[@mortarman81guns]

@@thor8640 i would like to know definitively as well. With regard to cars, they're much larger systems and the entertainment system is usually standalone (in that they're not controlled by the same systems running ABS, etc.), versus on a bike where the systems are likely more monolithic.

[@user-di5im5wo7o]

Summary: Yes, you’re a FIT, capable off road rider and have money. No, if you’re a fat, road dwelling rider and poor.

[@Umaguma1964]

Dont know what your doing but I can get an iphone 15 pro max in the phone cubby without an issue

[@rooster80]

People don't realize that there is room for the cable at the bottom, and try to put in with the charger cable up... So many reviewers don't try it the other way.

[@Jungleland33]

Pretty much anything Italian will , at some stage, wreck your head, heart, and wallet.

[@asimms4101]

Engine and electronics made in Germany....

[@Lankykrm]

It’s an Audi

[@stevetee4145]

Far too expensive.

[@anthonynewton7987]

Ducati have lost the plot with their pricing. Multi V4 is undoubtedly a nice bike but not worth the asking price. Does it ride better than a Super Adventure? No

[@septopus3516]

You know... Over 30 minutes talking about the bike while the bike is stationary... Not even b-rolls ffs... Show the display... Show the controls working, no exhaust note at least ffs... No wonder this channel is dead...

[@churchofbrap876]

Start your own channel if u can do it better 😂😂