King of adventure bikes: Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally UK review

Ducati's pushed the boat out with the Multistrada V4 Rally - it gets a tonne of tweaks over the regular bike, but they do push the price up to £24k! Is it worth the money? Find out whether the new tweaks fix the fuel economy of the Multi V4, whether it's more fun than a KTM 1290 Super Adventure and whether I'd have one over a GS. Or any other adventure bike, for that matter. It's review time!
00:00 Intro
00:33 How much does it cost?
01:10 What's the fuel range actually like?
02:20 What's changed for the Rally?
04:17 How heavy and tall is it?
05:20 Riding: first impressions
08:12 How does the engine feel?
08:55 FIRST WHINGE
10:00 Accidental wheelie
10:10 More on fuel economy
10:47 Weather protection and motorway speed
11:36 B-road handling
13:23 Is it the best adventure bike I've ever ridden?
15:42 Radar cruise control, minor heated seat whinge
16:15 Here's a Lamborghini Diablo
16:27 Delicious engine noise waffle, something about Egypt
17:22 Radar cruise and wheelie control
18:14 Conclusion, finally you waffling git
#multistradav4rally
#timrodie
#ducati
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[@allsolgmbh]

After about 10’000km on a Rally I can say it’s perfect! I love it!

[@Inked_CR]

At 27k, I'd also expect it to be the best adventure bike 🤣. I'll stick with a 12k used 2021 SAS. It's just as much fun for a whole lot less. Great content mate. Hope there's more reviews soon.

[@DakarBlues]

Damn right! I also believe that Ducati stole a page from the KTM 1290 SAS bible, indeed!

[@davidmohr4004]

Thanks for the great review Tim. Love the comic outtakes toward the end...those are always fun.

[@mattmustoe2369]

Another cracking, entertaining review Tim. Keep them coming. You’re style is very engaging.

[@matt2wheels]

Your review made me want to have children just so I can sell them and buy this bike! Cracking review!

[@timrodierides]

This comment made my week haha. Thanks Matt!

[@109rfan1]

fyi you can sell a testical for 30k u.s.

[@midroc250]

Try the Gran tourismo screen for better wind protection. The extra height and angle makes a significant improvement for people of your height.

[@MarcSteenbeke84]

Is that a Ducati screen or aftermarket ?

[@nrhgunner5]

Fantastic review. I thought I was alone in laughing madly in my lid!

[@jamesdonoghue5907]

Entertaining and informative, what’s not to like! Thanks

[@albertlira7443]

Tim giggles are just the best. Man what a bike

[@christianmouraux7269]

I didn’t test it because it’s really too expensive... So I went for a KTM 1290 SAR, and I love every second I spend on it. 😊

[@Steve-motorcycles]

I’m reluctant to express such mush after a nice dinner and a few of my favourite jars down my local on a Sunday afternoon. I am going to have to say you are becoming my favourite entertainer. Oops, I meant to say reviewer. Seriously, its great stuff. 😊

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

Tim Rodie loves me, and I love Tim Rodie. Probably too many beers at this point but I do enjoy your reviews, such that I stick around 'til the end.. now it's between this and the V4 Diavel.

[@Multistriding]

Great review!! Thanks for doing it

[@timrodierides]

Great comment, thanks for doing it! :D

[@michaelpearson4474]

Great review Tim. I want one !

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review Tim!

[@happyhalfwit8862]

Great review Tim. Interesting comments on the screen as I’m 6’6 and have no buffet on the normal v4s so sounds like the new screen design isn’t quite there. I have to say the only bike I would change mine for is this one, they are the perfect all round bike from hooligan to happy tour it’s just a permanent s**t eating grin. A housekeeping point the older ones are now software moded to give the “Min” suspension setting. I have also been pushing Ducati about the cylinder shut down and if it will be available as a mod for all the v4’s ( Diavel has it too now) it’s only a software tweak and so should be possible. Oh and yep anything more that 170miles (16.5l used)and my creaky old arse needs a break and considering the age of most GSA riders their bladder will run out before the fuel tank is anywhere near empty

[@eriklarsson3528]

Great review👍

[@austinman1234567]

Admittedly the KTM 1290 SAS is a lot cheaper than the V4 Rally, even after fitting upgrades and bags. According to my spreadsheet (yes, I have a spreadsheet), the difference in cost is about $10,000 in the USA. Now, where the gap narrows is when you compare the cost of the Multi V4 Rally to the new R1300GS.The spreadsheet doesn't look as bad. This is how I am slowly, but surely, convincing myself the cost is justified. Plus I already have an R1200RT as my old man touring machine. Nice review, Tim. Thanks,

[@austinman1234567]

Plus I just watched Chris's (BaronVonGrumble) review of the R1300GS and it sounds like the gearbox is still a bit clunky.

[@bigal5895]

Excellent ramblings!...I have had a MS V4S since September 21 and luv it! At 4600 miles its had two annual servicing's and software update for connectivity and min preload (which is ideal in town) and works a treat. Would I spend 27 grand on a big tank and all the tweaks? if I had that sort of money damn right I would but I don't .....meantime I am thinking BHP decat link pipe and ECU flash as a compromise. Nothing beats this bike in sport mode flat in 4th oh gibber gibber!!

[@davidbadham3712]

Great review, Tim and very entertaining. I just got back from riding the, very not sunny Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland on my V4s. All I can add is that I averaged 46mpg, with mixed enthusiasm on the throttle, equating to just over a 200 mile tank range from its 22 litres. The bike is incredible and after owning several Japanese bikes, BMW's and KTM's, is the best bike I've owned! Ducati are making some great bikes and this is one of them.

[@danmurphy1994]

Yes well one can thank the perfect marriage of German Engineering+Italian Design combined to achieve the company’s goals. Every model they have on offer is appealing with the exception of maybe one or two of those scrambler variants.

[@martyn_g]

@@danmurphy1994 mmmm… can you point out which parts were engineered by German people? And name them?

[@alanprice9938]

Agree…..I get about 200 miles range too, with spirited riding, and often 2up….. and the full akro seems to have improved the range too. I tested the others, and never regretted getting the multi V4s

[@Mac_okee]

@@martyn_g Ducati belongs to German Audi AG, but I don’t think that any of the mechanical parts are developed in Germany

[@ItsAllJustBollox]

​@@martyn_gDucati is owned by the VW group.

[@richardrice9323]

Thanks Tim! I've just bought a '22 GS1250, but have a SFV4S as well (tough going I know ), but finding the GS a bit soul less. Thinking a lot about picking up a multi rally instead. Great honest review, Thanks again, Rich

[@timrodierides]

Thank you! I think you'd get on with the Multi Rally much better… that engine is phenomenal(ly thirsty too!)

[@filippoavellino2499]

Fine review, thank you Sir! How about testing the "analogue" V4 (the "cheap" non-S one) - sort of a back-to-back comparison... Reasoning is, if the engine is the piece de resistance, and it can be had in an "Essential" package for TEN grand less... I know, it´s a poor man´s perspective. BTW, great job on the Diavel V4 video too. And, as you are 6´3, a shot of you sitting on the bikes would certainly aid other 6´3ers.

[@danmurphy1994]

Crazy to think my first ever motorcycle was a 2003 Honda VFR 800 Interceptor. Which weighed 537lbs wet which is a couple Kilograms more than this extremely advanced ADV bike. I never so much as dropped my VFR800 one time in my whole 2.5 years of ownership never crashed or dropped her. I did leave it at a previous address though during winter and come spring the new tenant staying at that location popped the ignition off and started taking it out unbeknownst to me early that following spring. By the time I came to collect the bike he had already wrecked it and left it there in a ditch. Nice to know i can easily handle the weight of even the heaviest ADV bikes as I prepare to pick out my next 2 wheeled machine.

[@oleblack423]

very good review man

[@timrodierides]

Very good comment. Thanks!

[@bogian81]

I went from the same bike you have, a 2022 KTM SAS to a Multi v4 pikes peak, and that thing feels like a sports bike that can go the distance. But it regards to the fit and finish on the bike, I like to say that next to the ducati, the ktm looks like it was assembled in a barn... or a shed... (still a great bike don't get me wrong)

[@christianmouraux7269]

If you go hard on off-road, you get the idea why a KTM is assembled as it is 😀 Not sure the kind of assembly Ducati does would do the job 😀

[@mickhep]

Great review Tim, I nearly bought one two years ago but the engine needed replacing due to the issue with valves.I've just specc'd one up £25.5k too much and the weight is 260kg for the Rally fully fuelled, it must be top heavy, the state of our roads and 170bhp is wasted here.

[@alanprice9938]

Honestly you won’t notice the weight of the fuel. I don’t know how they do it, but I hardly notice a full tank.

[@ianchambers2731]

That heat shield over the exhaust isn’t a thing of beauty, is it?! Can see why all the press bikes on the launch all had boxes on now!

[@MarcSteenbeke84]

Test-rode this Multistrada after 45000km on my ‘21 KTM SAS. Put the KTM for sale the same evening. This Ducati is just 5 classes up.

[@timrodierides]

Yeah, if you can afford it then definitely go Ducati

[@coconutz247]

enjoyable review. thought i'd take a look and see how this rally compares to my 2020 multistrada enduro. the multistrada is the ultimate ride for these country roads. in traffic? too big, tall, and not very nimble.

[@carlwhiteloves]

Very enjoyable video. Thank you! Now I just need to decide which organs to sell in order to afford the deposit 😞

[@FudgeMonkeySmurf]

Perfect timing Tim. Just got back from spanking my Panigale V2 on this sunny Sunday afternoon in May. I put it in that mode that makes the rev counter red and makes me grin a lot. bwoooorrrrrrp, bwwooooooooooorrrrp, bwoooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarp... I might test ride an adventure bike one day?

[@timrodierides]

Haha if you're enjoying sportsbikes then revel in that for now! Save adventure bikes for when your knees and back start hating sportsbikes. Until then, bwooooorrrrp on!

[@SimonBailey-wr7no]

The "watch list" line broke me up! !

[@IanTed]

Had the BMW version, a 1250 GSA, tall and heavy so I bought a mere Multi V2S, perfect for me and so much more fun to ride, if I upgrade it would be a Multi V4S.

[@reeller9]

Tim you used same suspension settings in all the modes. You have two stiffer and two plusher options to setup different riding modes with. I personally use soft front and back in touring and hard front and back in sport two different bikes when you do it. I love the bike and really glad that I waited for it and didn’t buy the 1290 or the original v4s.

[@timrodierides]

I discovered that after filming!

[@gerryryan2302]

Nice review ..I went to buy one last sept (previous model) sat on it to take it out on a test ride , I disliked the riding position as you sit in the bike and the handlebars cockpit area didn’t scream 25k ..I’ve no doubt the ride/handling were next level ..but it didn’t feel from the riders position a great place to be as dash/screen seem very high and limits view of the road almost car like, I prefer to see where my front wheels going in normal riding ..I got off it without riding it and bought a GS instead ..and your spot on about people moaning about range ..but generally stopping about every 150 miles

[@alanprice9938]

Can you see the front wheel on a GS? I’m 6ft 4” and I can’t……

[@jhonnydumeny9816]

Great video. I’m getting the Rally for my b😢next November. Like your. Helmet. Can you tell me which model it is?

[@LambChopRides]

Its a fantastic motorcycle isn't it! I really want to try the Pikes Peak as might want one 😫

[@timrodierides]

Danger danger! Dammit, I wasn’t much interested in any modern Ducatis until I reacquainted myself with the V4s… I wasn’t grabbed by the Multi V4 this much when I rode it two years back. But this and the Diavel feel properly class leading

[@chorseundgrd]

I'm too short and it's too expensive but for someone with long legs and deep pockets, I think it's the best ADV bike on sale right now.

[@grumpsrides6074]

The issue with having a factory fitted Akropovic can ( or similar), is that, it must still comply with normal emission/noise levels. 😒 Sensible answer?! buy with standard can, buy aftermarket can, fit yourself. Unlike factory fitted cans, aftermarket cans have "removable baffles" 😁

[@benkelly2190]

Love my KTM SAS, I tried the multi V4S, a great bike, unfortunately, too much money and wank fuel range!

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Lovely bike. I wouldn't want to park it anywhere and leave it for more than a short while.

[@alanprice9938]

It’s true that you don’t need the akro end can……. But you won’t regret the full akro…….it’s wonderful 😃👍

[@gregorybigg8924]

Totally agree that full system makes a huge difference in sound and power delivery 👍

[@alanprice9938]

@@gregorybigg8924 indeed, and a significant weight reduction too…..👍

[@gregorybigg8924]

@@alanprice9938 also a bonus

[@konstantinos_iliadis]

So , you are the best person to ask actually, is it worth to buy the rally instead of the 1290 ADV, although there’s a huge gap at the price? If yes, is it mainly because of the better fuel range? Or in general the Rally is much superior?

[@MarcSteenbeke84]

I'm a KTM '21 SAS rider, 40k km on the counter for daily commuting. Tested the V4rally last week and I was blown away by it's power, finesse, comfort. If you're in the market and can spare the money, I'd go for the MS. But ultimately, you need to test ride both and you'll know for yourself

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

Where's my tuono comparison? Where's my multistrada comparison? Do I buy it? Do I not buy it? Will my legs cramp up when I have 30-40 mile one way highway commutes sometimes? 🙃

[@yvindgoksyr7028]

Will the winglets in closed position keep your legs dry? On the standard model they channel all the rain dorectly to the top of my shins and i want these new (maybe)

[@SpecterSeventy2]

I want to know this too … and are they compatible on the current V4 Multistrada? 🤞😆

[@ItsAllJustBollox]

They can be retrofitted to the V4S. A google search should find you the details.

[@user-ol7su8yw4m]

Just had a test ride on the Rally. Thinking of having a change from my trusted Beemer 1250 GSA TE. In some ways it lived up to expectations but in others it just didn't. It sounded like a sewing machine (euro 5 I know), the seat was uncomfortable, the engine braking did not make for enjoyable flowing rides, the switches were just pony, especially the turn indicators. Plus the top end bike was over £27K but you had to pay extra for tyre pressure monitoring, keyless fuel cap and engine bars - really!!!! Am I missing something after all the rave reviews or is it just me

[@timrodierides]

Depends what you want really, I found the seat as comfy as the GS's standard one (so pretty good). Engine braking is a personal thing, but going from a boxer to a V4 will always be 'different', just depends on your opinion of what's better/worse. And yup, Ducatis are expensive!

[@user-ol7su8yw4m]

Yeah I get that and maybe the hour long test ride was just not enough. I just expected more. Will try out the Beemer 1300GS to see how that fairs too. All 1st world problems though. :) @@timrodierides

[@togangokbakar]

Would you prefer a ducati multistrada rally over a ktm 1290 sas?

[@Fernando90054]

It’s a good thing this competition between the big trail bikes. I really don’t think that the Ducati Multistrada V4 compares so well to the BMW GS. The engines are so different. Maybe it could be compared with the next generation of the GS and it’s iterations to be launched on 2024, but comparing this Multistrada to the GS, I don’t see so much resemblance between those two bikes. The final transmission is based on a different principle… and the GS performance is bright down low revs, it’s all about torque. In fact the strong points of the two bikes are focused on opposite ranges of usability. What matters to me is what I feel when I’m riding the bike. Didn’t enjoyed both. Not the Multistrada and neither the KTM SAS (didn’t tried the Adventure, yet). Obviously, I’m not saying they aren’t good bikes, because they are. But would I spent my money on one of them? Frankly, my answer is negative. And the reasons are all about personal preferences. A bike that does a lot of different missions reasonable well, in my opinion still is the BMW GSA not the GS. But I confess that I really am a fan of the boxer engine on every bike and on every different mapping. I had a SDGT and I was, engine wise, brakes, suspensions and general handling, surprisingly fulfilled. As a sport touring bike on every road (even on the race track, despite the dimensions and weight), it was a celebration of riding pleasure, but the electronics were faulty and I sold it because I lost patience to be worried about petty malfunctions and lack of reliability each time I put the bike through more demanding conditions of work. I only had the bike for a year and a half, but could felt that I was running straight to get in trouble with the dealership and durability of the bike. I could preview that inclusively guarantee issues were in the verge to arrive, so I sold it. My conclusion? It was too good to be true. And in the end it wasn’t that good. It’s a wonderful technician effort. The bike is an extraordinary concept bike. But for me it would need a lot more work from their creators to be a bike that endures and gives you all that marvelous things she is projected to deliver. Without the risks of vanishing on a short term by needing to be fixed and technically assisted by the brand mechanics much more regularly than what the brand predicts it should be. The SAS version of the LC8 accomplishes, but lacks on comfort to the GSA. For a big all around bike, I prefer one thousand times the BMW. The SDGT was a fast machine and in theory a safe bike (considering all that I said above) I trade it for a much more reliable fast bike (not so fast, and punchy , but still fast) BMW S 1000 XR M pack edition, that I hope to trade for the new iteration that as been noticed to be launched in 2024. More powerful, with better brakes, and much more close to the RR features, maybe it will rival the MULTISTRADA Pikes peak. Thank you Tim for the always interesting video and I’ll be looking forward for your next work on the channel that in fact is excellent.✌️✌️

[@danmurphy1994]

Wouldn’t mind seeing this bike on seriously dedicated off-road tires, and a 21”front 18”rear tire setup. I suppose it’s a bit heavy for that type of setup and I’m wondering if the electronics know how to react to a change like that.. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@martyn_g]

Nah. It’s a touring bike that can do gravel. Want to go off road? Buy something way lighter, or with the weight nice and low like a 890 ADV R. Heavy bikes off road are shit, no matter how much electronics you jam in it.

[@martyn_g]

For example, the V4 is a whopping 240kg, and it’s top heavy. A 690 Enduro R is 90kg lighter, and will had its arse to this off road. That’s a whole f$&king human. And you don’t have to switch wheels, even if it’s technically possible.

[@martyn_g]

Another thing. The air filter placement is absolutely stupid. If your doing a heap of kilometres in the desert, it’s a tank off job to check it. Any ADV bike should have easy access to the filter, and next most important thing is spark plug accessibility if you drown the bike….

[@Bigleefish]

You talk about about wind buffeting. As a fellow tall boy, what's the best "sporty" bike to be able to ride visor up on the motorway. Most screens just concentrate the air on my helmet increasing the noise...

[@timrodierides]

I've genuinely found the best solution to be going naked… screens just annoy me. If you want to go visor up then I think a BMW R1250RT is the only thing I've ridden that comes close!

[@Bigleefish]

@@timrodierideslol I’m not old enough to be my dad yet! At least not in my head anyway.

[@EJK1965]

Been off road on it?

[@webmuir]

It’s not the best adventure bike in the world by my definitions. Based on your review, it’s possibly the best “adventure-style” sports tourer. The best adventure bike could be a Ducati, but if is, it’s a Desert X that mere mortals can afford and handle off road IMO.

[@IronicIrony.]

24-27k. Ouchie

[@nscott26]

Hey Tim, I invite you to Montana to eat crow about riding more than 150 miles without stopping. Current record of 320 miles on one tank of fuel with my Tiger 1200 GT Explorer without stopping, just saying. 😂 😉

[@vlkv4237]

Tiger 1200 or Ducati v4?)

[@timrodierides]

Ducati V4

[@BN1960]

£27000! That's 4 Royal Enfield Interceptors! I'd still probably have the Ducati mind you

[@alanprice9938]

Yep, and yep. I’d say it’s worth at least 5 of them 😃👍

[@AT2021Rocker]

King of the adventure bikes? Funny I don’t see any on the BDR’s in North America? Give me a break!

[@timrodierides]

Ooo, a serious adventure person! Sweep the sand up on the way out please ;)

[@floydonwheels]

Extra nonsense, great review 🤣 but would it be this or the Diavel V4 if you had to choose?

[@BossGT500]

Did you like that bike Tim? 😂😂😂

[@timrodierides]

Maaaaaybe? A bit? haha

[@109rfan1]

the seat is more like burn your bum or 3rd degree burn your bum

[@Dan-56]

Oh go ahead, your children don’t need to go to uni, or have shoes this winter, or eat more than one meal a day, 😆 and you don’t really need more than one kidney 🤪.

[@sacadiving]

it’s really too expensive.

[@MarcSteenbeke84]

Says everyone who hasn’t ridden it

[@dus1250]

Talk too fast , use more time next time you want make a reviews 😃

[@mudshackracing]

Listen faster then! :)

[@benkelly2190]

@@mudshackracing our survey said! Top answer!👍🏻😂

[@efish8147]

Hated mine, an over weight, over height, over priced, souless moto. Def NOT perfect...

[@lucianpollington4194]

A generally poor review, too much flannel and not enough real information

[@timrodierides]

Apologies for the free content

[@adrianberta9853]

Next week I will go for this kings maschine. I have funny like little baby😂😂😂

[@SuperDickiedavies]

It would appear you may have liked that. 😂

[@timrodierides]

Can neither confirm nor deny

[@SuperDickiedavies]

@@timrodierides I picked up a 1200 enduro last week. Jumping from an old GS1150 on TKC’s it’s amazing to feel such stability and bonkers power.