Ducati Multistrada V4 S 1160 2023 — Specifications

Has Ducati finally created the perfect motorcycle? With the Multistrada V4 S, the Bologna manufacturer doesn't just evolve, it undergoes a radical transformation. The legendary V-twin engine, Desmodromic distribution, and even the famous trellis frame are a thing of the past. In their place, a 1158 cm3 Granturismo V4, an aluminum monocoque frame, and a philosophy focused on comfort and connectivity. The result is a machine costing €24,290 that delivers 170 horsepower under a 22-liter fuel tank, all with a wet weight of 243 kg. A figure that weighs, literally, but which Ducati justifies with a disproportionate arsenal of technology.

The real revolution isn't solely located under the fuel tank. It’s nestled in the nose and tail of the machine. The S is the first to offer, as an option, a double radar system, developed by Bosch. The front radar manages a thunderous adaptive cruise control, capable of maintaining a safety distance between 30 and 160 km/h. The rear radar, even more ingenious, monitors blind spots and illuminates an alert in the rearview mirror if a vehicle enters it. A valuable tool on the highway, even if its optional cost reminds us that safety comes at a price. It's just one element of a plethora of electronics: traction control, anti-wheelie, anti-stoppie, cornering ABS, and the famous Skyhook system that controls the semi-active Marzocchi suspension. It adapts in milliseconds or is manually adjusted among hundreds of combinations, promising as much comfort in touring as precision in sport.

This sophistication is also reflected on the dashboard, dominated by a 6.5-inch TFT screen of great clarity. It becomes the control center of a highly customizable riding experience via four modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro. In Sport, the 170 hp are delivered unfiltered, with minimal assistance. In Urban, power is limited to 115 hp for city riding, and in Enduro, the rear wheel ABS is deactivated for sand. It's a motorcycle that adapts to all scenarios, from transcontinental travel to sporty rides, even if its size and 19-inch front tire prohibit it from tackling overly technical trails.

So, is this Multistrada V4 S the queen of maxi-trails? Faced with a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, more touring-oriented and intuitive, or a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, more nervous and lightweight, Ducati plays its technological card to the hilt. It is aimed at the demanding globetrotter who wants sporty feel without sacrificing comfort, and who considers electronics an ally, not a constraint. It will also seduce the track enthusiast seeking a unique machine, capable of swallowing the highway with the nonchalance of a GT before revealing itself to be incredibly agile in the mountain passes. Its drawback? A certain complexity and a price that places it in the realm of the very great. But for those who accept its character, it offers a palette of sensations and versatility that currently has no equal. Ducati hasn't created a simple motorcycle; it has designed an advanced, exciting, and terribly effective mobility system.