Ducati Multistrada V4S Grand Tour 2024 — Specifications

Twenty years since the Multistrada was launched. The model that resembled a somewhat sporty trailbike – but already with a desire for versatility – has transformed into a maxi-trail touring machine. Powerful (very), comfortable, expensive, charismatic, the MTS V4 S reaches the apotheosis of its power with this new “Grand Tour” series.

“Multistradisti” will remember this term. It was used on the 1260 Multistrada in 2020 to offer the same kind of performance. But how does the “Grand Tour” differ from the range? As its name suggests, it inspires a desire to travel. Ducati has focused on equipment to make it an outstanding touring machine. While the initial appearance shows only added panniers, the model reveals more when you look closer.

For the Bologna-based firm, this is an opportunity to disseminate the improvements debuted by the MTS V4 Rally. The handlebar is mounted rigidly to better “feel” the ride; a new passenger seat is noted; new thermal shields are installed on the swingarm and rear frame; a set of covers allows the lower lateral air intakes to be sealed; finally, the glove compartment… pardon, smartphone compartment, is now ventilated.

Now, let's discover what the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour has borrowed from its parts bin. Directly, it incorporates the Travel + Radar pack. Therefore, already, two panniers provide 60 liters of storage capacity. Comfort is designed for winter and inclement weather with heated grips and seats. The center stand is added, and the machine constantly monitors what is riding around it thanks to its radars. One front, one rear, and the Ducati can detect what is happening in the blind spots. It signals this with a warning light on the top of the rearview mirror. Its front sensor allows for adaptive cruise control and maintaining a constant distance from the vehicle in front. Originally, the V4 S is equipped with a keyless start system. Here, the fuel cap adopts the same technology. And then, night often appears during long and/or frequent travel. The Multistrada V4S is equipped with backlit controls and adaptive cornering lights; the Grand Tour adds additional headlights.

This over-equipped edition has shown its cards, demonstrating what it can do at the pace of its large V4. A mechanically intense experience. Its distant kinship with the Panigale engine allows for a sporty pedigree, but its “touring” adaptations make it a road companion that is both powerful, lively, and civilized. With 170 horsepower at your disposal, the road can quickly become a catapulting ground. However, the engine doesn't have the fiery temperament of the range's superbikes, but the strength of a large, dry muscle. With it, the Multistrada can just as well stroll serenely and effortlessly even when fully loaded; just as it can tame many sport roadsters. As you might suspect, but let's recall that it is the most powerful trailbike on the market (if we exclude the future M 1000 XR, a sick SUV and in another category).

And the most equipped with riding assistance. NASA had less electronics at its disposal when it sent Apollo 11 to the moon. The list is long: semi-active Skyhook suspension with automatic height reduction during stops, 4 power levels, traction control, wheelie control, anti-stoppie, 4 Riding Modes, cornering-sensitive ABS, Up&Down shifter, engine braking control, cruise control, hill-hold control, automatic turn-off indicators, a 6.5-inch color TFT screen, tire pressure monitoring… When you think that the first Multistrada was twice as less powerful and played much more on its surprising side and the traditional technical side with its desmodromic twin and its steel trellis frame. And cost twice as little.

This Grand Tour is not truly a specific model, like the Pikes Peak or the Rally, but rather a demonstration of what can be done with the Multistrada by freely drawing from the options catalog. Everything it carries in addition is available in the catalog, except for the paint. The “Grand Tour Livery” is exclusive to it. The other bonus concerns pricing. By choosing it, the average buyer benefits from a few hundred euros more advantageous price compared to a V4 S to which all the equipment is added separately. But the bill is so salty that the difference is imperceptible – let's still emphasize the gesture. With this Multistrada, Ducati goes all the way. More than a motorcycle, a showcase of Ducati’s expertise in this area. As for the question of reasonableness… No one would think of approaching it.

M.B - Photos constructeur