Bike Review | 2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 S

Adventure bikes regularly commute during the week, tour across the country, tackle dirt roads or trails and still often embarrass sportsbikes through the twisties. And Ducati’s Multistrada V4 S is one of the top few big bores that can do it all. We put it to the test.

The popular Ducati Multistrada V4 S was heavily updated in 2025, a focus on electronics, styling and ergonomics.

For 2025/2026, Ducati delivered the most significant update to the Multistrada V4 S since the V4 platform was introduced, focusing on refinement, comfort and technology rather than increasing performance. The 170hp Granturismo V4 engine remains unchanged in output but now meets Euro 5+ emissions standards. The mighty V4 now features an expanded rear-cylinder deactivation system that reduces fuel consumption and rider heat.

Rear cylinder deactivation.

Tall gearing.

Excellent front brakes.

Revised pillion room via relocated pannier mounts.

The electronics package has been comprehensively upgraded with Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO), enhancing the operation of traction control, ABS and wheelie control, while adding Forward Collision Warning alongside the existing radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection.

The panniers and pannier mounts have been moved back to give the pillion more leg room.

The semi-active Ducati Skyhook EVO suspension has also been revised with predictive damping and self-levelling functions, complemented by a new Automatic Lowering Device that drops the seat height by up to 30mm at low speeds for added confidence when stopping. Chassis tweaks include a 1mm higher swingarm pivot, while refreshed styling, a redesigned TFT interface and enhanced passenger comfort (panniers moved back) complete changes.

New styling at the front for 2025/2026.

Repositioned panniers.

During my test, I rode the Ducati in just about every condition imaginable: sunshine, rain, motorway commuting, country roads, fast sweepers, dirt roads and light fire trails all became part of the experience. With the standard road-biased Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres fitted, I deliberately avoided anything too technical off-road, but that still left plenty of opportunity to explore where this motorcycle really shines.

The Ducati Skyhook EVO suspension has also been revised with predictive damping and self-levelling functions.

THE RIDE
After living with the bike for a few weeks as a daily rider, I decided on a Sunday morning ride. Leaving Gosford early, I headed west through the NSW Central Coast hinterland to Kulnura, stopping at Jerry’s Cafe for coffee before continuing to the Mangrove Creek Dam lookout. From there, one of my favourite dirt roads led into the historic Hawkesbury River village of St Albans, followed by the Wisemans Ferry crossing and the winding run through Cattai Ridge and Berowra Waters. Returning via the Old Pacific Highway and M1 brought the roughly 250km loop to a close, after taking in everything from motorway and fast country roads to tight corners, ferry crossings and dirt. After tackling it on the Duke, I reckon this has to be one of the most versatile motorcycles to come out of Italy.

Read our other Multistrada reviews here…

Despite its physical size, the Multistrada never feels intimidating once underway. The adjustable seat height of 840-860mm provides an excellent commanding riding position for my 187cm frame, but I did need to set it in the highest level, while the ergonomics are comfy and give good control. The seat remains supportive over long distances, the handlebars and controls fall naturally to hand and the (manually) adjustable screen provides excellent weather protection and can be moved on the fly.

The narrow Pirelli 170-section rear tyre really helps the Multistrada V4 S tip in and feel agile through the corners.

The finish throughout the bike reflects Ducati’s premium positioning. Quality paint, beautiful machining, premium switchgear and a crystal-clear TFT display all contribute to a motorcycle that feels every bit as expensive as it is. While the menu system initially appears complex, it’s surprisingly intuitive after only a short time and the ability to customise individual riding modes is pretty handy.

Touring mode quickly became my default setting for everyday riding, offering beautifully compliant Skyhook semi-active suspension (DSS) and smooth throttle response. For commuting and long-distance touring it’s difficult to fault. Sport mode, however, completely transforms the bike. The suspension firms noticeably, throttle response sharpens and the 1158cc Granturismo V4 unleashes its full 170 horsepower with addictive urgency.

Despite weighing over 240kg ready to ride, the Multistrada disguises its mass remarkably well, carving through corners with a level of agility that seems almost impossible for a machine of this size. It will drink some serious juice, though, when fanging in Sport mode. With 170hp and 125Nm, it delivers punchy acceleration across the rev range while retaining enough character to remind you it’s still a Ducati. The engine feels smooth, yet there’s always that unmistakable V4 pulse and soundtrack encouraging you to twist the throttle just a little harder. A more liberal muffler would be great, though…

“The engine feels smooth, yet there’s always that unmistakable V4 pulse and soundtrack encouraging you to twist the throttle just a little harder.”

Matched with one of the slickest two-way quick-shifters around, the six-speed ’box makes spirited riding effortless while also reducing fatigue during daily commuting. The clutch is a bit on the heavy side, gearing is tall and first gear is long, but you do get used to it. Backing up the performance are outstanding Brembo Stylema brakes, delivering excellent feel and reassuring stopping power. Combined with Ducati’s comprehensive electronics package including cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and radar-assisted Adaptive Cruise Control – the Multistrada has it all.

Matched with one of the slickest two-way quick-shifters around, the six-speed ’box makes spirited riding effortless while also reducing fatigue during daily commuting…

The optional panniers are spacious, easy to remove and transform the bike into a genuine long-distance tourer. During my fortnight with the bike they proved invaluable, easily carrying riding gear, camera equipment and everything needed for full-day adventures, plus the groceries on the way home. Don’t forget to remove them when you wash the bike, though, as lots of dirt collects under them.

Generously sized panniers are very handy, well positioned, secure and easy to put on and off, just watch the paintwork!

Although the standard tyres favour sealed roads, the chassis remained composed on gravel roads and light fire trails (the trade-off being they are awesome on the tarmac). Standing on the ’pegs feels natural, suspension compliance is excellent in Enduro mode (114hp) and the electronics switch off rear ABS. It’s clearly more road-focused than some of its European rivals or the hardcore V4 Rally version, but for the type of off-road riding most owners are likely to attempt, it’s more than capable.

Left switchblock.

Right switchblock.

Excellent quick-shifter.

Handguards, hydraulic clutch.

Even with Ducati’s rear-cylinder deactivation strategy helping reduce heat while stationary, noticeable warmth still reaches the rider in slow-moving traffic, it gets pretty hot. Fuel consumption is also on the thirsty side, particularly when enjoying everything the Granturismo V4 has to offer. Fortunately, the generous 22-litre fuel tank still provides respectable touring range between fuel stops.

If you’re after a bike capable of replacing several bikes in your garage, and have the budget that reaches the high-end market in the segment, the Multistrada V4 S deserves to be on your shortlist. If the V4 is too big, the V2 is also fantastic (check out our content here). Ducati may not have changed the V4 Multi much over recent years, but after spending two weeks living with it, I’d argue that’s because they got it right the first time, and these latest updates have improved what was already good…

A very special thanks to Yarramalong Turf Supplies for use of their property for our photoshoot.

2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 S Specifications

Ducati.com.au

Price: From $36,625 R/A
Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres
Colours: Ducati Red, Iceberg White, Aviator Grey
Claimed Power: 125kW [170hp] @ 10,750rpm
Claimed Torque: 125Nm [92ft-lbs] @ 9,000rpm
Weight: 231kg (wet, no fuel)
Fuel capacity: 22L
Claimed fuel economy: 5.4L/100km
Measured fuel economy: Approx. 6.0L/100km
Range: 360km (approx)

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 83.0 x 53.5mm bore x stroke, 14.0:1 compression, four-valve, 90° V4 Granturismo, 1158cc, EFI with Ride-by-Wire, electric start, six-speed gearbox.

Chassis: Aluminium monocoque frame, double-sided aluminium swingarm.
Rake: 24.5°, Trail: 102.5mm. Suspension: 50mm USD forks with Ducati Skyhook semi-active electronic suspension; fully adjustable electronically, 170mm travel. Fully adjustable electronic monoshock with Ducati Skyhook semi-active suspension and automatic preload adjustment, 180mm travel. Brakes: Twin 330mm front discs, Brembo Stylema radial monobloc calipers, Cornering ABS; 265mm rear disc, two-piston caliper. Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion Trail II; 120/70 ZR19 front, 170/60 ZR17 rear.

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1567mm
Seat height: 840-860mm
Ground clearance: 220mm
Overall Length: N/A
Overall Width: N/A
Overall Height: N/A

Instruments & Electronics: 6.5-inch TFT colour display with Bluetooth connectivity, Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Skyhook Suspension, Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Vehicle Hold Control and Cruise Control.