We Rided the New Ducati Multistrada V4 S in Italy. Here’s What You Need to Know.

riding a motorcycle Traveling through Italy is one of life’s great pleasures. But tackling the roads and paths of the Umbrian countryside on the new route Ducati Multistrada V4 S is like injecting dolce vita directly into your bloodstream. My first experience of a modern Multistrada took place 14 years ago at the model’s launch on the volcanic island of Lanzarote. Ducati’s entry into the seemingly contradictory worlds of asphalt and gravel riding was a big deal at the time. Ambitious Italians challenging the venerable BMW GS mano mano against an industry icon.

The Multistrada name had already existed for seven years before moving out of its own lane, but the new offering was a giant step forward. The previous version was powered by a modest air-cooled engine and was not quite ready for off-road use; The model name means “many roads” and was neither rugged nor conducive to longer trips.

Since then, multiple variants have been released with varying degrees of off-road capability. The 2025 V4 S ($28,305), the bike I rode on, hits a middle ground between the entry-level V4 ($19,995), luxury V4 Pikes Peak ($32,995) and superbike-powered V4RS ($38,895). Still, I’m blown away by the amount of engineering involved in the latest hardware.

The new Multistrada collects data from 70 sensors using technology called Ducati Vehicle Observer, inherited from Ducati’s MotoGP racing machines. Equipped with front and rear radar, the latest version of the bike includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and a forward collision sensor that illuminates the 6.5-inch TFT screen with a red warning graphic when you follow a vehicle too closely.

The so-called Skyhook suspension now comes with a crash-sensing system that detects movement of the front fork and adjusts rear wheel damping within milliseconds to suppress ride against annoying surface irregularities. There’s also a new feature that automatically lowers the bike when traveling at speeds under 6 miles per hour for easier access, following in the footsteps of adventure models. Harley-Davidson And bmw. From fully adjustable electronic suspension to linked front and rear brakes that aid stability by lowering the bike’s center of gravity, each specification includes a range of support by anticipating factors that could detract from the ideal two-wheeled experience.

My Multistrada journey began in Gubbio, a medieval town in Umbria connected to a charismatic network of back roads and a true Jacob’s staircase of remote trails. The power delivery of the 1,158 cc V4 engine is managed seamlessly with riding modes that include Urban, Enduro, Sport, Touring and the new Wet setting. It’s somewhat calming to know that the advanced traction control system makes it difficult to abuse the 170 hp and 91 ft lbs of torque when driving on pavement, but the off-road sections made it clear that some technique is still required to pull this 500-pound beast through loose gravel and wet leaves.

The onus remains on the driver to deftly negotiate challenging surfaces, as Enduro mode loosens the reins and softens the suspension for off-road duty; Our group of experienced motorcyclists managed to cross the wilderness, rescuing someone who had dropped the heavy bike and injured his ankle. No one is perfect and the laws of physics still apply despite all these electronic aids. At least the versatile Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires and electronic safety nets help keep the dirty side clear.

Once back on the road, the Multistrada takes control with ample power from the V4 at almost all engine speeds, pulling strongly all the way to its peak output at 10,750 rpm. The four-valve, 90-degree V4 has a counter-rotating crankshaft that rotates in the opposite direction of the wheels, reducing the gyroscopic effect and improving stability by making wheel drive more difficult. While the V4 S’s muscular character isn’t as extroverted as the RS model, which uses racing-style hardware and Desmodromic valves for higher output, the V4 S still feels thoroughly powerful and extremely capable.

The power plant’s rear cylinder deactivation feature is now set to operate while the bike is in motion, and is so subtle it’s unnoticeable. While the heat reduction effect is a moot point thanks to our relatively cool driving temperatures, this feature should provide less convoluted heat than the previous model in warmer weather. Passenger ergonomics has also been made more comfortable by moving the top case and side bags backwards.

Despite its wide footprint and relatively heavy weight, the Multistrada is easy to turn quickly on a mountain road and lean into corners quickly. Ducati’s Quick Shift feature enables clutchless shifting, making gear shifts easy, and the traction and wheel control systems operate seamlessly, leaving the rider feeling completely in control, even when an unexpectedly slippery, off-camber corner calls for graceful intervention. Similarly reassuring is the automatic lowering function, which is appreciated for lowering the center of gravity, making it easier to reach the curb and maneuver the bike at walking speeds.

For all its big-boned visual prowess and impressive road presence, the latest Ducati Multistrada feels manageable thanks to mechanical and electronic improvements developed over the years. The move from the first air-cooled Multistrada to this bike signals not only the benefits of constant upgrades and improvements, but also the advantages of trickling down automotive technology from the parent company Audi.

There are simpler, more affordable motorcycles that will surely eat up the miles and raise smiles under helmets; Not to mention expensive competitors from names like BMW and others. KTM. But for a maximalist Italian expression of everything a sports touring bike can be, the latest Multistrada proves that no one does it like Ducati.

click Here For more photos of the 2025 Ducati Multistrada V4 S.