I used to ride the V4’s little brother the V2 Multistrada. When I got the 950S , I thought I had found THE bike to suit my aging body. A big trip to Scottish Borders with a group of friends (The ‘Wee Mac’ 2024), really went well. Especially so when considering I wasn’t well at all then. However it did develop a fault in the handlebar switch block fault after all the rain we had travelled through.
I contacted dealership, the now defunct Pidcock Ducati who said, no problem at. They will order the part and just to come on down when it turns up!
Try Before You Buy
In my wisdom I asked if they could have a couple of bikes to try as my old friend (and big Ducati fan) Chris was coming along as well. This was no problem. The day arrived in July and turned out to be the only day in six weeks that was just rain, from start to finish, so Chris decides to go in his car (he has form for this) and I followed on my 950.
We arrived at Pidcocks and they were so helpful, taking my helmet and gloves, drying and cleaning them while we sorted my bike out. Turns out Curtis the ever pleasant sales man had sorted out a fantastic bike for me to try: The Multistrada V4 ‘Grand Tour’. Oh boy! 170 bhp in the wet is a bit of a daunting prospect, especially when you consider that I don’t really like riding in the wet anymore! I wasn’t nervous. Honest. Meanwhile Chris just looked on while giggling in the background! Such a shame that Pidocks have succumbed to the recent downturn in the motorcycle market and closed down recently.
The idea was to find a local coffee stop near Nottingham, which Chris did, but I found myself riding the V4 as though I was back taking my test again! I was sooo worried about opening it up. Finally it stopped raining as much for a period and the roads dried out slightly: When we set off again I explored a bit more of the bike’s capabilities. and found it to be a stable pussy cat at low speeds and easy to manoeuvre which was a big surprise. The V4 is also much smoother than the 950s .
Fate Led me to it
Fast forward a few weeks and I noticed that my local bike dealer, Lincolnshire Motorcycles, were offering a one year old Multistrada V4S full with full touring kit and wire wheels. I kept longingly looking at the advert, This got to the point where my boss said if I didn’t ring them or email he would! Went to see Chris for a cuppa (lives in the next village to the dealer) and he said was fed up of me going on about it. He ordered meto drop in on way home. So I did!!!! The following is now officially his fault…especially if my wife ever reads this.
To cut a long story short I had it delivered on the 23 August 2024. Just seven days before I was due to join a local ride out I help to organise, ToL (Taste of Lincolnshire). Before that outing all I could manage were a couple of trips to work to tune myself into my new steed.
It’s not my fault, they made me do it…
Into Action
So the first real ride ‘in anger’ was down to Doddington Hall where we were based that year for ride. I can definitely say I haven’t clicked with a bike like this before, but let’s get the big one out the way first: I had done my research and did not buy this bike for its fuel consumption because as well known if you hoon it likes a drink…a big drink compared to the 950S I rode prior to V4.
Putting such niceties as fuel consumption aside let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: How does the V4 ride? You will not be shocked to read that the ride, brakes and comfort are all excellent. But the star of the show is the engine. The V4 is an absolute peach. It sounds and feels like a big twin but with all the thrust and energy of a sidewinder missile locked onto a target. However it is well mannered Italian gentleman in a sharp suit and will happily ride through town at 30mph in fourth gear and still pull cleanly away for example.
Loving the Tech
When things hot up a little out of town the quick-shifter is superb and allows downshift even with the throttle open! Engine braking is brilliant, but I have read reports that some find it too much. In my experience I have found it varies if you hold the throttle a fraction off the stop.
Suspension set up is sooo smooth and flexible. Touring mode is bang on for most the time. Sport is a very noticeable tightening up and throttle response is keener too. The Urban mode great if you ride much of the time in 20/30 zones. Lastly the Enduro setting just lets the suspension travel further and turns off the ABS and Traction Control to rear wheel. In addition to these pre-set modes the rider can customise each one for engine, ABS and traction control settings as well.
The perfect mount for a quick group ride out. BMW R9T 719 & Yamaha R1 for company this time
The one surprise came with a feature I thought I wouldn’t even use: The Radar cruise control. However when I was riding up back up to Scotland for a group ride out (Wee Mac) this year I found it really useful. When on the motorway following the group I just set it to follow the bike in front and sat back letting it speed up and slow down itself . The rear blind spot lights in the mirrors have also been very helpful. This again surprised me as I rather thought it was just a gimmick. Not the case.
A Touch too Much?
The elephant in the room remains this: Is 170 bhp too much for this type of bike? Absolutely not! It gives you so many options when out on the fun stuff. When combined with its ability to be smooth and pussycat at slow speeds means it can cover all bases. The engine performance works in harmony with a handling prowess that belies its size and weight. All with a 19 inch front wheel too! The Pirelli Trail Master 2 tyres haven’t let me down when even chasing our most (in)famous group leader, a rather swift lass going by the name of Gilly!
V4 – Just like a 1973 Transit…but with more cams, valves and 170bhp!
As for the more practical side of things the panniers are so much more easier to use than many I have seen. Other kit includes cornering lights , full LED headlights, back lit switchgear and a comprehensive TFT dash which can be configured to show what you want.
Not Perfect, but so Worth it
The only thing I don’t get on with is the compartment for putting your phone. I’d advise using a Quad-lock instead. Then there is the absolutely useless Sat-Nav hook-up: Basically, don’t bother, not worth the hassle! I use a set up hooked up to the helpful power lead located behind the right hand fairing.
All in all anyone who thinks this bike is boring or not as exciting as other, more overtly sporting options, just are not riding it as you as you should. Overall I am delighted with the big Ducati and looking forward to a few enjoyable years ahead.
Words & Pictures: Peter Worsley
Editor: Tony Donnelly
Another review of the V4 for those who want further reading can be found here