Going on a trip and renting a Ducati Multistrada V4? Doing a test ride and want to check out all the features? Or just considering buying one and wondering if it’s worth the maintenance?
This is an overview of everything you need to know to get started with the Ducati Multistrada V4, in simplified format, so you can have a look over this page and get riding quickly.
The Ducati Multistrada V4 is the latest in a decades-long string of motorcycles known initially for being comfortable sport tourers, but in more recent years, adept on- and off-road explorers.
Ducati launched the Ducati Multistrada V4 for the 2021 model year. The Multistrada V4 is a massive upgrade from the previous Ducati Multistrada 1260, using an all-new engine, the “V4 Granturismo“, that sets itself apart even from its V4 brethren with changes including:
- A timing chain, not timing belts (similar to some Panigale engines but unlike the last Multistrada and most previous engines)
- Standard spring-actuated valve return, rather than Desmodromic actuation (unlike every Ducati engine for the past few decades)
- The V4 Granturismo has two more cylinders than the V2 engines. Yes, the rumours are true!
In terms of maintenance, the most significant change for the V4 Granturismo engine is the 60000 km (36000 mi) valve service intervals — so wide, that many owners may never experience them more than once (if that).
Ducati also uses the V4 Granturismo motor in the 2023+ Ducati Diavel V4.
I compile information like this on motorcycles to help current and prospective motorcycle owners (including myself!). Below you can find information on the maintenance schedule and service intervals, as well as parts you need for a standard service, guidelines for basic services like oil changes, drivetrain maintenance, and torque specs.
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Well, I am. That’s why I created this site — as an outlet. I love learning and sharing what others might find useful. If you like what you read here, and you’re a fraction as obsessed as I am, you might like to know when I’ve published more. (Check the latest for an idea of what you’ll see.)
About the Ducati Multistrada V4 / V4S
The Ducati Multistrada V4 is Ducati’s premium, big-bore adventure touring motorcycle.
The Multistrada V4 continues the legacy of the Multistrada motorcycles which started in 2003 with the Multistrada 1000DS.
Back in 2003, that ugly duckling of a motorcycle (which is now cool in its weirdness) was received with mixed press. People liked the way it rode and the general concept of an everyday, long-distance, comfortable sport bike. But at the time, and for a while afterwards, it was known as not the most beautiful thing in the world (for a Ducati), and also a little bit outside the zeitgeist of adventure travel that was beginning to take foot.
Since then, Ducati has updated a lot about the Ducati Multistrada. In 2010 Ducati released the now-iconic Ducati Multistrada 1200, the first motorcycle to have ride modes and thus explicitly be multi-purpose. And since Ducati started using the Multi for success on Pikes Peak, Ducati has become more explicit about the high-power sporting aspects of the big pike.
Ducati made various updates to the liquid-cooled V2, adding more tech and variations, but made another huge update in 2020 with the Ducati Multistrada V4.
In many ways, the Ducati Multistrada V4 is the same bike as before — a big, comfortable, multi-purpose bike. But as time has gone on, Ducati has expanded the utility of the Multistrada in both directions.
On the one hand, you can get the Multistrada V4 with spoked rims and enduro-capable tires. It’s getting more and more explicit about its off-road ability.
And on the other hand, when you have a V4 engine that makes over 125 kW / 170 hp inside it… the Multistrada V4 is more capable than ever on the road. And mind you, it would be a brave adventurer though who’d risk damaging their Multistrada V4 by dropping it on a fire trail!
While the Multistrada 1260’s V-twin motor was no slouch in terms of peak power or torque, The Ducati Multistrada V4 is a huge step forward in engine technology. The Multi V4 gains chain-driven camshafts, and spring valve return, granting it very long service intervals (more on this below).
And the engine in the Ducati Multistrada V4, the “V4 Granturismo”, is not just a detuned block from the Panigale or Streetfighter V4 — although, it does have its roots in the “Desmosedici Stradale”, just with a 1.5mm larger bore.
Here’s how the three engines stack up.
| Item | Multistrada 1260 | Desmosedici Stradale (Panigale V4 spec) | V4 Granturismo (Multistrada V4 spec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve return system | Desmodromic | Desmodromic | Spring return |
| Camshaft drive | Toothed belts | Chain | Chain |
| Capacity | 1262 | 1103 | 1158 |
| Bore / Stroke | 106 x 71.5 | 81 x 53.5 | 83 x 53.5 |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | 14.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Peak power | 116 kW / 158 hp @ 9500 rpm | 158.5 kW / 215.5 hp @ 13000 rpm | 125 kW / 170 hp @ 10500 rpm |
| Peak torque | 130 Nm / 96 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm | 123.6 Nm / 91.2 lb-ft @ 9500 rpm | 125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 8750 rpm |
| Minor service intervals | 15000 km (9000 mi) / 12 mo | 12000 km (7500 mi) / 12 mo | 15000 km (9000 mi) / 24 mo |
| Major (valve) service intervals | 30000 km / 18000 mi | 24000 km (15000 mi) | 60000 km / 36000 mi |
See here for a guide to Ducati motorcycle engines, from Desmodue onwards, including the V4 motors from recent times.
The V4 Granturismo engine makes peak torque of 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) at 8750 rpm — and what’s more important, it makes a lot of that torque down low.
Rather than using a desmodromic valvetrain, the V4 Granturismo uses a spring valve system. The general explanation from Ducati was that in the past, desmodromic valvetrains could move more quickly at high RPMs, which is why Ducati preferred them. These days, spring valve technology performs as well, and make maintenance easier. I expect that we’ll see a gradual shift towards this tech across the whole product range.
Probably most impressive from a maintenance perspective for the Ducati Multistrada V4 is the 60000 km (36000 mi) valve clearance checks. A six-fold increase in the distance needed between valve checks since the days of the air-cooled L twins changes a lot for what long-distance travelling looks like.
Aside from the engine, the Multistrada V4 comes with some really incredible new technology like adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection, both as options (standard on some trims), enabled by front and rear radar detection.
As standard, the Ducati Multistrada V4 comes with a lot of technology, including riding modes, power modes, cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and an intelligent brake light. These are almost standard on high-end motorcycles these days, but they’re worth mentioning.
The Ducati Multistrada also comes as a V4S spec, which adds “Skyhook” suspension, a semi-active suspension system with an auto-levelling function. The base model has 50mm fully adjustable inverted forks. Both the V4 and V4S have the same suspension travel.
For the 2023 model year, Ducati released a Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally. It is mostly the same motorcycle, with the same engine at its base and even the same dimension wheels. But Ducati gave the Rally spec a few extra bits, including slightly longer-travel suspension and thus more ground clearance, a smaller brake master cylinder, a “Rally” off-road mode, and other bits to help with mixed-use performance.
See below for the trim comparisons between the various Ducati Multistrada V4 specs.
Ducati Multistrada V4 Specifications
Here are the core specifications for the Ducati Multistrada V4, along with some notes.
| Item | Specs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | V4 Granturismo | Shared with the Diavel V4 |
| Capacity | 1158 | |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 83 x 53.5 | Bore out from Panigale V4 |
| Compression ratio | 14.0:1 | |
| Fuel required | Premium — 95 RON | Knock sensors in each head. But the manual does not say you can use lower octane fuel. |
| Peak power | 125 kW / 170 hp @ 10750 rpm | |
| Peak torque | 121 Nm @ 8750 rpm | |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive | |
| Front suspension | See below — Varies by model | |
| Rear suspension | See below — Varies by model | |
| Front brakes | See below — Varies by model | |
| Ride aids | Cornering ABS / TC standard, others vary by model |
Spec differences — V4 vs V4S, Pikes Peak Rally
As with previous generations of Ducati Multistrada, the Multistrada V4 came in base model and S trim, which brings with it up-rated electronic Ducati Skyhook suspension, as well as radar-driven active cruise control (an extra option in some markets, standard in others).
There are also other variants with different wheel sizes, suspension settings, and brakes. You can see images in the slider and the key differences in the table below.
The Pikes Peak is an interesting one — especially an upright, comfortable sport bike with the V4 Granturismo motor.
Below is a table with the key differences. Some of the notable differences (whether lower or higher spec) are boldfaced.
| Feature | Base | V4S | Pikes Peak | Rally |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | 2 x 320mm discs, Brembo M4.32 calipers | 2 x 330 mm discs, Brembo Stylema calipers | 2 x 330 mm discs, Brembo Stylema calipers | 2 x 330 mm discs, Brembo Stylema calipers |
| Suspension | Mechanical | Skyhook | Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 | Skyhook (Evolution) |
| Wheel type | Cast (Optional spoked) | Cast (Optional spoked) | Cast | Spoked |
| Swingarm | Double-sided | Double-sided | Single-sided | Double-sided |
| Front wheel size | 3 x 19 inch 120/70 ZR 19 | 3 x 19 inch 120/70 ZR 19 | 120/70 ZR 17 | 3 x 19 inch 120/70 ZR 19 |
| Rear wheel and tire | 4.5 x 17 inch 170/60 ZR 17 | 4.5 x 17 inch 170/60 ZR 17 | 190/55 ZR 17 | 4.5 x 17 inch 170/60 ZR 17 |
| Stock tire | Pirelli Scorpion Trail II | Pirelli Scorpion Trail II | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV | Pirelli Scorpion Trail II |
| Cruise control | Yes (Passive) | Yes (Adaptive) | Yes (Adaptive) | Yes (Adaptive) |
| Quick shifter | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ride modes | Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro | Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro | Race, Sport, Touring, Urban | Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro (next gen) |
| Cylinder de-activation | Normal | Normal | Normal | Extended |
| Display | 5-inch TFT | 6.5-inch TFT | 6.5-inch TFT | 6.5-inch TFT |
Using the Multistrada V4’s Screen and Controls
When assessing any motorcycle, I like to have an overview of the interface and the important controls — things like cruise control, rider aids, and adjusting rider settings.
The Multistrada V4 base model differs from the others (S, Rally, Pikes Peak) in that it has a 5-inch TFT rather than a 6.5-inch TFT. Otherwise, the displays work the same way.
V4 5 inch TFT- V4 S 6.5 inch TFT
Base model Controls
The base model Multi V4 has a slightly different set of controls. It still has cruise control, but the mode button configuration is a little different.
To use cruise control on the Multistrada V4, you press the “on” button with your thumb while riding at any speed between 30 and 160 km/h (18 and 98 mph). The minimum speed is only possible in first gear. When on, an icon will appear on the display. Then, set the cruising speed with the “Set” button.
The rest of the cruise control system is intuitive — you can stop cruise by braking, using the clutch for a long time, or by exceeding the top speed.
Some interesting ways of disengaging cruise control on the Multistrada V4 are
- Twisting the throttle forward beyond the normal maximum
- Leaning very heavily (a whopping 50 degrees!)
- Exceeding 180 km/h / 112 mph.
The second thing to be aware of is the ride mode control. You can set the ride mode control while moving, but it’s best to be familiar with it so you can avoid looking at the screen while riding. Also, when you’re moving, you’ll have to release the brake and throttle for the new mode to take effect.
The base model has four riding modes: Sport, Enduro, Urban, and Touring.
To change riding mode
- Press the mode/enter button for a long time.
- When the screen is displayed, use the scroll buttons to scroll up and down ride modes
- Press the mode/enter button to confirm the change.
You can cancel out of it by selecting “exit” and pressing mode/enter.
The ride modes impact engine power delivery, DTC, ABS, DWC, and DQS (which is, by default, enabled all the time.)
| Mode | ABS (Off-3) | DTC (Off-8) | DWC (Off-8) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Touring | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Sport | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Enduro | 1 | 2 | Off |
The ride modes are customisable in the menus, if you wish.
V4 S / Rally / Pikes Peak controls
Below is the switchgear for the V4 S / Rally / Pikes Peak. Adaptive cruise is optional or standard on these models, depending on the model and market.
Since the Multistrada V4 is one of the few motorcycles with adaptive cruise control, it makes sense to know how to use it rather than poke about on the fly.
Using cruise control with adaptive cruise control is fundamentally the same — you use “on” to turn it on, and then “set” to set your cruise speed.
The main difference is that you also have buttons to set your buffer zone between your motorcycle and other vehicles.
There are easiest way to set cruise distance is with the adaptive + and – buttons, next to the cruise control toggle. There are four settings:
| Setting | Distance (meters / feet) | Time (seconds) at 100 km/h (62 mph) |
|---|---|---|
| Near | 22 meters (72 feet) | 0.8 seconds |
| Medium | 34 meters (112 feet) | 1.2 seconds |
| Far | 44 meters (144 feet) | 1.6 seconds |
| Very far | 55 meters (180 feet) | 2.0 seconds |
Once you have engaged adaptive cruise control, observe how it behaves in the following situations:
- When there are or aren’t other vehicles present (see the icons on the screen), which tell you whether or not ACC is engaged. Note the motorcycle’s automatic acceleration or even braking.
- Cornering: The ACC system will detect lean angle and slow down the motorcycle as necessary.
- When there is a yellow icon: Asking for your assistance (e.g. to brake hard).
- Passing / Overtaking: ACC can speed up when you turn a turn signal on to overtake in a faster lane, when you’re cruising over 65 km/h (40 mph).
Interesting side note. The Ducati Multistrada V4’s radar-guided overtaking assistance is calibrated for right-hand driving or left-hand driving. So it’s a setting you may need to change if you travel internationally, e.g. from the UK to Europe, or from Australia to as far as you can swim…
Ducati Multistrada V4 Service Intervals
The below information, as well as the maintenance schedule, comes from our sister website, maintenanceschedule.com.
Generally, you can think of the Ducati Multistrada V4’s service intervals as a 15000 km / 9000 mi service interval, with some things to do every 2-3 intervals, and a valve service ever 60000 km / 36000 mi (previously cited as a more specific-sounding 37280, but Ducati has started simplifying that.)
The manual describes four kinds of service intervals for the Multi V4:
- The break-in service (“Oil service 1000”), which is done once, after 1000 km (600 mi)
- The Annual Service, which is done every 12 months
- The “Oil Service”, which is done every 15000 km / 9000 mi or 24 months
- The Valve check, which is done every 60000 km / 37280 mi (with no time interval). This has been updated to 36000 mi in later manuals, presumably for simplicity.
Ducati recommends changing the chain and sprockets before 20000 km / 12000 mi, or as necessary.
In case of off-road use, you should do the maintenance items more frequently than scheduled.
Ducati Multistrada Maintenance Schedule
Below is a clarified version of the maintenance schedule of the maintenance schedule from the manual.
It’s separated into
- A daily / regular maintenance checklist
- A periodic maintenance schedule of major items (oil changes, valve inspections etc.), and
- An annual service checklist
There are also separate sections below on chain maintenance.
Daily Inspection Checklist
This is the daily inspection checklist for the Ducati Multistrada V4. Do this before every ride.
Many of these items you’d naturally do by starting to ride, e.g. confirming that the lights, brakes, and clutch work. But you should specifically check the fluid levels periodically.
Every 1000 km/600 miles OR 6 months (whichever comes earlier), perform the following maintenance:
| Ducati Multistrada V4 and V4S — Regular maintenance |
|---|
| Check engine oil level (Motul 300V 15W-50) |
| Check brake fluid level (Castrol DOT 4) |
| Check tire pressure and wear |
| Check the drive chain tension and lubrication (Motul chain care kit) See below section on chain tension |
| Check brake pads, replace if necessary (FA630HH, FA209/2HH) |
Major Items Maintenance Schedule
Below is the service schedule of major items for the Multistrada V4.
Notes:
- Observe the earlier of time-based or distance-based service intervals.
- Keep following it in the pattern shown beyond the end of the maintenance schedule.
- If you ride your motorcycle aggressively or in untoward conditions (e.g. off-road or in mud, rain, or on dirty roads, in stop-start traffic, or in cold weather without giving it time to warm up), you may have to service your bike more often.
The maintenance schedule in the manual is quite complicated (even for Ducati), with a raft of things necessary at different intervals of time and distance. We’ve done what we can to clarify it below, breaking it up into a simple checklist.
For the break-in service for the Multi V4 / V4S — do a full inspection service (the items in the table above), plus change the oil and filter.
| km x 1000 | 1 | 15 | 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mi x 1000 | 0.6 | 9 | 37.28 | |
| Do a full inspection service (see below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change engine oil and filter (Mobil 1 15W-50, HF139) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 2 years |
| Check and clean air filter | ✓ | More often if riding in dust / rain | ||
| Change air filter (P-DU11S19-01) | ✓ | 30000 km / 18000 mi (more often if you ride in dust/rain) | ||
| Check and/or adjust valve clearance | ✓ | |||
| Change spark plugs (T00132U) | ✓ | |||
| Change coolant (see ENI AGIP alternatives) | ✓ | 4 years | ||
| Change front fork fluid | 45000 km / 27000 mi | |||
| Change brake and clutch fluid (Castrol DOT 4) | 2 years | |||
| Check the tightening of frame fasteners to engine, swinging arm and rear shock absorber | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Check the silent blocks (cush drive) on rear sprocket and lubricate the rear wheel shaft | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Replace the final drive chain kit (recommended) | Within 20,000 km / 12,000 mi. |
Ducati Multistrada V4 Standard Inspection Checklist
This is the checklist of standard items to check / do every service.
Break in service: For items marked #, you don’t have to do these at break-in, but it can’t hurt.
| Standard checklist |
|---|
| [D] Read error memory with DDS 3.0 and check for technical updates and recall campaigns on DCS |
| Visual check of the front fork and rear shock absorber seals |
| # Check front and rear brake disk and pad wear. Change if necessary |
| Check brake and clutch fluid level |
| Check wear of chain, front and rear sprocket, and final drive chain elongation, tension and lubrication. (See below for chain maintenance guidelines) |
| Check the freedom of movement and tightness of the side stand |
| Check that all rubber gaiters and flexible hoses in view (e.g. fuel, brake and clutch hoses, cooling system, bleeding, drainage, etc.) are not cracked, are properly sealing and positioned |
| Check free play of rear brake lever |
| Check tyre pressure and wear |
| Check the operation of all electric safety devices (clutch and side stand sensor, front and rear brake switches, engine kill switch, gear/neutral sensor) |
| Check lighting devices, turn indicators, warning horn and controls work |
| Visual check of the coolant level and of sealing of the circuit |
| # Check the proper tightening of brake calliper bolts and front and rear brake disk screws |
| # Check front and rear wheel nuts and rear sprocket nut tightening |
| # Checking the front and rear wheel hub bearings and the steering tube bearing play |
| # Lubricate the levers at the handlebar and pedal controls |
| # Check the freedom of movement of the swinging system for side bags and top case |
| [D] Final test and road test of the motorcycle, testing safety devices (e.g. ABS, DTC and VHC), electric fans and idling |
| Clean the vehicle |
| [D] Record the service coupon, turn off the warning light on the instrument panel using the DDS 3.0, and fill out that the service was performed in the service booklet |
Maintaining the Ducati Multistrada V4’s Chain
Below are guidelines for maintaining the chain of the Multistrada V4. If you’re doing any kind of distance on your Multistrada V4 (even if you’re renting it), you need to service that chain — At least clean and lubricate it!
Ducati recommends Shell Advance chain oil, but you can use any high-quality chain cleaner / lubricant, like Motul chain lubricant.
| Maintenance item | Every |
|---|---|
| Clean and lubricate chain | 1000 km / 600 mi, or 6 months, or more often if riding in rain / wet |
| Check wear of chain, front and rear sprocket, and final drive chain elongation and tension. Record detected elongation value: __ (cm) (in) | 15000 km / 9000 mi, or more often if riding aggressively |
| Replace the final drive chain kit | Within 20000 km / 12000 mi, or as necessary |
To check the chain tension, find the point on which the chain is tightest (rolling it around and watching the chain, and put the bike up on its side stand.
For the Multistrada V4, measure the distance between the centre of the chain pins and the sliding shoe.
Target chain tension for the Ducati Multistrada V4 (all versions, including Rally): 33-35 mm
Ducati provides a chain tension measuring tool for the Multistrada V4 as part of the toolkit. Here’s how to use it.
- Position the tool between the slider and swingarm. Make sure it’s all the way at the rear, laying flat.
- Push down on the chain lightly with your finger.
- Look at where the center of the pins sit against the markers.
- Repeat this with several other parts of the chain, trying to find the tightest and loosest spots.
If the tension is out of spec (usually too loose), adjust the tension. Ducati recommends you get a dealer to do this (but you can do it yourself). Luckily, unlike other Ducati motorcycles, you don’t need an eccentric wrench.
- Use a 36 mm socket to loosen the axle socket and a breaker bar.
- Remove the rear chain guard with two 4mm hex screws.
- Use 12mm and 10mm wrenches to release the pinch nut for the chain adjustment nuts and then to use the adjustment nuts. Make very minor adjustments — go a quarter turn at a time, doing the same on each axle.
- Make sure the chain and wheel are still aligned.
- Keep checking the chain tension until it’s in spec.
- Re-tighten the pinch bolts, holding your chain tensioning bolt in place. Don’t over-tighten.
- Re-tighten the axle to 96 Nm / 130 ft-lb (use a torque wrench).
- Put the chain guard back on.
Wheel, tire sizes, and tire pressures for the Ducati Multistrada V4 (including Rally and Pikes Peak)
In base trim, the Ducati Multistrada V4 has a 19 inch front wheel and 17 inch rear, in light alloy cast. The S models can also have wire-spoked rims.
The Multistrada V4 ships with Scorpion Trail II, Scorpion Rally, or Scorpion Rally Street tyres, all tubeless.
The pressure recommended depends on the tyre used, and the amount of luggage fitted. (And rider/passenger weight, and riding style, and where riding, etc.)
| Wheel | Tyre (Tire) size | Tyre (Tire) pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70-R19 M/C 60W | Trail II: 2.4 bar (35 psi) Rally: 1.6-1.8 bar (23-26 psi) |
| Rear | 170/60-R17 M/C 72W | Trail II: 2.5-2.9 bar (36-42 psi) Rally: 1.6-2.2 bar (23-32 psi) |
The Pikes Peak has different specs, with sport bike-spec 17-inch front and rear tires, and a wide-profile 190-inch rear.
| Wheel | Tyre (Tire) size | Tyre (Tire) pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70 ZR17 M/C 58W | 2.5 bar / 34 psi |
| Rear | 190/55 ZR17 M/C 75W | 2.5-2.9 bar / 34-42 psi |
Tightening Torque specs
Below are torque specs for some commonly requested items for the Ducati Multistrada V4.
| Item | Nm | lb-ft |
|---|---|---|
| Spark plugs (x 4) | 12 | 9 |
| Engine drain bolt (with magnet) | 14 | 10 |
| Oil filter cover retaining screw | 10 | 7 |
| Front chain sprocket and gear retaining screws | 19 | 14 |
| Front brake wheel discs to wheel rim fastener (x 1) | 30 | 22 |
| Wheel shaft fastener (front axle) | 63 | 46 |
| Rear axle shaft to chain tensioner slider | 20 | 15 |
| Rear wheel rear sprocket to driving flange fastener | 55 | 41 |
| Cush drive damper pin | 44 | 32 |
| Rear double-sided swingarm axle nut | 180 | 133 |
You can find a more comprehensive list on the Ducati Multistrada forums.
Alternatives to the Ducati Multistrada V4
While the Ducati Multistrada V4 is a kick-ass motorcycle, the big-bore adventure touring segment has been active for a long time. Here are the main competitors below (with the Multi in the below list). Still, the Multi V4 is the only 4-cylinder bike in the list, and also the only V4.
BMW R 1250 GS
The BMW R 1250 GS (pictured above in limited HP colours) is a high-power, high-spec, and very capable adventure tourer, designed to be at home on highways or on dusty 4×4 paths. It’s powered by a 1254 cc liquid-cooled boxer twin with variable valve timing (the “ShiftCam” engine). It’s available in base trim, and up-spec “Adventure” trim which comes with a lot of options as standard, taller suspension, and a 30-litre long-range fuel tank. (See the resources page here.)
Ducati Multistrada V4
The Ducati Multistrada has evolved, over the years, from being a road-oriented sport motorcycle to a mixed use weapon. The latest incarnation, the Ducati Multistrada V4 (see the resources page), is powered by Ducati’s V4 Granturismo motor, which makes impressive power of 125 kW / 170 hp at 10000 rpm) and has super long 36000 mile / 60000 km major maintenance intervals. The V4 has loads of things that make it special, including active “Skyhook” suspension, and radar-based adaptive cruise control.
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L
The Honda Africa Twin is Honda’s revival of an iconic brand that put them on the map as adventure touring manufacturers. The 2016+ models are powered by a parallel twin “Unicam” engine which has a 270-degree crankshaft, and has loads of torque and character. The Africa Twin has a 21-inch front tire and comes with tubes in some configurations, which is something to be aware of. The 1100+ model has cruise control and a 6-axis IMU for cornering ABS.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S / R
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and R are the bikes that most riders describe as something spanning “berserk” to “crazy”. Both bikes are powered by the LC8 V-twin, a 1301 cc liquid-cooled high-power beast that also powers the 1290 Super Duke R. It makes 118 kW / 160 hp @ 8750 rpm, and gobloads of torque. The S is the street bike, with a smaller front rim, semi-active suspension, and radar-supported active cruise control, and the R is the off-road adventurer with long-travel suspension (non active), both rims spoked with a 21-inch front wheel, and a shorter screen.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE
The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and 1050 have always been budget contenders in the adventure touring market, but this doesn’t mean they’re not capable and very well-equipped — plus stylish! For 2023, Suzuki updated the 1050, granting it a 21-inch front wheel and letting you disable rear ABS for better off-road work. Otherwise, it’s the same V-twin powered adventure bike with a motor that traces back to the iconic Suzuki TL1000S.
Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally / Explorer
Triumph has been making the big triple-powered Explorer for many years, but in recent years has made concerted efforts to make it more off road-ready. The Rally Explorer (and Rally Pro) replace the XE and XC models, and they’re the same concept — a big adventure tourer powered by an 1160 cc triple, powering the rear through a shaft drive, a relative rarity in this class. The Rally models have a 21-inch front wheel, still with a tubeless tire.
Yamaha Ténéré XTZ1200
The Yamaha Ténéré XTZ1200 is almost forgotten next to its middleweight sibling, the Ténéré 700, but for a long time was the secret alternative to the GS. It’s powered by an 1198 cc big bore parallel twin and puts power down through a shaft drive. The ES version lets you electronically control rear preload and front and rear damping. Aside from the option of ES, the XTZ1200 hasn’t had major updates since 2014 and has been discontinued in some markets.
Other Related Motorcycles
If you’re interested in the Ducati Multistrada V4, you may also probably also be considering other motorcycles with the V4 Granturismo motor.
The only other one at this stage is the Ducati Diavel V4. It has the same motor, in ostensibly the same state of tune, but in a very different format motorcycle — a “muscle cruiser” or a very comfortable standard.
Reference — Owner’s Manual for the Ducati Multistrada V4
The above information came from a mix of the owner’s manual, service manual, press releases, and forum information for the Ducati Multistrada V4.
Below you can see some screenshots for the maintenance schedule from the manual.
You can also download the owner’s manual from here: Link.
