DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY (2023 - on) Review

Highlights
- Incredible engine and power delivery
- Real world rider aids and advanced electronics
- Useability, grip and stability
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
Power: | 170 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (34.3 in / 870 mm) |
Weight: | High (529 lbs / 240 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Ducati Multistrada turns 20 this year, the original 1000 DS model was launched in 2003 and the latest V4 Rally version is an addition to the fourth generation of the popular go anywhere adventure bike. Ducati have pulled out all the stops with their latest evolution of the V4 S, which made its debut in 2020 and made a bid to become the class leader in the flagship big bike adventure class.
With a V4 motor and 170bhp on tap it already has the ultimate power bragging rights, but this latest evolution is a lot more than that. In partnership with the sublime motor comes a chassis, suspension and electronics package that move this bike into a whole new league of sophistication.
Modern bikes are increasingly loaded with rider aids and advanced electronics with varying degrees of real world benefit. But Ducati are the current masters of honing their electronic know-how, with knowledge that has been garnered from years of development and huge expense from the MotoGP and World Superbike paddocks.
Known for having some of the most advanced electronics in their road going superbike, this technology is being tailored to other models within their range with huge success.
The V4 Rally brings a new globetrotting addition to the Multistrada V4 range. With the headline differences being a jump in fuel tank capacity from 22 to 30 litres which in turn gives a claimed 35% increase in fuel range. This has been achieved by using an aluminium fuel tank instead of a double skinned plastic tank meaning that the external dimensions of the tank are the same, but the capacity increases by eight litres which is an impressive achievement.
It also gets tubeless spoked wheels instead cast for better off-road performance and durability that are 3.2kg lighter along with a centre stand, bigger foot pegs, bigger screen and a 3mm thick aluminium bash plate.
The engine and chassis has also benefited from some upgrades with the four cylinder motor now having cylinder deactivation meaning it runs on two cylinders lower in the rev range to improve fuel consumption, lower emissions and reduce heat.
The suspension now offers an Easy Lift facility which takes the compression off the suspension to make it easier to get it off the side stand. Plus there is a button to reduce preload meaning the bike gets significantly lower the more weight you put on it – perfect for getting your foot down on uneven, cambered terrain or when you want to have your feet firmly on the ground when your pillion climbs onboard.
With four rider modes – Touring, Urban, Sport and Enduro the character and feel is tangibly changed depending on your selection and type of riding. But this isn’t just a engine mapping change – it applies to the electronic suspension settings, ABS, engine braking, traction control, anti wheelie meaning you have pre-set parameters designed to work in your chosen conditions – which they do. Plus within each pre-set parameter you have the choice to tweak and adjust each area to your personal preference and needs.
Watch Michael's full Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally video review here:

Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe 50mm Ducati Skyhook front forks and rear shock are electronically controlled and fully adjustable. This offers an incredible level of support and adjustability meaning that however you ride the suspension operates within its sweet spot.
There is no crashing through the stroke of the forks under hard braking or overloading the rear when you try and exploit its 170bhp. Even through rapid changes of direction where it’s easy to overload the suspension it gives you the support you need and want, maintaining incredible balance on and off-road.
Weighing in at 240kg wet it’s a heavy bike, but very much inline with the rest of the market it’s trying to conquer. With the electronics working in such harmony with the chassis and engine it’s real world fast. MCN’s Michael Neeves describes the top end adventure bikes as ‘superbikes on stilts’ and there is arguably no better analogy.
Their level of performance, poise, usability and comfort makes them kings of the road and the new Rally has now moved this on another level. The key components of suspension, chassis, engines, brakes and electronics are now working in such harmony it’s hard to pick fault.
In the real world that means that regardless of the level of a rider's personal ability or experience, they can exploit the high performing and incredibly useable components – meaning they would benefit any rider from novice through to expert.
The powerful twin 330mm discs with Brembo Stylema calipers with lean angle sensitive ABS brakes are also in tune with the rest of the package. Strong enough to be able to use one finger with a high level of control and feel off-road.
Adjustments are made to the level of ABS intervention in the aforementioned rider modes, but there is also a sub menu where this can be adjusted and tailored to your needs. In Enduro mode, the level of intervention is reduced on the front and ABS completely removed on the rear.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityWhen Ducati launched the Multistrada V4 S three years ago it entered new ground. An 1158cc V4 adventure bike raised the stakes in the power department even trumping KTM’s formidable 160bhp Super Adventure S and R models.
Honed for years as a superbike engine the latest Rally offering has revised camshaft timing, new exhaust and cylinder deactivation meaning the rear two cylinders are dormant until the revs reach 3,800rpm when all four cylinders chime into action seamlessly. Running as a twin at tick over and low revs has a number of benefits, first of all it reduces heat, secondly it reduces emissions and thirdly Ducati claim a 6% reduction in fuel.
The V4 engine is a pleasure to use wherever you are in the rev range. The connection from wright wrist to rear tyre is sublime enabling you to make the first tap of the throttle incredibly early in a corner and with utmost confidence. The power is strong and accessible but when the revs climb so does the engine note and attitude and anything over 7,000rpm its superbike roots are clear to hear and feel.
By selecting Enduro mode, power is reduced from 170bhp to 114bhp – which is more than enough on the dirt. Throttle response is softened improving that all important throttle connection when grip is at a premium.
Along with traction control engine breaking parameters are also pre-set depending on the chosen mode and like everything else on the bike it can be adjusted easily through the clear and intuitive menu system.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe first of the V4 Multistradas experienced some problems but these were quickly sorted and haven’t returned. The overall finish of the bike is very impressive, there are neat infill panels and the high quality components you’d expect on such a premium product. It’s hard to fault.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe saying 'you get what you pay for' isn’t always appropriate, but when it comes to the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally it rings true - with a starting price of £23,950.
And actually, the bike we rode was the Adventure Travel model which gets heated grips, heated seat, aluminium panniers and crash bars and retails at £26,943 making it a seriously expensive motorbike – double the price of a base model Honda Africa Twin.
It is of course a significantly higher spec in every way but this level of performance, technology and refinement clearly comes at a cost. Other top-end big adventure bikes include the previously mentioned KTM 1290 Super Adventure, BMW R1250GS Adventure and last year's Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer.
Equipment
The new Rally takes the words fully loaded to another level. In addition to the advanced electronics, electronic suspension, rider modes and seemingly infinite adjustability. There is radar front and rear, adaptive cruise control, vehicle hold control, easy lift, preload reduction at a touch of a button, cornering lights and 6.5” TFT dash.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1158cc |
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Engine type | V4 Granturismo |
Frame type | Aluminium monocoque |
Fuel capacity | 30 litres |
Seat height | 870mm |
Bike weight | 240kg |
Front suspension | 50mm fully adjustable USD forks with electronic Ducati Skyhook |
Rear suspension | Electronic, fully adjustable Ducati Skyhook |
Front brake | 2 x 330mm discs with four-piston Brembo Stylema calipers. Cornering ABS |
Rear brake | 265mm disc with twin-piston caliper. Cornering ABS |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 19 |
Rear tyre size | 170/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | - |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £320 |
New price | £23,950 |
Used price | £12,500 - £21,500 |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Four years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 170 bhp |
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Max torque | 89.2 ft-lb |
Top speed | - |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
Launched in 2003 the original Multistrada DE? Launched a whole new genre of motorcycle for Ducati. Updated in 2010 the second generation Multistrada saw capacity climb to 1200cc reinforcing Ducati as a manufacturer that didn’t just make sports bikes. Five years later the brand new Testastreta DVT engine was introduced with double variable timing system bringing in a whole new level of power and tech.
In 2020 the Multistrada V4 S was bought to market – the world first V4 engine configuration in an adventure bike.
Other versions
- Ducati Multistrada V4 - The base version of the big Multi has all the power but less of the bells and whistles.
- Ducati Multistrada V4 S - The same as the standard but with fancier suspension.
- Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak - a 'track' version of the Multistrada with a 17in front wheel and electronic suspension.
MCN Long term test reports

After 6002 miles with the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, Rich has decided it's 'the one'... maybe
I’m not a ‘one bike’ kind of a guy. I love being able to pick a style, age, or character of bike for the ride ahead, and that’s led to me having a five-bike garage (for now) that spans 50 years of models, three engine configurations, three styles, and three different brands. Every year when I an…
Owners' reviews for the DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY (2023 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY (2023 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY (2023 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
Year: 2024
Annual servicing cost: £400
Excellent all rounder nice engine
Lots of power . Smooth motor
Long service intervals
Active cruise and blind spot mirrors
Buying experience: Dealer new. Pxed v4s. Al good
Version: Full
Year: 2023
Annual servicing cost: £250
Having been a BMW GS fan boy for over 15yr having owned 5 GSA's in that time. I was tempted away by this amazing machine. Overall it does everything the GSA did but with a definite zing! It gives that excitement back. Real quality components in a very well put together package.
It is very nimble given its height and slices through bends like a sports bike. It's like you and the bike are connected, you look where you want to go and it goes. You can change line mid corner and the suspension is amazing. For the people who like to fiddle with the settings there is a massive amount of customisation available, but for those who just prefer to jump on and go the auto setting with skyhook is fabulous.
After a big twin thumper it took a bit of getting used to. It doesn't have the low down torque of the boxer engine by quite a bit, its no slouch even at low revs but its different. Once you get by that it's a brilliant engine. The induction 'howl' is addictive and the speed it spins up is mind blowing.
It exudes quality, which it should given the hefty price tag. but even the thickness of the paint is impressive.
It has a much longer service interval than anticipated with 9500m between service intervals. and the major valve clearance is now over 35,000m!
As Standard the FULL comes with almost everything, so it's loaded. Again at this price it had to. I was sceptical about adaptive cruise control, but it works very well. I have had cruise on the last 4 BMW's and tbh I didn't like it. It gave me the wobbles! the thought that it could just plow you into something never felt right. This system is so good it brakes, it speeds up it is really looking ahead. So much so it allows you to take in the surroundings without fear it's going to plant you into a truck.
Buying experience: My dealer (Glasgow Ducati, part of the Manchester Group) have been brilliant. Very attentive and make you feel like you're not just an open cheque book.