Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1342921
2021 DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 S RIDE REVIEW P100 Regardless, the vehicle dynamics are much easier to use thanks to a joystick on the left handlebar, in much the same fashion as Triumph has had for many years. As I say, the dash holds myriad features that would need your attention for days to get on top of, but at a quick glance, everything seems to work more intuitively than it has in previ- ous Multistradas. THE NEW BENCHMARK? It's hard not to look at the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S as nothing less than the before-and-after point of modern motorcycles. While other machines will soon be coming out with the radar system, it counts to be the first to mar- ket with such a system and Ducati beat everyone to the punch. On top of that, the motorcycle itself is revitalized, and the proof is in the ride. The V4 engine is a masterstroke of performance, mated to a gut- tural exhaust note that hints at Ducati's sporting ethos. But it doesn't take itself too seriously. It's an incredibly fun machine, and does everything it says on the packet, and then some. My hope is Ducati now focusses on producing a real ADV bike to take the pressure off the Multistrada, because it's an absolutely stunning sport tourer for the street, and while it's capable of dirt roads and light ADV work, there's a hole in the Ducati lineup they really need to fill. However, when all is said and done, it's impossible not to be thoroughly im- pressed with the 2021 Ducati Multistra- da V4 S. Ducati has followed Lincoln's words and created one of its greatest hits in the process. CN SPECIFICATIONS 2021 DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 S ($24,095, AS TESTED) ENGINE Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft VALVETRAIN 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder COOLING SYSTEM Liquid DISPLACEMENT 1158cc BORE X STROKE 83 x 53.5mm FUEL INJECTION Electronic, twin injectors per cylinder, full ride-by- wire 46mm elliptical throttle bodies, fixed length intake system COMPRESSION RATIO 14.0:1 POWER (CLAIMED) 170 hp @ 10,500 rpm TORQUE (CLAIMED) 92 lb-ft @ 8750 rpm EXHAUST 4-2-1 TRANSMISSION 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2 CLUTCH Self-servo wet multi-plate, hydraulically controlled slipper ELECTRONICS 4 Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Daytime Running Light, Ducati Cornering Light, Ducati Brake Light, Vehicle Hold Control, Cruise Control, Ducati Skyhook Suspension, full LED lighting CHASSIS Aluminum monocoque FRONT SUSPENSION Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable fork with TiN treatment, electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension REAR SUSPENSION Fully adjustable Marzocchi monoshock, electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension, aluminum double-sided swingarm FRONT BRAKE Dual 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema 4-piston calipers, radial master-cylinder with Bosch Cornering ABS REAR BRAKE 265mm disc, dual-piston caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS FRONT TIRE Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 120/70 ZR19 REAR TIRE Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 170/60 ZR17 RAKE 24.5° WHEELBASE 61.7 in. SEAT HEIGHT Adjustable 33.1 in - 33.9 in. FUEL CAPACITY 5.8 gal. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED) 536 lbs.