Good day all, i am considering buying a 22 plate multi V4s, what are the pros and cons of these? Such as servicing costs, general running costs, mpg The one i am looking at was sold new by the dealer who is now reselling it, and fully serviced at the same main dealer, so, no worries on service history Do they feel top heavy when slow moving/stationary? What is the luggage capacity with 3 piece luggage? Thanks in advance
I’ve had a 21 and now a 23 plate V4 Multistrada. I don’t find it top heavy, but I’m not off roading. My first, a travel & radar used more brake pads than I expected, but they can be easily be upgraded. We have the aluminium panniers and top case, because that’s what we are used to having had two GSAs. Friends who have a V2, I’m sure it’s the same plastic luggage, have just been away on theirs for a week. what have you been riding recently?
Kawasaki Versys 650, nice bike, a bit top heavy, very tall, I'm on my tip toes when I stop, nearly dropped it a few times on the first couple of rides this year, slowly getting better with it though I'm just a bit concerned about it being a bit underpowered with me, the wife, top box and panniers full of grocery shopping, on somebody the hills when we go on holiday
The V4S Multistrada is definitely not underpowered. Im sure most if not all models can automatically lower when coming to a stop. I suggest you go and test ride one.
I’m on my second V4. Started with a V4S and recently switched to a V4 Rally. I came from a succession of BMW boxer twins and a v-twin Multistrada back in 2012. The V4 is the best bike I have ever ridden, never mind owned. It very, very quick but also extremely easy to ride. I haven’t experienced a single fault or problem with either bike in well over 25,000 miles - not something I could say about any of my BMWs. The only niggle with the V4 is that it’s thirsty. Long-term average of just over 40mpg and it has a relatively small tank, so light usually on around 150 and range around 180. It’s got the torque and lazy ride of a GS, coupled with the raw power of the X-RAY. Can’t think of anything I’d rather have as a touring bike.
It was the versys i was referring to, being underpowered, not the V4S I went to a local dealer yesterday, to ask a few questions, one of which was regarding seat height, as I had seen a Pikes Peak with a lower seat, and the owner stated that it is adjustable, I wanted to know if it was just on that model, or all Multi's, it was explained that it was on all models, plus, there is also a lower seat pad option too, he went on to explain about the electronic suspension automatically lowering when the speed drops below 10 kmh (i think it was kmh) They had a stunning looking 21 plate V4S in grey, unfortunately sold, he told me about a 22 plate in white, that had just come in, and was still sat in the workshop, had a look, it does not have the radar thing for the adaptive cruise control (bonus), and already had the optional lowered seat pad fitted, this is the one I am considering
I changed my Travel & Radar for a Rally just for the range. I’ve just done a week’s touring in the Midlands/Wales and it’s the first time for many years I wasn’t the one diving into a filling station or finding myself running on fumes. I’d definitely consider the V2 if the realistic range is over 220 miles.
The V4 is very heavy to manoeuvre about the garage. It’s a big step from a Versys 650. But the throttle goes both ways and it is a stupendous bike. I only sold mine as the weight was getting to be a bigger problem with advancing age.
the auto suspension lowering is only on the latest models. I likely that your second-hand option will have it. Even on my late ‘23 Rally it is manually operated, not auto. My early ‘22 bike didn’t have it at all, despite being top spec. FWIW I don’t use it at all. I’m 6’ with 32” inside leg.
I'd only ever had sports bikes before moving to a PP V4. I'm 5'9 and it still feels like mounting a horse every time I get on it. With the standard seat on the lowest position and the forks dropped 10mm I can get both feet on the floor. If the bike is vertical coming to a standstill it's fine. But, it is heavy and carries a lot of that weight high up. If I ever have to stop with it on any sort of an angle it will definitely have me off. Once moving the bike is brilliant, there's nothing else I'd consider atm. I just need to plan my stops a bit.
Sometimes, all you need is a steep road camber to catch you out when rolling to a stop. I’ve been there!
It very much depends on what you’re looking for: possibly an unfashionable PoV, but the V4 Multi just (so far at least) just doesn’t do it for me. On the test ride I had (V4S Rally), it felt just too large and felt remote from the road, lacking the front end feel that’s characterised all the Ducatis I’ve had since 1984. OTOH, if you’re looking for a relaxed tourer in the GS-plus-oomph model, it may well be ideal. Having hung on to my ‘10 1200S simply because I’ve not found anything that’s a measurable improvement for my tastes, I’m still stumped as to where to go next, if I move at all - the V4S PP had been top of my list. I am however eyeing up 1260 PPs. Whereas the V4S Panigale is probably the best motorcycle I’ve ever ridden, but OH probably wouldn’t appreciate the pillion seat, and my back & knees definitely wouldn’t be overly happy!
The Rally and the standard V4S are completely different to ride. I’ve owned both. If you don’t want what the Rally adds to the party - range and longer-travel suspension for off-road capability - the standard V4S is a much better road bike. You do get used to the Rally. It carries its weight higher because of the fuel and the suspension is soft in the top part of the stroke. Some of that can be dialled out but not all, in my experience. Judging the V4S from a test ride on a Rally is like trying to assess a GS from testing a GSA though. They are completely different animals, intended for very different purposes. IMHO the V4S is a significantly better road bike on almost every dimension than the old V-twin 1200 - which I also owned and loved at the time. The V4 engine is a work of genius…
Unfortunately, Ducati Glasgow would only offer a test ride on the Rally - if I can find a dealer with a more cooperative attitude, I’ll happily check out the standard version.
Sometimes dealers can be really stupid! A Rally test ride will put more people off a V4 than it will make want one
O/T, but I'm afraid that DG have gone badly downhill since the takeover. I had some disagreements with them BITD, but they were always friendly, helpful and open to a constructive argument. Now it seems as though all the passion and knowledge has gone.
The seat has two positions on all models that you can set it at, so not really ‘adjustable’. There’s maybe a 3cm difference between them and it’s a case of taking the seat off and slotting the seat tabs in to different height slots. This works with both the standard and low seat. I have a 30” inside leg and I can flat foot the bike with the low seat on the low setting. The suspension auto lowers only on the 25 models. Anything before this requires a manual push of a button to reduce the preload.
I just bought the 2025 V4S - the Auto Lowering was a key factor I have a Low Seat and Low Position and with Auto Lowering can touch the ground - 27" inside leg. Plus the bonus for 2025 - both sides of the Engine are Gold - not Gold one side - Grey the Other.
I have a 30" inside leg, I'm on tip toes on the higher setting, the lower setting is slightly better, there is no way that I can flat foot with both feet The bike i am looking at has a low seat fitted, so, with that and the lower fixing point, it is reasonable I'm not looking at going off road with the bike, mainly for touring or shopping trips with the wife on the back, and fully loaded panniers/top box The manual button press to lower the suspension is not an issue, I can live with that
