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2025 updates for Ducati Multistrada V4
Multistrada V4 and V4 S get double-sided swingarm and improved tech alongside engine tweaks introduced across rest of the range
Words by: Phil West
Published on 1 October 2024 | 0 min read
Ducati’s class-leading Multistrada V4 adventure bike is getting its biggest update so far for the 2025 model year. Introduced in 2021 as a successor to the game-changing V-twin Multistrada, this versatile all-rounder has become a best-seller for the Italian brand and now spans a range stretching from the base V4, through up-specced V4 S and to more off-road focused V4 Rally, long-distance Grand Tour and then to the racier Pikes Peak and V4 RS.
For this update Ducati has announced a raft of updates to the V4 and V4 S comprising changes to the engine, chassis, styling and electronic aids while the sportier Pikes Peak also gets performance upgrades. At the heart of it are improvements to the engine and chassis, the V4 and S now using an updated version of the 1,158cc Granturismo unit with modifications to hit Euro5+ emissions rules without sacrificing performance along the way.
For this update Ducati has announced a raft of updates to the V4 and V4 S comprising changes to the engine, chassis, styling and electronic aids while the sportier Pikes Peak also gets performance upgrades. At the heart of it are improvements to the engine and chassis, the V4 and S now using an updated version of the 1,158cc Granturismo unit with modifications to hit Euro5+ emissions rules without sacrificing performance along the way.
As part of this the system deactivating the rearmost cylinders when stationary and idling has been extended to work in a wider range of situations to the benefit of fuel consumption and emissions, the latter reduced by 6 per cent over the previous model. V4 and V4 S also switch from the signature single-sided swingarm to the double one introduced on the Rally, this and a repositioned pivot said to help handling precision under heavy loads. Styling has also been changed, the front end taking its influence from the Panigale and also the iconic 1098 and 916, while the sharper looking silencer also claims improved sound.
Other updates common to both models include a new ‘Automatic Lowering Device’ similar to that introduced by BMW on the R 1300 GS, whereby the bike drops automatically by up to 30mm when the speed falls below 6mph. When the bike accelerates back to above 30mph or so this returns to the normal ride height. Ducati’s ‘Cornering Lights’ system has also been improved and now offers a ‘Coming Home’ function leaving the low beam on for a few seconds after switching off the ignition. The 6.5-inch TFT screen has also gained improved functionality, the interface for the heated grips and saddle controls apparently one area to be improved. As before the main benefit of going for the V4 S is extra tech like semi-active suspension and radar monitored cruise control and blind spot alerts. A new sensor on the fork and ‘predictive’ bump detection means the rear suspension can, in theory, respond and adjust to road conditions in real time. You can now also adjust the suspension settings independently of the selected rider mode via a dedicated button, the rear shock also increasing its preload range from 12mm to 20mm.
Other updates common to both models include a new ‘Automatic Lowering Device’ similar to that introduced by BMW on the R 1300 GS, whereby the bike drops automatically by up to 30mm when the speed falls below 6mph. When the bike accelerates back to above 30mph or so this returns to the normal ride height. Ducati’s ‘Cornering Lights’ system has also been improved and now offers a ‘Coming Home’ function leaving the low beam on for a few seconds after switching off the ignition. The 6.5-inch TFT screen has also gained improved functionality, the interface for the heated grips and saddle controls apparently one area to be improved. As before the main benefit of going for the V4 S is extra tech like semi-active suspension and radar monitored cruise control and blind spot alerts. A new sensor on the fork and ‘predictive’ bump detection means the rear suspension can, in theory, respond and adjust to road conditions in real time. You can now also adjust the suspension settings independently of the selected rider mode via a dedicated button, the rear shock also increasing its preload range from 12mm to 20mm.
Radar-enhanced rider aids like the existing Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) are now joined by a Forward Collision Warning (FCW) to alert you to potential hazards via a pop-up on the dashboard if it thinks you haven’t responded yourself. Finally, panniers and top box have also been moved back a tad to improve legroom for the pillion passenger.
The V4 Pikes Peak meanwhile keeps the single-sided swingarm and its sportier 17-inch front wheel, Öhlins suspension, carbon fibre bits, Akrapovič exhaust and generally sportier styling. It also gets revised ergonomics, and new five-spoke forged wheels while the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension has been tweaked alongside the engine, which now has three-level Engine Brake Control (EBC) among its features. All three models are available from October with the V4 starting at £17,695, the V4 S from £21,495 and the Pikes Peak from £27,795.
The V4 Pikes Peak meanwhile keeps the single-sided swingarm and its sportier 17-inch front wheel, Öhlins suspension, carbon fibre bits, Akrapovič exhaust and generally sportier styling. It also gets revised ergonomics, and new five-spoke forged wheels while the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension has been tweaked alongside the engine, which now has three-level Engine Brake Control (EBC) among its features. All three models are available from October with the V4 starting at £17,695, the V4 S from £21,495 and the Pikes Peak from £27,795.
