Motorcycle specifications DucatiMultistrada V4 1160 2025 Innovations on all fronts

Nowadays, there really are no bad bikes when you look at the catalog of historic manufacturers. While some choose their motorcycle out of affection for the brand, others are sensitive to technological sirens. If you're one of these, listen carefully, because what I'm about to tell you could well seduce you if you're looking for an ultra-versatile machine. The new Ducati Multistrada V4 in turn adopts top-notch technologies such as automatic lowering of the bike (for the S model) and improved cylinder deactivation..

At the latest Ducati World Première (not to be confused with WDW World Ducati Week), the Bologna-based brand presents the new Multistrada V4 2025. In terms of styling, this bike benefits from a slight facelift of the front end. The brand's avowed aim is to make the bike more aggressive and sporty, leaving the rally side of the Desert range behind. The Multistrada's credo: speed on the road, but in comfort! According to the brand's press release, the new styling of the fork head should immediately bring you into contact with the Panigale V4. Even better! The new painted parts completely framing it are reminiscent of the 916 and 1098. Decidedly, Ducati sees the 916 everywhere.

No doubt about it, when it comes to marketing, the Italians are good. In fact, you'll need a sharp eye to play the game of 7 differences between a 2024 model and this new 2025 model. The LED daytime running lights are lengthened to emphasize the look of this big, travel-loving biker. It's true that the fork head appears less crude in black plastic. Ducati's new identity is achieved by modulating the color scheme of the bodywork (which ultimately remains identical).

Another slight change is the new shape of the exhaust silencer, which, according to the press release, gives the Multistrada a new voice.

Automatic Lowering Device

Let's take a detour to a piece of technology on the S model. It will be easier to handle at standstill and at low speeds thanks to the introduction of the Automatic Lowering Device. How it works is simple: the motorcycle lowers itself by reducing its suspension travel automatically when it drops below 10 kph. When the rider accelerates beyond 50 km/h, the Multistrada V4 S automatically returns to riding height.
This practical assistance system can be disconnected by the rider.

ducati Vehicle Observer

The Multistrada V4 becomes even safer and more efficient, thanks to electronic controls capable of acting with greater precision. This function makes it possible to more accurately estimate the bike's position in space and its total mass, simulating the input of 70 sensors to integrate the data supplied by the inertial platform. The Ducati Vehicle Observer, developed by Ducati Corse in MotoGP and introduced with the Panigale V4 my25, uses 70 virtual sensors to continuously analyze the bike and feed data to the inertial unit. The electronics then manage Cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) with greater precision.

The Multistrada V4 2025 is also equipped with EBC (Engine Brake Control), which can be set to three levels. This assistance system allows the rider to customize engine braking according to driving style and context. Finally, the combined electronic braking system, which optimally distributes braking between front and rear, adds a new analysis parameter to its operation, taking into account the motorcycle's load.

In addition to the front-to-rear strategy, which manages the rear brake even when using only the front control, the new Multistrada V4 2025 is now equipped with a rear-to-front strategy that optimizes braking power using only the rear control.

In addition to basic information (speed, rpm, etc.), the rider manages all these functions from the 5-inch color TFT instrument panel. Here too, Ducati is keen to differentiate between the standard model and the more upscale V4 S with its 6.5-inch, feature-enriched display.

Engine: a V4 that transforms into a parallel twin

The Multistrada 2025 is still powered by the V4 Granturismo engine. With a displacement of 1,158 cm3, the V4 develops 170 hp ((125 kW) at 10,750 rpm and 123.8 Nm at 9,000 rpm) when all its cylinders are called upon by the ardor of your right wrist. On the other hand, in cruising situations, to meet Euro 5+ standards, the Italian engineers came up with a good idea from Germany. As you know, Ducati is owned by Audi. German cars have been equipped with cylinder deactivation for some years now. So it's only natural that the transfer of technology should take place across the Alps.

Electronic engine management deactivates the rear cylinders when the motorcycle is stationary and the engine is not running at full load. This trick makes the V4 more fuel-efficient, reducing consumption and emissions by 6%.

Honda had already devised a somewhat comparable system with the V-TEC of its V4 on the VFR, but which deactivated not the cylinders but 2 out of 4 valves in each cylinder. A test drive of the Italian will allow us to judge the relevance of this improved solution on the Multistrada. Note that this technology will work regardless of the riding mode chosen by the rider.

However, of the five riding modes at your disposal, Ducati has thoroughly revised the Enduro mode and offers a new Wet mode. The others are Sport (170 hp), Touring (170 hp) and Urban (115 hp).

Selecting Enduro mode reduces the V4's power output to 114 hp, with smoother throttle response in off-road situations on relatively smooth roads. DTC is reduced to a lower intervention level and DWC is deactivated. Rear-wheel ABS is also deactivated, and cornering assist and rear lift detection are inhibited to suit off-road use.

as far as the chassis is concerned, the Multistrada V4 retains its well-born fundamentals. It is still based on an aluminum monocoque frame, with a double-sided cast-aluminum swingarm. Its axis has been repositioned 1 millimeter higher. The aim is to prevent the bike from sagging under the load you place on it. Another modification provides more legroom for the passenger, thanks to a new layout for the top-case and panniers.
Adaptive cornering lights now standard

Packages and finishes

The new Multistrada V4 2025 is now available in 4 trim levels. We already knew about the Radar and Travel & Radar models. Ducati now adds the Sport Travel & Radar and Adventure Travel & Radar packages. These new versions include a center stand, heated grips and seat, and of course front and rear radars.

The Sport trim adds suitcases and forged rims that reduce unsprung weight by 2 kg. Handling is definitely improved with this version. The Adventure version features aluminum suitcases and spoked wheels.

Finally, Ducati continues to offer one of the most versatile bikes on the market. The definition of the Multistrada is to go fast, but in relative comfort. And yes, at 50 ballais you might not want to break into 3 to fit on a hypersport. However, the big trails with their peppy sound don't quite appeal to you... In fact, many BMW GS owners never put their wheels in the ground except for their driveway. So why not think about a sportier machine? The answer is here ... .

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos