Ducati Multistrada V4 S is a brilliant all-rounder that also happens to be a great sport bike. 

My Multistrada is 4 years old now and I am still smitten with it. The Skyhook suspension is pure magic and service from Ducati has been brilliant.

Dear Mat, this is one of the most beautifully detailed videos on the internet done. Thank you so much. So crucial details and flowing. Not always is a 28 minute video so informative. And mostly the 5 - 7 minute videos are repetetive of one of each other and rather a reading of the manual than the dive in of a Motor Journalist which should actually be. Unfortunately bla bla bla is what we mostly face on youtube. Every video is the same. But this one is really a perfect journalist video. Thank you so much for your effort, know how, detailing and personal experience you had and putting them together flavorful. It is like having a classy wine. Congrats and ride safe buddy. PS: I know it is not so easy to have a crew filming you while riding. But if there is or will be chance it would be so good, some drone and from a car shoot footage. Your determination and style really deserves much more sponsors. Peace.

Great review and I thought I would come back and comment after owning one for three months. Luckily I got the heated grips and panniers thrown in, but I agree, they should be standard at this price. I agree with everything you said and after three months of ownership it still amazes me how good it is. I took it on a trip of about 750Km in one day and I found it so comfortable. I am 6"3' and a 100kg so I often find some bikes hard on the knee joints and the butt. Not the MS, it is comfortable and even after six hours of riding, my only complaint was a bit of stiffness in the knee joints. On the freeway, I was able to get it cruising at 200kmh and it was so stable and smooth I felt I could drive all day at that speed. It was such a joy opening the throttle when the traffic cleared and it was so rapid and smooth I quickly used up the space between clumps of traffic and had to slow down. Obviously, fuel consumption was high with such rapid riding but I found that stopping to refuel was timed nicely with needing to stop to stretch the legs and have a pee. Yes, fuel range is not brilliant, but it's enough to give you good spacing between fuel stops. I am not a fan of riding for hours at a time without a break. It's bad for the bladder and bad for concentration levels. To me, the test of any bike you buy is whether you would buy it again and I absolutely would buy again it without a moment's hesitation. Well, maybe just a moment to consider whether I could afford the Pike's Peak version!

Brilliant, honest review from - arguably - one of the most engaging and knowledgeable motorcycle journalists on RU-vid. Thank you. And I agree about the penny pinching on the heated grips - shameful.

Mat. Your reviews are very impressive. I am fortunate to own this bike, putting 24,000 miles on it in yr 1. I’m just amazed at the prowess of this machine, every time I ride it. To hear you sing it’s praises, means something to me. I don’t get to ride the KTM or BMW (or a MT07!) so hearing your praise it, gives me peace of mind and pride in ownership. Thank you.

Just to put it out there. All MTS V4 S modells have heated grips.(EU modells, not sure about US or Asia) But you have to use two buttons in order to activated it.You open the menu with the button on the right, and the then use the joystick in order to select the heat setting. This System is rather stupid so they have fixed it for the 2022 model's. But a over all great video!!

Great review, just ordered the new pikes peak v4

Excellent review. Definitely my show to watch every week. Best bike show by far. Keep up the great journalism Matt and Don.

Great review. As an (ex)moto journo and test rider myself I appreciate your enthusiasm and style. I will be following you in the future. And I will make an effort tonget my hands on one of these bikes. I’ve only sampled the 1200S L-twin so far. 👍

Very good review on the bike that I have owned a half a year now. For me it is the best bike so far and a significant improvement in general to the Multistrada model. Have had both 950 and 1260S models. Also a couple of GSs have been in my garage. So far this Italian beauty is the best bike I have owned. The minor negative sides are to be found in every bike so far and it is the reason the bikes are being evolved all the time. The rideability and reliability on the Italian bikes has been very good on my bikes, I have had four Ducatis and by keeping them clean and having them serviced has been enough to have safe miles. With the current V4S I have ridden 10 000 km so far without a problem. The Grip of the Scorpion trails has been excellent in all riding conditions from 5 degrees to over 30 degrees celsius. The consumption might be a problem while traveling when you use too small gears like riding on the curvy roads and enjoying the bike but while using the larger gears you lower the revs and thus the mileage grows naturally. While touring I have done this and the consumption will be around 5,5-5,7 l/100 km which is totally normal for these types of bikes. You are able to ride safely 350 km cause you can trust the range numbers on the display very well to my experience. Have all lots of safe kms and enjoy the best hobby one can have!!

In my opinion, Mat is the best reviewer on t’interweb. Enthusiasm, skill, experience, and humour.

Of course we are still watching man! we love your content.

Totally agree regarding the Multi V4S suspension. I've had every version of the Multi and this is by far the best and better than any other bike I've owned or ridden.

Almost 2- years with a V-4 Streetfighter, I believe its the absolute pinnacle of motorcycles for fun short trips, I would love to be able to take longer ttips , it would definitely be on a Multi V-4 !!! Just an incredible machine!!

I just bought one yesterday. Love it. It's my 2nd Multistrada .... worlds apart from my old one. I didn't know that heated grips was an option. Thankfully mine came with it. That would've been a real bummer.

Absolutely ,brilliant ,to the point ,straight talking review from a very experienced bike rider. More please, a proper review at last. 👏👏👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Absolutely brilliant vent on the (lack of) heated grips. Very well done sir, perfectly pitched

One of if not the best reviews on here. Bravo Matt👏👏👍🇬🇧

Wow, what an incredibly honest and even emotional review! I’m with you all the way, Mat, Ducati may be a ‘premium brand’ but to have heated grips as an option on a bike that costs as much as this is insulting, especially given that the switch is there as standard. Ducati are indeed taking the proverbial urine out of the consumer.

Awesome review. I may have to go test ride one. You absolutely hit the nail on the head about "Adventure" bike suspension on semi rough roads. My friend changed from a road bike to an Adventure bike and he is now much quicker through the bends. I have also now purchased and Adventure bike (still have 2 road bikes) and have noticed the difference also.

Great rant! LOL! I love my Desmo Multistrada 1260s with it's Skyhook suspension witchcraft. I'm on the fence to buy a 1260 Multi Pikes Peak but I may just wait a couple more years for the V4 Peaks Peak with it's Ohlins goodies.

GREAT review..just real enjoyable! The dialogue..comedy was over the top, especially the end ‘pros and cons’. I DO like THIS bike, and to find that they “cheaped out” on some simple things..well, depressing.

A very thorough, informative and enjoyable review. Delivery a la Clarkson, with all the dramatic pauses, was a tad irksome - much better when back in the van. Over all I really enjoyed it thanks.

Great review. Unstrapped helmet though :-)

great review, thx for your enthusiasm and honesty, the Multi MUST BE SOME,...listening to your raving😉

Nice looking bike , but we all know someone who as overlooked reliability and cost of being in the company of something or someone for a bit of fun when it is all new ( If you get my drift).Ducati , BMW and many others must have massive marketing budgets because this is all we seem to see as regards reviews at the moment. Myself at my time of life having rode bikes for 40+ years and mixed with a large motorcycling community is that the proof is in the pudding .I have a limited budget and like to service my bikes myself( Part of being a biker ).I tend to keep my bikes long past any warranty so I would only ever buy Japanese .The shine of being in the company something or someone that will lose that shine fast with problems . So many of these have already failed having to have new engines fitted due to valve issues.Now that would definitely take the shine off for me --- Great review ,keep up the good work 👍.

That's a bloody good review by a man who really knows how to do them. I almost bought one on the review alone!! instead sticking with my less exciting but perhaps more me 1250gs... Thanks and if my lottery numbers come in I'll buy one for you mate

Great review, Mat! ❤❤

Great review. Very entertaining narrative keep it up, more please Sir!

Excellent review with the additional van-based summary at the end! I have been wondering if that sort of post-ride segment would be something I could add to my videos, as I only get to review demo bikes for two or three hours at most. You showed me that it can be done, and done bloody well! Cheers 👍

Great review! I have to agree with your idea of being a little more agressive and getting ahead of other vehicles. I have always believed that I want to be in front of an accident, not behind it. That has saved me numerous times.

Wonderful, detailed review. I love my Multistrada V4 Rally. King regards from Catalonia!

Mat always does the best reviews

Loved the review, always wanted to go Italy, but it looks like in your excitement, Your Hemet is undone

Great show, thanks bud!

Awesome review, and I totally agree with you about the heated grips, I have the MD 950s, additional cost should be standard.

Very good review. After testriding one a couple of months ago I agree with almost everything Mat is saying. I also testrode a 950S and I owned a 1200S for 3 years and the V4s is a level above in all respects, in particular the suspension and the engine smoothness. I was surprised about the comment on lack of heated grips - I thought that came as standard on the S-model. Regarding tyres, the 1200 S also came with Pirelli Scorpions as standard and they worked fine all the way to peg-scraping lean angles, but thanks for the comment further down here that the Metzeler M9 RR actually is delivered in 19" sizes. The screen on the V4 is much better than the 950/1200/1260 - they were actually quite noisy.

Heated grips 'are' standard on the S. But it's more than just a button press. You press the button and then select the ferocity via the TFT. PICNIC! The grips and seat are 'very' hot! There are two pannier liners for the right saddlebag so that the sausage shape above the exhaust cutout can be filled, helping to maximize storage space. The panniers themselves work very well and are super simple take remove/refit. The valve service will be expensive, but it's only every 36k miles, better than 'any' motorcycle without hydraulic lifters. The SF needs a DESMO service every 15k, and the 1260 every 18k by comparison. So TCOO will be lower. This bike is perfect, except Sygic/Connect - you didn't mention those? 600 miles in two weeks? That's just a single days ride on the mighty multi!

Really enjoyed the video and your personality 👍👍 I subscribed .

EXCELLENT review. Thanks very much.

Best bike I have ever owned, Ducati South Africa are now worthy of carrying the Ducati franchise under the leadership of Joss cannot wait for the Pikes Peak to arrive

Great review! I’m just about to replace my multi 950 s with a v4 so I’m looking at all the reviews at the moment. Your review was one of the few that I’ve seen (on any bike) that I believed, thanks. Utterly agree on the heated grips issue. I can’t believe any bike is sold without heated grips as standard, let alone one costing 20 grand.

Another brilliant review, heart felt comments really passionate honest review. Congratulations 👏

Love this review! tempting to buy one still 👍🏻

Thanks, a nice and clear review!

Good review worth watching, at least we’re out on some decent roads!

Very, very good review. Thanks 👍

Great review!

Thanks. One of the best and a little amusing

It's really an adventure tourer rather than a sports tourer, but it'll keep up with the bell-ends on sports bike quite happily.

Here are my thoughts as an owner of this bike for a little over a month. I have the 2022 Multistrada V4 S (identical paint to the one you tested). For the 2022 model (at least here in the US), the only difference from the 2021 model is that the radar comes activated. - Heated grips: my heated grips actually work...but not something I need all that often here in San Diego. - Seat: not comfortable IMO after riding for an hour. Will be looking into replacement options. - Mirrors: not the best as far as vibration. Often find myself wondering "is that a cop 5 cars back there? Can't tell". - Fuel mileage / range: both bad. I typically average around 37 MPG, and I find myself refueling after 160 or 170 miles. Bikes like this should go 200+ miles between fills. Period. - Cheap plastic: I don't mind the "cheap plastic" parts so much if that refers not only to the construction but the replacement cost. With Ducati, it does not. - Handling: amazing - Engine: superb - Fun factor: off the chart

Great review thx! I've owned the current edition KTM 1290 SD GT, driven the '19 KTM 1290 SA S, and am seriously looking to buy a 2022 BMW R1250GS (Rallye). The GT is an absolute pinnacle GT Sport Tourer that is track worthy, fun, dependable (20,000 flawless kms), and comfortable (added bar risers, taller windscreen, better heated seat). Two 5,000 km plus tours, all weather types of temps and paved road conditions, mountain twisties, prairie straight, near freezing to plus 40 deg C. I ended up selling due to heat from engine at Temps over 30 C. Legs fried. The 1290 SAS felt agricultural compared to SDGT, controls chunkier, bike heavier, taller, and overall noticeably less refined. Drove a whole day and IMHO never compared to the SDGT. Same engine heat issue too. The Multi V4 as long as the engine heat is not an issue, it would be worth serious consideration based on everything it offers. Looks are not exciting though. However, the R1250GS with its wire wheels, far superior engine heat management, ride comfort, shaft drive (do the recommended lube service), and looks IMHO is a hard choice to beat. Also it's more off road worthy as a bonus.

Couldn't agree more with your summation of Italian drivers after having done a couple of motorcycle tours there. Still, prefer to deal with them than the "nanny" Aussie drivers I usually live with. Enjoyed the review as always. When lotto comes in . . .

This Multistrada is the first time I’ve really *wanted* a touring style bike.

I am happy to see you dig into the bits of things that are poorly executed by Ducati and the Heated grips option not being standard on the S model. I also hate the cheap plastic fins on the airflow control of the bike, quite bad looking and feeling.

Great review, thank you. I own a Multi V4S, which I truly adore, but I agree with you about the slightly too intense engine brake. I apologize for Italian drivers (though I am one myself, since I live in Milan), but also in that regard you are sadly spot on. Grazie!

Fantastic review !!! A pleasure to watch to the end. Not my cup of tea but Ducati knows bikes.....period. I wish they would make a pure touring like the new Goldwing. 4 or 6 cyl and I will be the first with a deposit on one. They can in a heart beat.

Was that duct tape on the shift side of the engine?

Really enjoyed that, thank you. A real old school review. I think you might need to make some room in your garage 😉

Mat, perfect placement of the extra long helmet strap to instantly get you 1000+ comments. I'll have to remember that trick if i ever get a vlog going...you sly devil.

Agree fully with the heated grips. I bought my Pikes Peak in the middle of winter and went away that weekend for the first real ride. Made the critical mistake of leaving at 6am and faced temperatures down to -5 Celsius for the first few hours. Was absolutely horrified that the heated grips never worked at all on a bike of this price. Not only was it complete torchure, but exceptionally dangerous when my hands lost all feeling altogether. I ended up installing them the second I returned from my weekend at a cost of R7000 ($500USD) which is also exceptionally expensive.

Well done mate.

Where is Donovin ? You guys are ghe best!!! Original Top Gear of motorcycle journalism!!!! 👍

"Feast of a motorcycle." I subscribed at that internet-winning comment. :o)

Do it all motorcycles have always been the best option, But from around the 90’s on we have been pursuaded/ seduced into financing manufacturers R&D through ever less practical road/race bikes, -which ? has given us a whole host of amazing advances in materials and tech, and has taken reliability, handling and tyre development to another level through race development! , but finally everyone has woken up to the fact that although these jewel like -performance laden “ Swiss watch-like” motorcycles are wonders to behold!!… they are not the best choice for 95% + of your road riding, sometimes you wan’t to go as fast as you can on whatever you ride and sometimes you don’t , being able to comfortably do both is a real treat….” Ooops! Post video rant thing must be catching!!

Hope you do a review on the Pikes Peak soon. Really keen to see what folk think of it on the road……. Especially the type of road you discussed on here.

I like your reviews 👍

I drove BMWs 1200/1250’s since 6 years… 2 days of test-riding the MSv4 rally … i bought one on day 3 and sold the 1250 gsa. No regrets at all.

damn. you are a good reviewer. kudos.

Perfect Insider Look. Thx for the clear, unbiased opinions and straightforward critics. Which I mostly agree. I own one. But mine had heated grips hooked up. May be it is just the test motor. Thanks again and have a nice one. The UN Act will take place soon I guess😄

Dear Mat! I truly enjoy your work, The Bike Show is my favorite channel for bikes review, you are funny and passionate motorcycle rider, when you ride motorcycles it is seen that you enjoy it. Please countinue with your great work Looking for another episode Ami I realy agree with your saying that it is pettiness to ask extra for heated grips for such expencive motorcycle! Here a brand new bike MULTISTRADA V4 PIKES PEAK cost: 64.000 Euro!!!

At 60kmh my Ducati 996 twin would be shuddering in 3rd gear! This (in 6th gear) would be heaven, not going up and down the box, not to mention my clutch wrist starting to hurt! It’s no wonder I tend to speed a bit 😅 avoiding gear changes

Brilliant review!!! I love this bike and I am ready for a new addition!!!! Can you please tell us which motorcycle carrier you use? I am looking for one to tow behind my RV.....and your rv looks like mine!!!! It's the perfect setup!!!

Is that genuine Italian duct tape holding your Ducati together? ;)

Thoroughly enjoy your very professional videos Guys, test rode this bike yesterday Bloody loved it but it get very hot between your legs on a hot day ..

In the tested versión, heated grips are included. Maybe they didn't fit the plugs completely so they didn't activate. Great review, fantastic bike (I own one) ! thks For the ones doubting to access this level of excellence and luxury, because of price, just remember we have to pay $40000,00 to $60000 for a full MTS V4 S or even more in some Latin countries like Ecuador or Argentina ... with very high taxes ...😉 and we did !!! This Ducati V4 S spaceship worth every $ !

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally its the best bike ever made 100% sure

Can’t wait to see what you say about the New Pikes Peake 🤔👍👍

Just paid deposit on 2022 Pikes Peake V4 . I’m obviously blaming you , as I also would like multisrada that I can put stickier tyres on. Can’t wait. 😜👍

Too expensive toy but without doubt have one if I get away with the post office Rob tonight. Best review on YT out there well done

Went for the V2S and love it after three GSs, V4S next time, it’s the whole riding and ownership experience and the sound…very much a road biased rider.

Love this bike and great review as I would never take it off road either! One questions …what is the knee angle like and does the seat adjust?

Great review! In the western U.S., it's a long way between Ducati dealers. As such, reliability is a very important consideration when deciding whether to purchase this motorcycle. The long valve adjustment intervals are definitely a welcome feature though I imagine maintenance costs are relatively high for this motorcycle. Given that most of us don't push 170 HP motorcycles anywhere near their limits, perhaps the 950 Multi is the better option. Well done, then!

I think you'll find that it does have heated grips. The switch on the right hand controls just selects the function and you then control it with the toggle switch on the left hand switch group...that's how mine works.

Best Adventure Sport bike currently made. The GS is a better all around bike but gets blown away by the Multistrada on the road.

Great review. 100% agree there is no call for extra money for heated grips on something that is marketed as an adventure bike. I’m guessing this bike is north of £20,000, so it really wouldn’t break Ducati to leave the heated grips switched on, as they are clearly wired up ready.

Excellent Review! Italian riders may be the most aggressive. However, they are mostly superb and attentive drivers, always being aware of and very kind towards motorcyclists. They have installed a third line, the motorbike-line, in the middle of the road. It makes no sense to not overtake constantly in Italy. No police are taking care of you speeding. It's a part of the game in this beautiful land.

That bike would get me in trouble :) But I am taking a hard look at the V2s

What is the black ‘duct tape’ on the left radiator side panel for?

Great review and bike. But this is the most expensive bike in class, and for that you get: -insane performance, electronics, insane price😁😁 -flimsy plastic bits😁😁 -black powertape on the front fairing in the radiator area, as seen in this video review 😁😁 -prerusted bits and pieces, normal for a new bike-seen also on the video if you look closely😁😁 Even if ducati is own by germans, its still italian made😜😉 With that in mind, i would love to get the pikes peak, for Christmas. Santa, can you hear me? 🎅😂

Heated grips are standard with the touring pack and you do have an hands free fuel cap option

I guess depends on different markets, the heated grips comes stock on the V4s model in Europe.

As always, an excellent review sir! Truly one of the very best on RU-vid. I found the KTM SAS more fun and engaging to ride. Still, I do feel there is less feedback and precision with the 19” fronts. There is a limit to chassis and electronic wizardry. Tried both the SAS and MTS and then the KTM SDGT, and boy is the GT a weapon! But to take advantage and tap into that upper echelon of potential one will be forced to ride it too bloody fast, and it is quite a lot harsher to ride. We should really distinguish and classify sport tourers into 17” and 19” wheelers so that we compare apples to apples. I have the impression that we as consumers are kind of confused where the ADV bikes are going? The manufacturers choice of front wheel actually reveals their intention with their bikes. At the moment I think the 19” is where the market is heading. Both Ducati and KTM have been kind of reluctant to release their 17” ADV’s. The ADV and GS crowd is big and kind of touring oriented and but now the manufacturers are really tempting the old RR crowd into ADV’s. I still have the impression that most people will find 19” better because of its secure and user-friendly characteristics both off and on road. I’m certainly confused. 😊

Good review Mat, but your motorhome is haunted. Watch the mug on the table at 24.20 ... Spooky.

Agree with what you said starting around 11:50 - In my opinion penny pinching is not the way to beat the competitor, this is one of the reasons why I opted for the S1000R instead of the SFV4 ..The BMW has tools that useful for the street like cruise, heated grips, and fuel gauge...Would of loved the more exotic Italian but I ride almost year round and cruise control makes the hour or so slab ride to the good roads much more bearable especially for the ride home

Hope the new Triumph 1200 tiger is as good or better 🤞

As a tall rider 6'2 did you feel this is better touring bike then KTM or the BMW? Thanks great video series you have made.

so excited about the bike you forgot about your helmet haha

What an absolutely bonkers bike. Pity about South Africa and the (lack) Ducati dealerships. This thing would actually make a dent in the GS/XR market. Stupidly priced though imo. R380k. Wow. Definitely for the well heeled and probably won’t see to many out in the wild (here in Durban at least). That is the biggest travesty. Great review! Will wait for the Pikes Peak review too!

Love your humour