UNVEILED: DUCATI’S 2025 MULTISTRADA V4 MODELS
What do you do as a motorcycle manufacturer when you have the most technologically advanced touring bike on the planet? Upgrade it for 2025, of course. It’s not just striking new colourways either; Ducati has introduced new electronics, tuned the chassis, and added some very smart fuel-saving tech to get you further, whatever road you choose.
When the V4 Granturismo-powered Multistrada was introduced back in 2021, we quickly became fans of the incredibly powerful, yet usable, tourer from Ducati. Add into the mix its ludicrous amount of tech rider aids, and it’s become a jack of all trades; a bike that could get you home safely, no matter how far you’ve roamed. Ducati has continued to push the evolution of their flagship tourer with the release of the new 2025 Multistrada range. Let’s focus on the changes made to the 2025 V4 and V4S…
DOWN WE GO!
New for the V4S is the Automatic Lowering Device, a system that’s activated at speeds under 10km/h, lowering the bike to make low-speed handling simpler and safer. Above 50km/h, the bike automatically returns to the optimum riding height. Of course, the system can be switched on or off manually – for example, lowering it when tackling tech terrain and you want a more sure-footed stance.
Continuing with suspension, the ‘base’ V4 model retains its fully adjustable suspension (manually), while Ducati has further pushed their auto-levelling Skyhook EVO suspension on the V4S, evolving the semi-active 50mm Marzocchi fork with a new fork-position sensor. In a nutshell, this provides even more data to the new Ducati Vehicle Observer, an incredibly complex algorithm that works with 70 sensors to mimic the ability to physically evaluate the forces that the bike applies to the road under various riding conditions. From there, it activates the traction, wheelie, and ABS control system to help keep you rubber-side down. Also of note is the somewhat predictive ‘bump detection’ in the system, meaning if you slam the front into a big hole at speed, the rear shock damping will instantly back off allowing the bike to soak up the hit and not get you bucking out of the saddle quite so much. This system comes straight from the racetrack and their MotoGP R&D – which, if Ducati’s race results over the last two years are anything to go by, works a treat. Preload on the rear has been increased from 12mm to 20mm on both models, and both front and rear shock preload is under your full control at the touch of a button while on the move.
BRAKING
While the lower-spec V4 rolls with the seriously powerful Brembo Monoblock four-piston calipers with a pair of 320mm discs up front, and a 280mm disc out back, the V4S uses the up-specced Brembo Stylema calipers and larger 330mm front discs. Both Multistrada V4 models get the three-level engine-braking control system, which debuted on the DesertX Rally model last year. Ducati’s Electronic Combined Braking System, which manages both front and rear brakes when either is engaged, also comes on both 2025 machines. And we’re more than a little interested to feel how effective it is.
COLLISION WARNING
With Ducati the first to add front and rear radar to a motorcycle, their Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection already onboard the Multistrada has been upgraded with the 2025 model to include a Forward Collision Warning (FCW) function, warning the rider of potential collisions with the vehicle ahead. Great news when you’re deep in thought tuning the bike’s many settings on the highway!
IS THIS A V4 OR A PARALLEL TWIN?
On both the V4 and V4S, the rear two cylinders’ extended deactivation optimises fuel consumption and rider comfort more effectively than ever before. While previous Multistrada models only deactivated the rear cylinder bank when the bike was at a standstill, the new system now intervenes on the move, reducing the number of active cylinders when demand for power is low – such as when you’re doing long journeys on the highway, reducing both emissions and the V4’s well-documented thirstiness. And all while retaining the pure joy of 170HP at the flick of a wrist! Maintenance-wise, oil changes are still listed at 15,000km (or 24 months) and service intervals at 60,000km – all designed to make it one very easy-to-live-with machine.
MORE RIDING MODES
New Enduro/Power and Wet Riding modes have been added to bring out the most of the Multi and are an evolution of the already formidable ability to tune the bike’s manners on the fly.
Selecting Enduro Riding mode now activates a dedicated Power Mode, which limits power to 114hp, but also gives you a much more direct throttle response – perfect for off-road use. Traction control switches to a lower intervention level and wheelie control is deactivated. ABS on the rear wheel is also deactivated to really let the bike shine off-road. Of course, tuning for your taste is still all there, and settings are remembered when you get back on the bike.
CHASSIS & BODY CHANGES
While the aluminium monocoque frame has remained for the most part unchanged for 2025, the swingarm pivot has been moved 1mm higher. ‘Not much of a change’, we hear you say? Well, Ducati claims that 1mm means the chassis’ anti-squat is improved dramatically, bringing improved performance under hard acceleration and especially under full load.
Looks-wise, slight tweaks to the front-end add both aerodynamic and aesthetic improvements. And for 2025, the new Multistrada V4 and V4S can be customised for an even more tailored experience. You can choose between three colours for the body, plastic or aluminium cases, three different wheel options and five trims. In addition, you have access to a range of accessories – such as forged or spoked wheels, exhaust systems, and ergonomic solutions for the rider and passenger seat and suspension – all available as options straight out of the factory.
Incremental refinements on what is already one of the most advanced, comfortable and rapid ADV bikes on the planet make these new MTS V4 models well worth a look if you aim to take on big kilometres. Even more so if you tour two-up, thanks to some great additions to the pillion area. According to Ducati Australia, we’ll be seeing these 2025 bikes in dealers later this year. And rest assured we’ll be jumping onboard one as soon as we can prise one away from Ducati!
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