By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Adventure
Ducati Multistrada V4 (MY2021-S) vs Multistrada 1260 (AC-S)
Ducati Multistrada V4 vs Multistrada 1260: which one you'd rather spend the big miles on.
On a long empty straight, the Ducati Multistrada V4 tracks every degree of throttle and doesn't fuss on its way to redline. The Ducati Multistrada 1260's twin pulls clean off a crack of throttle low in the revs, and it's still climbing. Then it rushes hard near the top.
So which one do you buy?
The Multistrada V4 has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
By a nose: Multistrada V4
Over a full day's ride, the Multistrada V4 noses ahead on comfort. Thank a smoother engine for that. A long test ride could easily flip that.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: Multistrada V4
On a twisty road, the Multistrada V4 edges ahead. Most of that is more feel through the bars. Not by enough to settle it alone.
Daily commuting & city riding
A touch ahead: Multistrada V4
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the Multistrada V4 pulls a nose in front. Your own commute could easily flip it.
What makes each one tick
Multistrada V4
There's no slack between the right grip and the Multistrada V4's tach needle, and the engine answers with the same calm precision to the top of the dial. This engine rewards rpm.
Nils rode the Multistrada V4 in 2021 and 2023 (NastyNils Testride).
Multistrada 1260
The Multistrada 1260's exhaust booms low, and the engine doesn't hesitate to spin up. At corner entry the bike steers in quickly and stays stable once it's leaned over. The bars snap it into line. The pegs sit where a sportbike's would.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Multistrada 1260 has the lower seat: 32.5 in (825 mm) vs 33.1 in (840 mm).
- The Multistrada 1260 has the lower wet weight: 518 lb (235 kg) vs 529 lb (240 kg).
- The Multistrada V4 makes more peak power: 170 hp (125 kW) vs 158 hp (116 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Real off-road capability
Both miss here
Real dirt isn't what either one is for. If the trail matters, bring a different bike.
Don't look for a gap on running costs: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Multistrada V4
Strengths
- Throttle you can trust
- Flows into corners
- Readable front in deep lean
- Suspension that self-levels
- Class-leading electronics suite
Trade-offs
- Power without personality
- Thirsty for a tourer
- Radar is blind sideways
- Heated grips buried in menus
- Weight remains high
Multistrada 1260
What owners say
Strengths
- Excellent electronic rider aids
- Powerful and flexible L-twin
Trade-offs
- Heavy clutch and imprecise low-speed shifting
Known problems to check before you buy
Multistrada V4
- Engine valve guide recall (NHTSA 21V-212) Recall 21V212000 A supplier defect in valve guides of certain early-production 2021 V4 S models led to excessive wear and potential valve head breakage, causing loss of power and engine stall. Ducati issued a full engine replacement recall for 129 units.
Multistrada 1260
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front travel
- 6.7 in (170 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada 1260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.1 in (840 mm) | 32.5 in (825 mm) |
| Wet weight | 529 lb (240 kg) | 518 lb (235 kg) |
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada 1260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1158 cc | 1262 cc |
| Engine | V4 | 90° V-twin |
| Power | 170 hp (125 kW) | 158 hp (116 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,750 rpm | 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 91 lb-ft (124 Nm) | 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,000 rpm | 7,500 rpm |
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada 1260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.8 US gal (22 L) | 5.3 US gal (20 L) |
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada 1260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 120/70-19 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 170/60-17 | 190/55-17 |
| Rear travel | 7.1 in (180 mm) | 6.7 in (170 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada 1260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Connectivity | Option | Standard |
| Navigation | Standard | Option |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Option | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
