By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Adventure
Ducati Multistrada V4 (MY2021-S) vs Multistrada V2 S (MY2025)
Ducati Multistrada V4 vs Multistrada V2 S: which one's easier to live with on a long trip.
Rippled corner entry, bags on, and the Ducati Multistrada V4's front end doesn't twitch as its suspension levels itself for the load. The Ducati Multistrada V2 S just soaks the hit up.
What makes each one tick
Multistrada V4
At a stoplight, the Multistrada V4's four doesn't shudder or bark. Every twist of the throttle moves the tach needle right away, and there's no low-end drama to work around. The engine craves rpm. Near redline, the four's still pulling hard.
Nils rode the Multistrada V4 in 2021 and 2023 (NastyNils Testride).
Multistrada V2 S
The Multistrada V2 S's twin stumbles down low and won't pull cleanly until a downshift spins it up. Up high, it sings. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, the brake lever reins in 445 lb (202 kg) of bike, and it flicks from one bend into the next. The padded seat still works at dusk.
Nils rode the Multistrada V2 S in the Canary Islands in 2025 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Multistrada V2 S has the lower wet weight: 445 lb (202 kg) vs 529 lb (240 kg).
- The Multistrada V4 makes more peak power: 170 hp (125 kW) vs 116 hp (85 kW).
- The Multistrada V4 makes more peak torque: 91 lb-ft (124 Nm) vs 68 lb-ft (92 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Real off-road capability
Both fall short
Real dirt isn't what either one is for. If the trail matters, bring a different bike.
On commuting, twisty roads, long days, and running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
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 V2 S
What owners say
Strengths
- Fun, rev-happy V2 engine
- Lightweight, flickable handling
- Advanced semi‑active suspension
- Brilliant long‑distance comfort
Trade-offs
- Hesitant low‑end response
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 V2 S
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak power at
- 10,750 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front tire
- 120/70-19
- Rear tire
- 170/60-17
- Front travel
- 6.7 in (170 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada V2 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.1 in (840 mm) | 32.7 in (830 mm) |
| Wet weight | 529 lb (240 kg) | 445 lb (202 kg) |
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada V2 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1158 cc | 890 cc |
| Engine | V4 | 90° V-twin |
| Power | 170 hp (125 kW) | 116 hp (85 kW) |
| Torque | 91 lb-ft (124 Nm) | 68 lb-ft (92 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,000 rpm | 8,250 rpm |
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada V2 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.8 US gal (22 L) | 5.0 US gal (19 L) |
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada V2 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear travel | 7.1 in (180 mm) | 6.7 in (170 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Multistrada V4 | Multistrada V2 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Connectivity | Option | Standard |
| Navigation | Standard | Option |
| Luggage System | Option | Not offered |
| Cornering Lights | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
