Overview
Performance And Engine
The Multistrada V4 S uses Ducati’s V4 Granturismo engine, producing 170 hp at 10,750 rpm and 124 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. This gives it strong acceleration, perfect for passing on Indian highways. The 1,158 cc liquid-cooled V4 engine has a 90-degree layout, four valves per cylinder, a counter-rotating crankshaft, and Twin Pulse firing order, making it smooth at low speeds and exciting at high revs. Its bore and stroke are 83 x 53.5 mm, with a 14:1 compression ratio. The rear cylinder bank can deactivate to save up to 6% fuel during steady cruising, which helps on long rides, and the desmodromic valve system only needs servicing every 60,000 km.
The bike has a 6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift, so you can change gears smoothly without using the clutch. This is great for riding in India’s changing traffic. The primary drive uses straight-cut gears with a 1.8:1 ratio, and the gear ratios are carefully set for each gear. It uses a chain final drive with a Z16 front and Z42 rear sprocket. The wet clutch is hydraulically controlled and has a self-servo feature for easier operation, plus a slipper function to stop the rear wheel from hopping during hard downshifts on winding roads.
The Multistrada V4 S can reach over 250 kmph, but it’s electronically limited for safety. It stays stable at high speeds on straight roads like NH44. In real-world tests, it easily cruises at 180 kmph and still has power left for quick bursts, helped by its improved aerodynamics and Pirelli tyres. This makes it well-suited for India’s growing network of highways, and features like wheelie control help keep the ride safe.
Mileage And Fuel Efficiency
The Multistrada V4 S has an ARAI-certified mileage of 15 kmpl under Indian test conditions, thanks to its BS6 Phase 2B compliance and efficient engine tuning. With a 22-litre fuel tank, it can theoretically go about 330 km on a full tank, making it good for inter-city trips. Ducati’s features like cylinder deactivation help achieve this mileage, as confirmed by ARAI tests.
Indian riders usually get 14-15 kmpl on highways when riding at 100-120 kmph, but mileage drops to 10-12 kmpl in city traffic or with aggressive riding. Careful riding can give up to 15 kmpl and a 300 km range from the 22-litre tank, while hard riding on hilly roads can bring mileage down to single digits. Things like extra weight, E20 fuel, and heavy city traffic in places like Delhi or Mumbai also affect fuel efficiency, though recent updates have improved highway mileage.
Features And Technology
The Ducati Multistrada V4 S brings cutting-edge features optimised for Indian riders, focusing on safety, comfort, and connectivity via its updated electronics suite.
- Engine: 1,158cc liquid-cooled V4 Granturismo with 90° configuration, 4 valves per cylinder, counter-rotating crankshaft, Twin Pulse firing order, 170 PS at 10,500 rpm, 125 Nm at 8,750 rpm, BS6 Phase 2B compliant with rear cylinder deactivation for efficiency.
- Suspension:Semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) with self-levelling, auto bump detection, and predictive damping; fully adjustable Marzocchi units offering 200mm travel front/rear for superior handling on Indian potholes and ghats.
- Brakes: Dual 330mm front discs with Brembo Stylema callipers, 265mm rear disc, cornering ABS with combined braking strategy optimising front/rear force based on load; Ducati Brake Light auto-activates hazard lights during emergency stops.
- Radar Safety Suite: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) maintains distance, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) alerts for blind spots, new Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with audio/visual cues; all powered by Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) using multiple sensors.
- Riding Modes: 5 modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet for monsoons, Enduro) plus 4 customizable power modes; integrates DTC traction control, DWC wheelie control, EBC engine brake control.
- Electronics and Display: 6.5-inch TFT dashboard with full-map navigation via Ducati Connect app, Bluetooth for music/calls, Quick Shifter (DQS) up/down, Vehicle Hold Control (hill hold), adjustable windscreen.
- Instrumentation: Digital console with trip meter, fuel gauge, clock, gear indicator; hands-free ignition, switchable ABS, traction control, riding/power modes.
- Comfort Enhancements: Redesigned pillion seat/footrests with more legroom, split seats, step-up design, passenger grab handles; 22L fuel tank, 243kg kerb weight, 860mm seat height adjustable to 840mm.
- Lighting and Visibility: Full LED projector headlamp with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL), LED taillight, dynamic turn indicators for better low-light safety on Indian roads.
- Wheels and Tyres: 19-inch front/17-inch rear cast aluminium wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres (120/70-19 front, 170/60-17 rear) for mixed tarmac and gravel.
Build Quality
Ducati’s attention to detail is evident in the Multistrada V4 S, with its glossy paint, well-fitted panels, and aluminium handlebar clamps bearing the “Multistrada” name. The bike stays rattle-free even after long rides. Its 243kg frame uses an aluminium monocoque design with the engine as a stressed part, and it has cast aluminium wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres. Everything is built to handle India’s humid monsoons, dusty roads, and salty coastal air.
The Multistrada V4 S uses top-quality materials, such as forged aluminium footpegs and CNC-machined triple clamps, which help it earn a 98% fit-and-finish score. The exhaust and fasteners have coatings to prevent rust. Some small issues include a tricky tank storage latch that needs several presses and occasional problems accessing the USB port, but overall, the quality matches superbike standards. The desmodromic valves last up to 60,000 km, and the bike comes with a 4-year warranty in India. The subframe welds are very precise, and the swingarm pivot is reinforced to handle heavy luggage.
Handling
The V4 S comes with semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO, which adapts to Indian roads by softening for rough city streets and stiffening for sharp corners. It uses auto-levelling, predictive damping, bump detection, and fully adjustable Marzocchi suspension with 200 mm travel at both ends. Despite weighing 243kg, it handles twisty roads like a sportbike, with neutral steering helped by a low center of gravity, a counter-rotating crankshaft, and Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres that grip well on wet roads, gravel, or during the monsoon.
The bike stays stable even at speeds over 180 kmph on straight highways like NH44. It turns quickly, doesn’t dive much under hard braking with Brembo Stylema brakes, and wheelie control keeps launches steady. In Enduro mode, ground clearance goes up to 240mm, so it can handle light off-road trails like those in Ladakh. Cornering ABS and traction control help keep the bike steady during slides. Riders say it’s like a “Swiss Army knife,” easily moving through traffic or staying steady in crosswinds. The red-and-black Multistrada V4 S looks confident on rural Indian roads and handles well in real-world conditions.
Comfort
The Multistrada V4 S has an upright riding position, an adjustable seat (840-860mm) with soft padding, and a redesigned pillion seat that’s 50mm higher for more legroom and better grab handles. This setup keeps both rider and passenger comfortable even on 500km rides, as seen in tests from Chennai to the Kolli Hills and Pune highways. The Skyhook suspension smooths out rough roads, and the V4 engine runs quietly with little vibration. Features like split radiators, rear cylinder deactivation, and a well-designed fairing help keep heat away, even in 40°C summer traffic or Delhi jams.
Vehicle Hold Control makes starting on hills, like the Lonavala ghats, easy. The tall adjustable windscreen (160mm travel) and handguards protect you from wind and debris. The pillion seat is as comfortable as those on dedicated touring bikes, with foldable footrests and ventilation. USB-A and C ports under the seat let you charge devices while riding. Owners say their hands don’t go numb even after 8 hours, thanks to bar-end weights and heated grips, which are standard on the S model and useful in both rainy Kerala and cold Himalayan weather.
Styling
The Multistrada V4 S has sharp, muscular lines inspired by the Panigale V4. It features a bold beak with black accents anga front design similar to the Panigale, which frames the full LED projector headlamp with Ducati Cornering Lights for better night visibility. The redesigned fairing has winglets that direct air for downforce and cooling, blending smoothly into the 22-litre fuel tank. The side panels show off large “V4 S” badges.
The short tail shows off the aluminium subframe, making the bike look lighter. Dynamic turn indicators and a sculpted rear hugger add to its bold but practical style, which fits well on Indian highways and trails. Improved aerodynamics cut wind buffeting by 20%, and the tall adjustable windscreen and handguards make the bike stand out on roads like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The white, black, and red Multistrada V4 S highlights its sporty adventure look, with detailed engine design and a strong stance that’s great for touring in India.
Colour Options And Variants
In India, the Multistrada V4 S arrives in three striking shades:
- Ducati Red
- Thrilling Black
- Arctic White
These color options have high-gloss finishes that resist stone chips on highways. The red version makes the V4 badges and winglets stand out the most. In India, Ducati sells the Multistrada V4 S as a premium standalone model, separate from the base Multistrada V4, which also has features like semi-active Skyhook suspension, radar safety, and forged wheels. The V4 S is above the standard model but below special editions like the Pikes Peak and Rally. There are no sub-variants for the V4 S, but it comes with all the S-spec upgrades, such as Stylema brakes and TFT navigation, making it a great choice for tech-focused Indian riders.
Value For Money And Pricing
The Multistrada V4 S is priced at ₹ 30,61,300 ex-showroom across India. This puts it above the base Multistrada V4 but below the Pikes Peak edition. The price includes a 4-year warranty, and Ducati offers financing with EMIs starting at ₹50,000 per month. Discounts are often available during festivals at over 200 dealerships. On-road costs, including RTO and insurance, add about 10-15%, bringing the total to ₹34-37 lakh depending on the city and extras like an extended warranty.
The V4 S earns its higher price with features like radar safety (ACC, BSD), semi-active Skyhook suspension, Stylema brakes, and the powerful V4 engine—features not found in cheaper rivals. Users call it an “exotic experience.” Resale value stays strong at 85-90% after three years, thanks to Ducati’s reputation, low yearly maintenance costs (₹20-25k), and 15 kmpl efficiency for a 300km range. It beats base models in electronics and suspension, making it a good choice for long Indian tours compared to less-equipped options. Owners also get premium service and community events, though high insurance costs (₹60-70k) can affect the overall return on investment.
Key rivals include the
- BMW R 1300 GS
- Triumph Tiger 1200
- Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
- KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
The V4 S leads in sporty dynamics and tech density. This white, red, and black V4 S variant showcases premium styling that justifies its positioning against rivals like the GS.
