When Ducati first introduced the Multistrada concept back in 2003, purists scoffed. A tall, upright Ducati that aimed to tackle something other than race-tar felt sacrilegious. Fast forward to today, and the Multistrada has evolved into a global benchmark, seamlessly blending sports bike dynamics with globetrotting capability.
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Locally, the South African landscape demands a machine that can handle long, gruelling highway stretches, sweeping mountain passes, and unexpected road decay. This is precisely where Bologna's ultimate "four-bikes-in-one" concept shines. Whether you are browsing AutoTrader for a pristine pre-owned 1260 S or eyeing a brand-new V4 S flagship, here are the top five things we love about the Ducati Multistrada.
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1. Granturismo V4 engine
While older Multistradas are revered for the brutal, low-down grunt of their Testastretta V-twins, the introduction of the 1158cc Granturismo V4 engine elevated the machine into the stratosphere.
Unlike its high-strung sibling found in the Panigale superbike, the Multistrada’s V4 is tuned for real-world versatility. It belts out a staggering 125 kW, delivering relentless, linear acceleration that will embarrass dedicated sports cars. Yet, it remains astonishingly smooth at low speeds.
Tech Highlight: Ducati ditched its traditional Desmosedici valve gear for conventional valve springs in the Granturismo motor, extending the valve clearance adjustment interval to a massive 60 000 km. For South African long-distance tourers, that means more time on the road and less time paying premium workshop rates.
2. "Four-Bikes-in-One"
The name Multistrada literally translates to "Many Roads," and it lives up to the badge through its highly sophisticated electronic riding modes. With a flick of the switchgear, the bike’s entire personality changes instantly by altering engine power, throttle response, traction control, and ABS intervention levels:
Sport Mode: unleashes full horsepower with a taut, aggressive suspension setup for carving up the Franschhoek Pass.
Touring Mode: keeps maximum power but delivers it smoothly, optimising comfort for the long haul to the coast.
Urban Mode: drops power to a manageable level and softens the suspension to absorb city potholes and speed bumps.
Enduro Mode: recalibrates the traction control and permits rear-wheel lock-ups for predictable gravel-road exploring.
3. Skyhook and Semi-Active Suspension
Riding on South African roads can be unpredictable; you can transition from mirror-smooth asphalt to severe corrugated gravel in a heartbeat. The Multistrada’s semi-active electronic suspension (found on ‘S’ models and up) manages this beautifully.
Utilising Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) technology, the bike constantly monitors road inputs and adjusts the damping settings on the fly within milliseconds. It minimises chassis pitch, meaning the bike won’t aggressively dive under hard braking or squat under heavy acceleration. The result is a plush, magic-carpet ride over bad surfaces without sacrificing the razor-sharp handling characteristics Ducati is famous for.
4. Cutting-Edge Rider Safety Tech
Ducati has always used the Multistrada as a technological pioneer. It was the first motorcycle in the world to feature front- and rear-facing radar technology, enabling Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
On long, fatiguing stretches of highway between Johannesburg and Durban, the adaptive cruise control automatically maintains your distance from the vehicle ahead, braking and accelerating smoothly. Meanwhile, the bright LED warning lights on the rear-view mirrors warn you of approaching vehicles in your blind spots—a lifesaver given the chaotic nature of local highway traffic.
5. Surprising Everyday Ergonomics and Comfort
Despite its ferocious performance statistics, the Multistrada is a genuinely kind motorcycle to live with daily. Ducati spent countless hours in the wind tunnel optimising the front fairing and adjustable windscreen to deflect wind buffeting away from both the rider and passenger.
The seating position is commanding and upright, offering an excellent view over traffic, while the wide handlebars give you immense leverage through tight corners. Newer models even feature an automatic lowering function that reduces the rear ride height when coming to a stop, ensuring shorter riders can confidently plant both feet firmly on the ground.
Summary: Multistrada Lineup Overview
| Model Variant | Key Engine Characteristic | Best Suited For |
| Multistrada V2 | 937cc Testastretta V-Twin | Daily commuting and light touring |
| Multistrada V4 S | 1158cc Granturismo V4 | Ultimate high-tech, long-distance touring |
| Multistrada V4 Rally | 1158cc V4 (Large 30L Tank) | Serious long-range, rough-road exploring |
| Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak | 1158cc V4 (17-inch front wheel) | Pure tarmac carving and track days |
Verdict
The Ducati Multistrada manages to do what very few motorcycles can: it removes the need for compromise. It is a machine that can comfortably carry a passenger and full luggage across the Karoo on a Friday, and chase superbikes through the mountain twists on a Sunday. It represents the absolute pinnacle of the modern, premium sports-tourer.
