Ducati Multistrada V4S: Power-packed with a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ nature
The Hindu
Whether it is slicing past traffic or leaning over into a fast flowing corner, there is no dearth of confidence in the handling abilities of this bike
There are motorcycles and then there are motorcycles that leave a lasting impression. Though it has been quite a few days since I rode the new Ducati Multistrada V4S, I just cannot stop thinking about it so much that I have postponed writing of this review, for the sake of objectivity. Which begs the question, what is special about this big, powerful, ADV?
The Ducati Multistrada V4 continues in the same vein as the Multistrada 1260, while elevating the ‘Multistrada’ experience to a completely new level. The main ingredient behind this is the new 1,158cc Granturismo V4 engine. It makes about 10hp more than the previous 1260’s L-twin while also being lighter and compact. Ducati’s decision to ditch tradition and use conventional spring valves, instead of the Desmodromic ones, comes as music to a potential customer’s ears.
After all, a valve clearance check at 60,000km (instead of the earlier 30,000km) and a less complicated system to work on, both translate to reduced service intervals and maintenance costs. Those are just the peripheral benefits of the new V4. It is the way it performs that makes it such a gem of an engine.