Imagine if you had one motorcycle to do it all: commuting, cornering, touring, and even the occasional ride down a fire road. A decade ago, that would be like looking for a unicorn that does not exist, although some bikes came very, very close to being one. But times have changed, and the lines between motorcycle segments have blurred. Today, such unicorns exist.
One such unicorn motorcycle is a European adventure bike that offers everything you’d ever need on two wheels: superbike power figures, comfort and tech for days on the road, and a head-turning design that will age like fine wine. Here’s everything you need to know about this European adventure bike that can do it all and then some.
What It Takes To Do It All On Two Wheels
What does doing it all even mean for motorcycles? Granted, you can tour on your sports bike and take your naked bike down a dirt road when the road ends, but that’s not what those bikes are made for. Bikes that can truly do it all are more akin to crossovers that bridge the gap between segments. Think of it like a bike that makes the perfect candidate for a one-bike garage, without you ever getting bored with its performance or feeling like you need a second bike.
Ideally, such a motorcycle should do at least a few things right. It should be easy to manage and fun to ride around town, so you can use it for commuting or going around with your buddies. On the weekends, it should still have enough oomph and handling finesse to attack corners on a mountain road or even a racetrack. And it should do both of these tasks without feeling compromised anywhere. Some do-it-all motorcycles take things up a notch by being capable tourers as well. Now, off-roading would be asking too much of such a bike, but it should also handle light off-roading without much fuss. Such a bike is hard to come by—or so you’d think.
One ADV Stands Out In The Line Of Sedate Do-It-All Models
Multiple motorcycles fit this bill, starting with the much-loved Kawasaki Versys 650. Then there are options like the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 and 800, Honda NX500, and the Honda Africa Twin. The problem with these awesome bikes is that they can feel too sedate or lack that charm you’d associate with European motorcycles. For that, you’d have to look at the manufacturer that does Euro bikes the best: Ducati.
The High-End Motorcycle That’s Now Priced Below A Kawasaki Versys 650
An ex-flagship Ducati Multistrada for cheaper than a Kawasaki Versys sounds cuckoo, but it’s now possible in 2026
Ducati’s Multistrada V4 Is The Ultimate Do-It-All Motorcycle
Multistrada is Italian for ‘multi-roads,’ and Ducati has been making the Multistrada since 2003. While the earlier models had their problems (and fugly designs), the Multistrada today has grown into something that commands respect on the road. It stays true to the all-road philosophy the Multi family began with. Ducati says it is ideal for those who want to comfortably explore all paths without compromising on the sporty character that you’d associate with Ducatis.
The Multistrada you should look for, though, is the V4. It features a powerful Granturismo V4 engine, along with a unique monocoque chassis, highly capable suspension, powerful brakes, and comfortable ergonomics. There’s also plenty of tech, in true Ducati fashion, to keep the shiny side up. This lightweight adventure tourer can really do it all, from being nimble in the city and corners to being bonkers fast on the straight road.
A Head-Turning Design
And did we mention it? The latest Multistrada V4 is a stunner and will turn heads wherever you go. It features the quintessential Multistrada design elements, including the front-loaded mass and a sleek rear end, compact nose, and crossover elements inspired by Ducati superbikes. It’s a combination of elegance and utility, the kind that is very rare on adventure bikes. As far as we are concerned, this is the prettiest ADV out there.
The Multistrada V4 Starts At $19,995
The base Multistrada V4 starts just under $20k, and this bike is ideal for those who want a more traditional mechanical feel while saving a lot of money on the initial purchase price. For most riders, this base variant is more than good enough, and most are likely to run out of skill before they even come close to pushing the bike to its limits.
While we’ll be discussing the base variant, you can still consider the upper variants. Spend close to $30k, and you can upgrade to the Multistrada V4 S, which features higher-end equipment, including Ducati Skyhook Suspension and Ducati’s Radar System. The V4 Rally, which starts at $31,995, offers a more off-road-focused globetrotter approach with a larger fuel tank, cross-spoke wheels, and Skyhook EVO suspension with Marzocchi forks.
If off-roading is not a focus, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, starting at $33,995, is for those who want agile handling and a road-focused setup. This one is asphalt-focused, featuring 17-inch Marchesini wheels, sharper chassis geometry, and Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension. At the top sits theMultistrada V4 RS, which is the most extreme Multistrada featuring a Panigale V4-derived Desmosedici Stradale engine making 180 horsepower.
10 Touring Motorcycles That Are Capable Off The Roads As Well
These touring bikes have it all, comfort as well as clearance
V4 Granturismo Engine That’s Designed To Go The Distance
The Ducati Multistrada V4 is powered by the 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine that produces 170 horsepower at 10,750 RPM and 91 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 RPM. That’s more than what most superbikes made a couple of generations ago! Ducati assures that this engine, despite the ridiculous power figures, offers smooth, linear throttle response at all speeds that should make for an exciting riding experience in all conditions.
The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with a standard Ducati Quick Shift bidirectional quickshifter. The gear ratios are carefully calibrated, with first gear being short to facilitate handling at low speeds and while off-roading. Sixth gear is taller to ensure a relaxed highway cruising experience. The engine also features rear bank deactivation under low loads, keeping your legs cooler and saving on some fuel.
Longer Service Intervals
Being a Ducati, it’s easy to think that the Multistrada V4 will demand a lot of attention. But that shouldn’t be the case, at least according to Ducati. The bike requires a service once a year, and the oil change interval comes at 9,000 miles. Meanwhile, valve clearance checks have been extended to 37,000 miles. Ducati also offers a 24-month unlimited mileage warranty. Ducati says the bike is designed to go the distance, and all components are designed for “extreme reliability.”
10 Powerful Adventure-Tourer Bikes For Speed Junkies
You can ride these adventure bikes to the race track, on the race track, and then back home!
Designed For Every Occasion, From Touring To Cornering
The Multistrada can do everything, and you have the underpinnings and ergonomics to thank for it. Let’s start with the frame; the bike features a high-end aluminum monocoque frame with an aluminum double-sided swingarm, which helps keep the weight at 505 pounds (without fuel) and should ensure easy handling. The engine features a MotoGP-style counter-rotating crankshaft, which acts against the gyroscopic inertia of wheels to further improve handling and precision.
The bike sits on fully-adjustable suspension consisting of beefy 50 mm USD forks and a monoshock with remote preload adjustment. The 19/17-inch wheel setup should keep the handling light while offering some light off-roading capabilities. Braking duties are taken care of by Brembo; dual 320 mm semi-floating rotors up front with Brembo monobloc calipers and radial master cylinder, along with a larger than before rear disc brake.
Comfortable And Loaded With Tech Features
What good is performance and handling if the bike isn’t comfortable? Fortunately, the Multistrada shouldn’t disappoint here. As Ducati calls it, the Multistrada V4 offers a bubble of comfort, with a riding triangle that’s designed to make you comfortable while offering commanding control on the bike. The seats are adjustable, and there’s a windscreen to keep the wind off your body. Ducati also says the frame and engine components are designed to reduce vibrations, which should make long hours in the saddle even more comfortable.
The Multistrada also features plenty of tech and rider aids to keep you safe on the road. This starts with the new advanced LED headlight system with cornering lights, which illuminate most corners while turning. There’s also a 5-inch TFT display, along with features like ride and power modes, cornering-enabled ABS, traction control, wheelie control, Vehicle Hill Hold, and Ducati Brake Light EVO. Put simply, there’s everything on the Multistrada V4 that you’d ever need from your one-bike garage.
Source: Ducati