Would highlight that most people wont jump on this as a rookie rider. But generally think your review was balanced and fair given height and experience. On the cost - if you can afford a luxury car people may still comment but most still only ever get driven to the shops! It’s all relative for the owner! I’ve taken my MS Rally on several tours into deepest Europe and it money well spent. If you’re happy spending 5k and doing the same trip. I’m pleased for you. Most Ducati riders are happy spending what they’ve spent and I’m happy for them too! 6’4 and happy with the size and weight and weight of the big girl😉. Stay upright. x
I’m about to do 25,000 on my Multistrada rally 2024 in less than a year , and it’s the best 🏍️ I ever had , 24 years riding , and this one is the hidden gem than many people doesn’t even know about it, I do 80 % off road is completely capable! I’m short (5.7)and not complaining about it , you just need to get use to it and learn how to drive it , It’s a different beast!
Great bike, I am also 6 foot tall and did not like the 200 mm travel for road use and got the 20 mm lowering kit which makes it much more manageable at low speeds. Only drawback to lowering bike to 180 mm travel is I am touching down with my boots when really pushing the bike in the twisties but it acts as a warning to tone it down just a bit. Have been getting around 41 mpg witch is much better than claims of low thirties and the 8 gallon tank goes a long way! Its too big and heavy to go offroad but its very capable if you ever have to. Also the weight of bike seams to go away once rolling and thats due to its counter rotating crank, it feels 100 pounds lighter in motion. Great bike that costs a fortune but you are getting a lot of bike and it is easily the best looking adventure bike in my opinion😎
This was an entertaining video to watch. I've owned my MSV4S Sport since September of 2022. I live in the San Francisco area of California. Raced much of my adult life and this is my first Ducati of any model. Motocross, desert, road racing, and finally teaching road racers. I bought the bike when I was 67, I'm 5-8 180 pounds in gear, and I have a 29.6" inseam. I installed the Ducati lowering kit and the lower seat and I can flat-foot at a stop. Has not affected the handling and because of racing, I'm a real bitch about suspension, handling, and braking. Has taken me a full year to become very comfortable on the bike. The Skyhook suspension is what I would have considered science fiction just ten years ago. Researching how it works after wondering how it can feel like a couch, yet hold a line VERY WELL in a corner told me Ducati engineers are geniuses at what they do. My 2000 Honda RC51 that I raced and used to train others had no electronics other than fuel injection and my PowerCommander, had no ABS, or other 'gismos' you refer to. My dirt bikes included Penton, Maico, Yamaha, and Bultaco. All but my Yamaha had kickstarts, no electric starters. I view the 'pure motorcycles' so many talk about now as the height of technology for their day. Much like those who have no idea how life existed before ATM cards or smartphones, appreciating how tech has made our lives better (and in some cases worse) is all relative. One day all people will know in their lives are items that contain tech. I for one really appreciate the tech in this bike based on NOT having it in the past. Like not having any water for four days and then finding a spring. Yes, I use the adaptive cruise control, yes I appreciate the blind spot indicators that account for how fast another vehicle approaches my blind spot. The cornering lights and the hill hold features, combined with a great rear view from the mirrors, really round out why I made the right choice. We all purchase what fits our needs and desires. I've always been a one bike at a time owner and this one will be the last bike I own.
Hi! First up, thanks ever so much for taking the time to share such detailed and interesting insight - genuinely appreciate you going to the trouble and I loved reading it. While new to bikes I'm probably coming from a similar place with you on the cars side so I totally get what you're saying there about the learning on 'analogue' and that giving the understanding of how the tech can help. Which is why, even with a quickshifter, for now I enjoy using the clutch as I want to get comfortable and confident being able to ride 'properly' and not be dependent on the tech. But able to use it when i want or need to. Interesting what you say about how long it took you to get comfortable with the bike as well, even for someone of your background and experience. I will say that since filming this I've been out on the bike a couple more times and am feeling steadily more relaxed around it, so I can see how time and familiarity can help. I won't have that long with it but I can see the direction of travel in that regard. Anyways, thanks again for sharing your obviously extensive experience, really value your input! Happy riding!
@@midlifecrisismotorcyclist My pleasure. I write for Web Bike World and did a very extensive review of the MS. I prefer writing over video and write my pieces to help other riders. Take care.
At 52, I am 14yrs into riding and have done the sports --> hyper-tourer journey and eneded up on the adventure bikes : 2012 Triumph Explorer, 2014 KTM 1190 Adv and now the MTS Rally...I think these massive bikes take some 'growing in to', and they definitely are NOT rookie machines...I think you've laregly identified this fact! Mine has the race exhaust and mapped ECU, "Why?" asked the sales chap. "Because I am the customer!" The only detractors are: 1) It is a lot heavier than the previous bike, the KTM 1190, especially when wheeling it by hand. 2) The handlebars are far far too wide. They need reducing by 4" overall, like the outgoing KTM. 3) Mobile phone pouch/box is too small. If you buy a premium bike, you probably have a premium 'ultra' phone too...they dont fit. The positives: 1) Performance - torque isn't as impresive as the KTM, which is visceral, but its bloody quick in the top modes and so damn smooth. 2) Fuel efficiency. 50+mpg (UK gallons). Far better than the mid-40s of the older KTM 3) Radar/cruise. Very useful but has its moments when it does things when it shouldn't... definitely a learnig curve. 4) It's as smooth as butter. 5) Headlight beam is very good. 6) Handling is excellent. 7) Brakes are phenomenal. 8) Did I mention how smooth it is? It's just a much better bike than the 10yr KTM. But, if I'd had the KTM 1290SA, I'm not so sure there is enough to have warranted the upgrade... especially considering the cost of the thing. The KTM cost me £8k in depreciation over 10yrs, I expect I'll lose that in 3yrs on the Ducati. But it's a Ducati. I actually own a Ducati. It is an absolute rocketship and far more of a bike than I'll ever be able to make use of, but i did it before I got too old to be able to handle the heavier bikes...and before the EU legislates these wonderfully ridiculous machines off the roads.
@ The Pan America has a good engine. Its a decent bike. I love Ducatis. The Multi Strata is loaded with great techs and features. The HD has a ways to go.
It's a great bike, in my opinion the best in its category! There is a downside you mention, its center of gravity is quite high and one needs to be careful when manipulating it. However, they made sure it fits tall people well, with so many "big" bikes getting smaller recently (GS, SA, Tiger) it's nice to see there's a manufacturer who thinks about us tall people. I only have the normal (or rather S) version though, our dealer didn't have Rally and I didn't want to buy a cat in a bag.
I bought the V2S, it’s a lot more manageable as is the standard V4S, previously rode a 265 kg GSA. Been back riding 24 years with only a 29” inside leg, as I’ve got older I need comfort…but I’m buying a V4S next time, they are very special. ‘Adventure’ bikes are basically road sports tourers for old men who like their creature comforts, at 64 that’s me🤣👍
Best Bike I have ever owned. No niggles (NOTHING at all) after 23000 km. It took me a year to feel entirely comfortable on Swiss alpine hairpins or in rural France.
Just traded my 2021 Multistrada 950S in on a 2021 Multistrada V4S Sport and to be honest I actually find it easier to handle, feels lighter, lower centre of gravity, easier to get off the side stand and put on the centre stand. I've only had it 2 weeks and don't miss the 950 at all. The V4S is probably the best bike I've ever ridden and I've ridden lots.
Really great review, on the size issues I kind of get that, I’m 5,10 and maybe your seat was one notch higher than minimum because I’m on ball if foot with my height, I feel the size issues are more the price of the bike and the obviously not dropping it, it’s a lot of money for me btw but once that initial bum squeaking goes after a few months of riding it’s surprisingly easy around town, most days I use a bmw 350 scooter as a daily but have no issues using either in heavy traffic only when you remember the cost, that for me is the factor when common sense kicks in, I hated Ducati for ever until I rode one, it’s like a living being, I’ve owned all brands and you become part of Ducati and it doesn’t matter if your bike is new or 30 year old monster, it’s a Ducati and from someone who laughed at owners for years, I’m eating a lot of humble pie , really enjoyed your video and really looking forward to more content 😌
Thanks for taking the time with that, really interesting reading and appreciated the insight. I'll confess, having dropped the seat a notch and now got a few more miles in the wobbles are mitigated to a degree and I'm feeling a little more confident with the bike, though there's no escaping the size. What do you have? Am wondering if a non-Rally version might feel a little more wieldy in every day situations. But that all makes a lot of sense, and I laughed at your journey from laughing at Ducati owners and the whole image to then embracing it fully. I can totally see how that happens as well! More where this came from as well so stay tuned!
@@midlifecrisismotorcyclistyes mate I’m on rally to, I wanted spoke wheels and adding that to the normal ms it puts the price over the standard rally as I didn’t have luggage, the bottom seat seat is quite tight to push in at first if yours is on one above, I quite often use enduro mode, so no rear abs or blind spot but it seems nicer low end for town use for me, I still have a 2019 xr which is 840 seat , rally is 870 and find the rally better the way the seat is shaped , but I think for me the main worry about moving it around is the cost in my head
@@WheelieGoodTV Thanks! Like I say, wouldn’t criticise anyone for buying one and totally get the appeal. Even if it’s not to my taste. Variety is spice of, and all that!
Ditto, WheelieGood. While I'm also nervous about dropping my bike (who isn't), it cost only half as much. It's also around 50kg lighter. I can also tolerate the relatively meagre horsepower of my machine (145hp) as it prolongs the chances of my keeping my licence. I've heard that that V4 Ducati engine can get very hot, though that's unlikely in the Scots Smirr.
@@flexywing Haha! Well, it’s an Italian engine, isn’t it! Also, it sounds strained in the audio but in reality it has a real howl beyond about 5K that really encourages you to rev it out. If you dare. Because by that point and in any gear you are moving quite rapidly.
Perfect bike for 'look at me', otherwise a silly excess. 170 HP, top heavy, tall, expensive. For what? I guess - some is good, more must be better, too much is just right.
Best bike ever.. Change from a BMW R1250GS to this and had it for 2 weeks now.... What a bike, so happy with it.
I totally agree,, i did the same 1 year ago but mine was Gsa 2021 😂👍
Would highlight that most people wont jump on this as a rookie rider. But generally think your review was balanced and fair given height and experience. On the cost - if you can afford a luxury car people may still comment but most still only ever get driven to the shops! It’s all relative for the owner! I’ve taken my MS Rally on several tours into deepest Europe and it money well spent. If you’re happy spending 5k and doing the same trip. I’m pleased for you. Most Ducati riders are happy spending what they’ve spent and I’m happy for them too! 6’4 and happy with the size and weight and weight of the big girl😉. Stay upright. x
I’m about to do 25,000 on my Multistrada rally 2024 in less than a year , and it’s the best 🏍️ I ever had , 24 years riding , and this one is the hidden gem than many people doesn’t even know about it, I do 80 % off road is completely capable! I’m short (5.7)and not complaining about it , you just need to get use to it and learn how to drive it , It’s a different beast!
Great bike, I am also 6 foot tall and did not like the 200 mm travel for road use and got the 20 mm lowering kit which makes it much more manageable at low speeds. Only drawback to lowering bike to 180 mm travel is I am touching down with my boots when really pushing the bike in the twisties but it acts as a warning to tone it down just a bit. Have been getting around 41 mpg witch is much better than claims of low thirties and the 8 gallon tank goes a long way! Its too big and heavy to go offroad but its very capable if you ever have to. Also the weight of bike seams to go away once rolling and thats due to its counter rotating crank, it feels 100 pounds lighter in motion. Great bike that costs a fortune but you are getting a lot of bike and it is easily the best looking adventure bike in my opinion😎
@@jimpanzer07 Really interesting insight, thanks for taking the time to share it. 👍
This was an entertaining video to watch. I've owned my MSV4S Sport since September of 2022. I live in the San Francisco area of California. Raced much of my adult life and this is my first Ducati of any model. Motocross, desert, road racing, and finally teaching road racers. I bought the bike when I was 67, I'm 5-8 180 pounds in gear, and I have a 29.6" inseam. I installed the Ducati lowering kit and the lower seat and I can flat-foot at a stop. Has not affected the handling and because of racing, I'm a real bitch about suspension, handling, and braking. Has taken me a full year to become very comfortable on the bike. The Skyhook suspension is what I would have considered science fiction just ten years ago. Researching how it works after wondering how it can feel like a couch, yet hold a line VERY WELL in a corner told me Ducati engineers are geniuses at what they do.
My 2000 Honda RC51 that I raced and used to train others had no electronics other than fuel injection and my PowerCommander, had no ABS, or other 'gismos' you refer to. My dirt bikes included Penton, Maico, Yamaha, and Bultaco. All but my Yamaha had kickstarts, no electric starters. I view the 'pure motorcycles' so many talk about now as the height of technology for their day. Much like those who have no idea how life existed before ATM cards or smartphones, appreciating how tech has made our lives better (and in some cases worse) is all relative. One day all people will know in their lives are items that contain tech. I for one really appreciate the tech in this bike based on NOT having it in the past. Like not having any water for four days and then finding a spring.
Yes, I use the adaptive cruise control, yes I appreciate the blind spot indicators that account for how fast another vehicle approaches my blind spot. The cornering lights and the hill hold features, combined with a great rear view from the mirrors, really round out why I made the right choice. We all purchase what fits our needs and desires. I've always been a one bike at a time owner and this one will be the last bike I own.
Hi! First up, thanks ever so much for taking the time to share such detailed and interesting insight - genuinely appreciate you going to the trouble and I loved reading it. While new to bikes I'm probably coming from a similar place with you on the cars side so I totally get what you're saying there about the learning on 'analogue' and that giving the understanding of how the tech can help. Which is why, even with a quickshifter, for now I enjoy using the clutch as I want to get comfortable and confident being able to ride 'properly' and not be dependent on the tech. But able to use it when i want or need to.
Interesting what you say about how long it took you to get comfortable with the bike as well, even for someone of your background and experience. I will say that since filming this I've been out on the bike a couple more times and am feeling steadily more relaxed around it, so I can see how time and familiarity can help. I won't have that long with it but I can see the direction of travel in that regard.
Anyways, thanks again for sharing your obviously extensive experience, really value your input! Happy riding!
@@midlifecrisismotorcyclist My pleasure. I write for Web Bike World and did a very extensive review of the MS. I prefer writing over video and write my pieces to help other riders. Take care.
Loving the channel, mate. 👍
Thanks! More where this came from as well.
At 52, I am 14yrs into riding and have done the sports --> hyper-tourer journey and eneded up on the adventure bikes : 2012 Triumph Explorer, 2014 KTM 1190 Adv and now the MTS Rally...I think these massive bikes take some 'growing in to', and they definitely are NOT rookie machines...I think you've laregly identified this fact!
Mine has the race exhaust and mapped ECU, "Why?" asked the sales chap. "Because I am the customer!"
The only detractors are:
1) It is a lot heavier than the previous bike, the KTM 1190, especially when wheeling it by hand.
2) The handlebars are far far too wide. They need reducing by 4" overall, like the outgoing KTM.
3) Mobile phone pouch/box is too small. If you buy a premium bike, you probably have a premium 'ultra' phone too...they dont fit.
The positives:
1) Performance - torque isn't as impresive as the KTM, which is visceral, but its bloody quick in the top modes and so damn smooth.
2) Fuel efficiency. 50+mpg (UK gallons). Far better than the mid-40s of the older KTM
3) Radar/cruise. Very useful but has its moments when it does things when it shouldn't... definitely a learnig curve.
4) It's as smooth as butter.
5) Headlight beam is very good.
6) Handling is excellent.
7) Brakes are phenomenal.
8) Did I mention how smooth it is?
It's just a much better bike than the 10yr KTM. But, if I'd had the KTM 1290SA, I'm not so sure there is enough to have warranted the upgrade... especially considering the cost of the thing. The KTM cost me £8k in depreciation over 10yrs, I expect I'll lose that in 3yrs on the Ducati.
But it's a Ducati. I actually own a Ducati. It is an absolute rocketship and far more of a bike than I'll ever be able to make use of, but i did it before I got too old to be able to handle the heavier bikes...and before the EU legislates these wonderfully ridiculous machines off the roads.
If you’re on setting one helmet, pressing minimum won’t change anything only if it’s one helmet plus luggage etc 😊
Honest review. I’m trading my 2022 HD Pan America Special for 2025 Multi Strata Rally in April.
@@jhonnydumeny9816 Ooh, that’s an interesting swap. Have you enjoyed the Harley? A fascinating bike, for sure. Change is as good as a rest, tho.
@ The Pan America has a good engine. Its a decent bike. I love Ducatis. The Multi Strata is loaded with great techs and features. The HD has a ways to go.
@ Great insight, thanks for sharing and enjoy the Ducati when it comes.
It's a great bike, in my opinion the best in its category! There is a downside you mention, its center of gravity is quite high and one needs to be careful when manipulating it. However, they made sure it fits tall people well, with so many "big" bikes getting smaller recently (GS, SA, Tiger) it's nice to see there's a manufacturer who thinks about us tall people.
I only have the normal (or rather S) version though, our dealer didn't have Rally and I didn't want to buy a cat in a bag.
I bought the V2S, it’s a lot more manageable as is the standard V4S, previously rode a 265 kg GSA. Been back riding 24 years with only a 29” inside leg, as I’ve got older I need comfort…but I’m buying a V4S next time, they are very special. ‘Adventure’ bikes are basically road sports tourers for old men who like their creature comforts, at 64 that’s me🤣👍
Best Bike I have ever owned. No niggles (NOTHING at all) after 23000 km. It took me a year to feel entirely comfortable on Swiss alpine hairpins or in rural France.
Great review!
Just traded my 2021 Multistrada 950S in on a 2021 Multistrada V4S Sport and to be honest I actually find it easier to handle, feels lighter, lower centre of gravity, easier to get off the side stand and put on the centre stand. I've only had it 2 weeks and don't miss the 950 at all.
The V4S is probably the best bike I've ever ridden and I've ridden lots.
Really great review, on the size issues I kind of get that, I’m 5,10 and maybe your seat was one notch higher than minimum because I’m on ball if foot with my height, I feel the size issues are more the price of the bike and the obviously not dropping it, it’s a lot of money for me btw but once that initial bum squeaking goes after a few months of riding it’s surprisingly easy around town, most days I use a bmw 350 scooter as a daily but have no issues using either in heavy traffic only when you remember the cost, that for me is the factor when common sense kicks in, I hated Ducati for ever until I rode one, it’s like a living being, I’ve owned all brands and you become part of Ducati and it doesn’t matter if your bike is new or 30 year old monster, it’s a Ducati and from someone who laughed at owners for years, I’m eating a lot of humble pie , really enjoyed your video and really looking forward to more content 😌
Thanks for taking the time with that, really interesting reading and appreciated the insight. I'll confess, having dropped the seat a notch and now got a few more miles in the wobbles are mitigated to a degree and I'm feeling a little more confident with the bike, though there's no escaping the size. What do you have? Am wondering if a non-Rally version might feel a little more wieldy in every day situations.
But that all makes a lot of sense, and I laughed at your journey from laughing at Ducati owners and the whole image to then embracing it fully. I can totally see how that happens as well! More where this came from as well so stay tuned!
@@midlifecrisismotorcyclistyes mate I’m on rally to, I wanted spoke wheels and adding that to the normal ms it puts the price over the standard rally as I didn’t have luggage, the bottom seat seat is quite tight to push in at first if yours is on one above, I quite often use enduro mode, so no rear abs or blind spot but it seems nicer low end for town use for me, I still have a 2019 xr which is 840 seat , rally is 870 and find the rally better the way the seat is shaped , but I think for me the main worry about moving it around is the cost in my head
Really enjoyed that mate. I share exactly the same feelings as yourself about these bikes. 👌
@@WheelieGoodTV Thanks! Like I say, wouldn’t criticise anyone for buying one and totally get the appeal. Even if it’s not to my taste. Variety is spice of, and all that!
Ditto, WheelieGood. While I'm also nervous about dropping my bike (who isn't), it cost only half as much. It's also around 50kg lighter. I can also tolerate the relatively meagre horsepower of my machine (145hp) as it prolongs the chances of my keeping my licence. I've heard that that V4 Ducati engine can get very hot, though that's unlikely in the Scots Smirr.
So you ruled it out because of your height?
Hi ya
Not sure why you are using the clutch ?
You like to rev it ?
@@MrStihlman441 I just like using the clutch and shifting manually, tho the quickshifter is very good as well!
I like your reviews, but for me, you seemed to reving that engine so high, did you know it has 6 speed box 😅
@@flexywing Haha! Well, it’s an Italian engine, isn’t it! Also, it sounds strained in the audio but in reality it has a real howl beyond about 5K that really encourages you to rev it out. If you dare. Because by that point and in any gear you are moving quite rapidly.
That’s how it sounds at around 6 k, redline at 10k , trust me I own one, there was no swearing so those revs were low 😆
Perfect bike for 'look at me', otherwise a silly excess. 170 HP, top heavy, tall, expensive. For what? I guess - some is good, more must be better, too much is just right.
It's not top heavy at all. Have you actually ridden one.
@@Spad562 Good point. It's not expensive at all either. My bad.
@@terrellgarren7125 Not if you can afford it. 😉
You sound salty. Your comment says, "I'm going to demonize it because I can't afford one."
Anyone under 9 foot need not apply.
@@RodeoRides 😂
Im under this and a really thankful owner ;)