Ducati Multistrada V4 S

THERE WAS ONLY one model in the running for our motorcycle of the year: the Ducati Multistrada V4 S. It was apparent after 15 minutes in the saddle during a test-ride in the Borrego Springs desert, where the adventure-travel bike ticked all the expected boxes, plus a few we had not considered.

This is the first production bike with radar, which means it comes standard with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and blind spot detection functionality, two forms of rider assistance and protection previously unknown in the production-motorcycle space. The ACC’s performance was startlingly good, its distance management inchperfect. And a blind-spot-detection alert is something every motorcycle model should offer from now on.

These two landmark features are even more welcome considering they complement one of the fastest V4 motors created for the public, making this machine a technical tour de force.

Access to ride modes and the control algorithms managing traction, wheelies and engine braking is surprisingly intuitive, while the V4 motor, aluminium monocoque frame and electronics integrate so seamlessly, it makes for a benchmark riding experience.

Members of the Ducati team have called the 2021 Multistrada V4 S the best motorcycle they’ve ever created, and we see no reason to argue.