Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally in the 1000PS Offroad Test 2024

With the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, we visited the largest enduro park in Europe, the Red Stag Gelände in Rohr im Gebirge. The expansive area, located about an hour southwest of the Vienna city limits, offered a perfect testing environment with 15 kilometers of forest roads and 28 different off-road trails. There are ample opportunities for every riding level to have a full day of fun. With our large adventure bikes, we were mostly on the wider forest paths. However, we also integrated some green trails (easy difficulty level) into the test schedule to really put the big and elegant bikes through their paces.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally captured my little racer's heart in an instant when I first revved up the lively V4 engine while stationary. I must say, the MotoGP sound in an adventure bike has a very positively stimulating effect on me. And I was not disappointed, as the power delivery, paired with the electronics, leaves virtually nothing to be desired. The Italians from Borgo also leave no room for criticism when it comes to the chassis. Electronic refinements à la GP can be realized quickly with a few button presses on the fully adjustable suspension. However, when setting the seemingly endless parameters, one can sometimes lose track. While ripping through the off-road track with the Ducati, I almost wanted to pack two tissues in my helmet due to the tears of joy. Handling, ergonomics, and seating position are seamless, a swift seamlessness, mind you. The only drawback was that shifting gears while standing was somewhat unusual due to the position of the shift lever. Conclusion: The Ducati convinced me across the board, except for the price, which unfortunately cannot be covered by a quick weekend-bridge loan. But those who have the necessary cash in their wallet can enjoy GP sound and top quality.

Ducati's touring flagship is, of course, not intended for ambitious off-road use, and this is noticeable in certain areas, such as weight, ergonomics at the limit, and the extremely refined yet vulnerable peripherals. At the same time, it is astonishing how well it performs in rough conditions. As a hobby rider, you will particularly appreciate the competent and very comfortable semi-active chassis and the powerful V4 engine, which is successfully tamed by the abundant electronics. Due to its expensive, refined nature, I see the Multistrada V4 Rally more in the hands of traveling hobby endurists who, on a luxurious tour with lots of luggage and a pillion, still make small excursions onto unpaved paths in the evenings or in between. For this, it works very well and, despite its size, gives enough confidence that even an amateur dares to venture onto rougher gravel and forest roads.

The intense off-road testing conditions were ideal for putting our equipment to the test as well. When it came to helmets, the 1000PS crew unanimously relied on the new Tour-X5 from Arai. The helmet sits perfectly balanced on the head and behaves very neutrally in the wind, regardless of speed. The fit of the helmet is generally comfortable. There is a snug contact feeling across the entire head area. As is typical with Arai, the padding also pleasantly encloses the jawbone and does not create any uncomfortable pressure in the cheek area. The interior lining used in the Tour-X5 feels comfortable and high-quality on the skin, even over a long, intense, and sweaty day. With various ventilation openings in the forehead, chin, and upper head areas, you can get enough fresh air when needed. The craftsmanship is top-notch - the helmets not only look classy and beautiful when new, but they also remain in excellent condition even after several tough days off-road. Ventilation openings and visor locking mechanisms can be perfectly operated even when dirty. A great, versatile helmet for all types of motorcycle adventures. We give it our highest recommendation!

During our adventure bike test, we uniformly wore gear from the renowned manufacturer Leatt. Our editors were equipped with either the Flow Tour Combo or the Multi Tour Combo. LEATT, well-known for high-quality motocross and hard-enduro apparel, has recently started offering robust and versatile protective clothing for adventure bike riders in the new ADV collection. The Flow Tour jacket particularly impressed us with its outstanding ventilation, which provided pleasant cooling even in hot conditions up to 35 degrees. Thanks to the integrated hydration bladder system, our testers stayed well-hydrated even on dusty trails. The generous, waterproof pockets offered ample storage for personal items and allowed for comfortable access during the ride. The Multi Tour Combo, on the other hand, scored points with its versatility and three-layer construction, providing optimal protection and adaptability to different weather conditions. Both models are equipped with CE-certified protectors at critical points, offering maximum protection without restricting freedom of movement. Even a LEATT Neck-Brace is compatible with the jackets. We particularly liked the split chest protector on both models, which not only ensures safety but also provides high wearing comfort when the zipper is open. LEATT's gear proved to be ideal for our intensive tests. Robust, safe, and offering the necessary comfort for long riding days under extreme conditions.