There's one thing that the wealthy in Europe are crazy about: big bikes.
They have everything from the latest supercars to rare classic cars in their garage, and are also interested in motorcycles. Just like with cars, major motorcycle manufacturers have made their mark in Italy, France, the UK, and Germany, and even as times change, they continue to produce attractive motorcycles.
And they continue to evolve to meet the needs of the wealthy.

A motorcycle manufacturer that combines outstanding performance and design to deliver the best ride possible

Ducati, the brand we're focusing on today, is one such motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in 1926, it's a long-established brand that will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. Its headquarters are located on the outskirts of Bologna, in the Emilia-Romana region of Italy, in a corner of the so-called "Motor Valley" that's also home to Ferrari and Lamborghini. Needless to say, the brand has a solid track record in the motorcycle racing industry, having achieved numerous victories in the motorcycle world's Formula 1, Moto GP, and Superbike.

Currently, it is part of the VW Group and operates under the control of Audi. It is on good terms with Lamborghini, which is also in the group, and has even released a collaborative model. In other words, they have the same target audience: a motorcycle manufacturer favored by wealthy vehicle enthusiasts.

As you'd expect from a brand like this, their iconic full-fair sports bikes are their signature, but they're not the only models that are garnering attention in Europe. The trendy adventure bike "Multistrada" has been booming in popularity in recent years. This touring bike, perfect for any road, from a manufacturer with a proven track record on the circuit seems to be capturing the hearts of the wealthy.

"Multistrada" means "multi-road" in English. In other words, it means that it can ride on any road. It is primarily designed for on-road grand touring, but also has the capacity for sporty riding on winding roads and comfortable riding on dirt roads. It has the ride, comfort, and cargo capacity to satisfy the demands of outdoor-loving bikers who leave the city for weekends and head to a campsite in the suburbs. There are probably few bikes that look as good with a touring box as this one.

Ducati has been selling bikes based on this concept for over 20 years. They released the Multistrada in 2003. In the 20 years since then, they have sold over 10 units in total. In other words, while it's true that adventure bikes, which the Multistrada falls into the category of, have become a trend in recent years, Ducati was pioneering this genre long before that. It's clear that they have an edge, including feedback from the market.

The Multistrada has a lineup of several grades with different engines and equipment. New models are launched in Japan every year after improvements are made. Among them, the one we will be focusing on this time is the V4 S, a fully equipped model with a high-spec V4 engine.

The superior functionality and design of the new Multistrada make it the perfect travel companion

The first thing that stands out is the design. The sporty design that is typical of Ducati excites the viewer. The aggressive shapes of the front end and exhaust are particularly unique. This shows the high level of design technology that is typical of Italian brands. It combines appearance with functionality. And then there's the engine. Their proud V4 unit produces a maximum output of 170ps. Considering its light weight, you can imagine its high level of maneuverability. In fact, I was surprised when I test drove this model. The feeling of acceleration once the revs increase is exceptional.

The trick to ride comfort is hidden in the suspension. It is equipped with an automatic vehicle height lowering device that changes the vehicle height depending on the speed range. It drops to the lowest value at speeds below 10 km/h, improving foot placement when waiting at traffic lights, and rises to the standard value at speeds above 50 km/h, improving ride comfort. This has a positive effect on long touring on highways and other roads.

There are several other appealing points, but generally speaking, it can be used in many ways, such as being able to be used for everyday use without hesitation, riding tandem, or using a touring bag (box) to carry camping gear, etc. And if it can be used for long touring without getting tired, it's no wonder that it is admired by bikers.
I can understand why wealthy Europeans would want to have one in their garage. It's a brand that carries status. It seems to go well with premium cars like Porsche and Audi, as well as Italian cars.
Wealthy Japanese vehicle enthusiasts, take note of the Multistrada.

Tatsuya Kushima

Motor journalist and columnist. Currently, he is the media site editor-in-chief and media business producer for the surfing magazine "NALU." She has previously served as editor-in-chief of many men's magazines, golf magazines, car magazines, airline in-flight magazines, etc. In addition to media activities, he is a member of the Japan Car of the Year selection committee, a member of the Japan Cigar Association, a Japan Boat of the Year selection committee, and the creative director of men's golf wear ``The Duke's Golf.''