Note: Australian edition — AUD pricing approximated from UK MSRP, exact OTR varies by state and rego. Spotted something off?
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30-Year Arcs / ADV / Ducati ADV Lineage
Ducati Italy

Ducati Multistrada. 30 years on.

The Multistrada didn't exist in 1996 — Ducati's only sport-touring offering then was the ST2. The Multistrada line started in 2003, went liquid-cooled in 2010, and became a V4 in 2021. Three Multistradas plus an ST2 spiritual predecessor.

1996
ST2
2006
Multistrada 1000DS
2016
Multistrada 1200
2026
Multistrada V4 S
Continual audits are underway to verify local pricing for every bike in every market. Apologies for any gaps you see while this is in progress.
1996 30 yrs ago · No Multi
1996 Ducati ST2

Ducati ST2

Ducati's 1996 sport-tourer
(predecessor to Multistrada)

Ducati's 1996 sport-tourer
83 bhp
83
209
820
ABSFuel injectionTraction controlRide modesTFT dash944cc desmoTrellis frame
Known issues
  • Ducati ST2 — desmo belt service interval critical — all years
  • Reg/rec failure — all years
  • Cam belt tensioner wear — all years
A$16,600
A$33,200
A$4.5–4.9k
A$ figures approximate — converted from UK MSRP at ~1.95×. Local OTR varies by state, rego & LCT.
2006 First Multi · 2006
2006 Multistrada 1000DS

Multistrada 1000DS

Original Multistrada
992cc air-cooled L-twin

Original Multistrada
92 bhp
95
196
850
ABSFuel injectionTraction controlRide modesTFT dash992cc air-cooledSteel trellis
Known issues
  • Multistrada 1000DS — sprag clutch failure — 2003-09
  • Reg/rec failure — 2003-09
  • Front fork seal weeping — all years
A$17,200
A$28,900
A$4.5k–A$9k
2016 Gen 4 · 2016
2016 Multistrada 1200

Multistrada 1200

1198cc liquid-cooled twin
DVT (variable valve timing)

1198cc liquid-cooled twin
160 bhp
136
232
825
Cornering ABSRide-by-wireDTC traction4 rideColour TFTSkyhook semi-activeVariable valve
Known issues
  • Multistrada 1200 — fuel pump failure — 2010-17
  • Reg/rec failure (Testastretta DVT) — 2010-17
  • Skyhook semi-active suspension faults (Pikes Peak/S) — 2015-17
  • Quickshifter sensor failures — 2015-17
A$29,200
A$38,000
A$11k–A$19.6k
2026 V4 era · 2026
2026 Multistrada V4 S

Multistrada V4 S

1158cc V4 (Granturismo)
First ADV with front + rear radar

1158cc V4 (Granturismo)
170 bhp
125
243
840
Cornering ABSRide-by-wireIMU-based DTC4 modes6.5" colourAdaptive cruiseSkyhook EVO
Known issues
  • Multistrada V4 S — first-gen radar cruise calibration drift — 2021-22
  • TFT dash glitches — 2021-on
  • V4 Granturismo platform addresses many earlier-platform issues
A$33.625Verified MSRP (est.)
A$33,625
A$42.3k new
// 30-Year Delta

What actually changed.

1996 → 2026 · 30 years of "progress"
Engine config Twin → V4 From 1996 ST2 to 2017 Multistrada 1260 Ducati ran a 90-degree V-twin (L-twin in their parlance). The 2018 V4 launch changed the bike's character — smoother, peakier, and quieter in EU emissions tests.
Power gain +87bhp 83bhp ST2 → 170bhp V4 S. Doubled in 30 years. The V4 S is now the most powerful ADV in mainstream production.
Torque gain +42Nm 83Nm → 125Nm. Big jump in 2010 with liquid cooling and again with the V4 in 2018.
Real cost change +A$9.2k A$16,600in 1996 ≈ A$33,200today. The 2026 V4 S is A$42,300. About 28% more expensive in real terms — radar and Skyhook EVO suspension justifying the premium.
Rider aids count 1 → 10 1996 ST2: fuel injection only. 2026 V4 S: cornering ABS, traction, slide, wheelie control, adaptive cruise, blind spot detection, ride modes, hill hold, hill start, electronic suspension.
World first Front + rear radar The Multistrada V4 was the first production motorcycle with both front and rear radar. Adaptive cruise that maintains gap to the car in front, and blind spot detection on the back.
Cheapest way in A$4.9k A clean 1996 ST2 today. Pre-Multistrada Ducati sport-tourer with the trellis frame and desmo twin. The Multi's grandparent — for less than a half-decent commuter.
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// On YouTube

Watch the reviews (2)

Ducati Multistrada V4S

Ducati Multistrada V4S

Ross Rides · YouTube
Ducati Multistrada V4S

Ducati Multistrada V4S

Ross Rides · YouTube
// Sources

Where these numbers come from

Every figure on this page is from a published manufacturer spec sheet or a reputable review publication. No press junkets, no opinions in the spec data. Inflation calculated using Bank of England's CPI tool.

1996 Ducati ST2 Manufacturer specs · MCN · Bennetts BikeSocial
2006 Multistrada 1000DS Manufacturer press · MCN Reviews · autoevolution
2016 Multistrada 1200 Manufacturer UK specs · MCN · Total Motorcycle
2026 Multistrada V4 S Manufacturer UK · Bennetts BikeSocial · Cycle World