Summary of "HO SBAGLIATO A CAMBIARLA? S1000XR vs Multistrada V4 RS"

Main question and short answer

Was switching from the BMW S1000 XR to the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS worth it? Short answer from the host: yes if you can afford it — but the S1000 XR remains an excellent, versatile bike.

Key points

Price and buying

Multistrada V4 RS list price: approximately €38,000 (rising to about €40,000 for 2025). The presenter bought his in Germany for less — roughly the price of a new Pike Peak.
S1000 XR is generally more competitive on price. The gap narrows when comparing the Multistrada to BMW’s high-performance M1000XR variant.

Engines and performance

BMW S1000 XR
- Presenter’s bike: a modified 165 hp version at the wheel (full exhaust, sports filter, ECU tune).
- BMW M1000XR (track-focused variant): over 200 hp in full configuration.
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS
- Uses a Panigale-derived V4 engine, declared 180 hp at the crank.
- Feels “fuller” from low revs, hits its torque band earlier (around 6–7k rpm), and is particularly thrilling above 8,000 rpm.
Real-world note: the presenter’s heavily modified S1000 XR narrowed the measured performance gap versus the Ducati.

Chassis, suspension and brakes

Multistrada
- Feels very planted and slightly more agile than expected for its size; rides sharp despite looking big.
- Equipped with Öhlins front/rear and fully electronic suspension with manual setting options.
- Braking hardware: Brembo Stylema calipers and Brembo master cylinder — gives Ducati an edge in braking.
S1000 XR
- Presenter’s bike originally had Marzocchi suspension; BMW calipers were later replaced by Brembo on newer models.

Electronics and gearbox

Electronics: Multistrada wins on depth and rider-configurable options.
Gearshift: S1000 XR felt more precise in gear changes. Multistrada is smooth overall, but the presenter noticed occasional imperfect shifts unless throttle/clutch modulation is precise.

Practicality and touring

Multistrada V4 RS supports luggage/panniers — a decisive factor for the presenter and important for travel.
S1000 XR described as the “definitive” all-rounder — very versatile and great for long-term use.

Reliability and ownership

Presenter logged approximately 45,000 km on his S1000 XR and praised its durability and usefulness.
He mentioned past personal reliability concerns with the S1000 XR and hopes not to encounter similar issues with the Multistrada.

Riding impressions & trip highlights

Strong praise for the Multistrada’s motor and overall experience — called it a “spectacular motorbike.”
Trip example: rode to Leonessa, stopped for a hearty local meal, and returned to Rome (125 km, about 2 hours). The saddle road over Terminillo was closed due to snow, so they retraced the outward route.

Practical advice / takeaways

Choose the Multistrada V4 RS if you prioritize:
- Advanced electronics and customization
- Sophisticated suspension and braking
- Touring capability and luggage support
- The distinct V4 engine character
Choose the S1000 XR if you want:
- Precision shifting
- Lower initial cost (especially when comparing base models)
- A proven, versatile all-rounder
When comparing bikes, factor in:
- Real-world power figures (wheel hp vs declared crank hp)
- Any aftermarket tuning or modifications that affect performance

Notable locations, products and speakers

Locations: Leonessa, Terminillo (road closed due to snow), Rome; track mentioned as “Palallelunga” (likely Vallelunga).
Bikes / products: Ducati Multistrada V4 RS (V4 Panigale-derived), BMW S1000 XR, BMW M1000XR, Pike Peak variant.
Components: Öhlins, Marzocchi; Brembo Stylema calipers; Brembo master cylinder; aftermarket full exhaust and sports filter (on the presenter’s S1000 XR).
Speaker: the video’s host — owner/rider comparing five years on an S1000 XR to his new Multistrada V4 RS.