Test fleet: Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Going up in the world is a very apt term when moving from the Diavel to the Multistrada V4 Rally - while the powerplant is close to being the same specification, you're seeing the world from a very different perspective...

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A lthough the physical dimensions of the V4 Rally aren't really much greater than the Diavel's slammed cruiser vibe as far as length and breadth are concerned, my first impression of “Ohh, that’s big innit!” doesn’t just refer to the seat height, which at its lowest of 870mm is still more than three inches higher, but to its overall presence. Let’s face it, you're not exactly going to trip over it when it’s parked in your drive...

It certainly does look big and impressive, and there is a lot of ‘stuff’ going on there. Aside from the height of the screen and it’s adjustable portion, and the usual Multistrada duck bill front end and the handguards, thanks to the fact this is the ‘Full Adventure’ spec machine there’s also the panniers (top-openers, yay!).

And there’s also extra stuff you may not normally expect on an adventure bike, such as the wings either side of the radiator with internal flaps so you can close off the wind blowing over your lower legs.

It’s not tippy toes for me at 5’ 10”, but I am on the balls of my feet. Which is all well and good, but when the road is cambered, and that big fuel tank is full (with 300 miles worth of premium gasoline), there is a niggle of doubt and a feeling of cumbersome top heaviness.