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Head to head

Ducati Multistrada V4 S vs Honda Africa Twin

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 S and Honda Africa Twin are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The Honda Africa Twin undercuts the Ducati Multistrada V4 S by about $13,506, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Ducati Multistrada V4 S leads on power with 170 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Ducati Multistrada V4 S
Our pick
8.9

Ducati

Ducati Multistrada V4 S
Honda Africa Twin
8.7

Honda

Honda Africa Twin

The verdict

The Ducati Multistrada V4 S edges it overall at 8.9/10, but the Honda Africa Twin wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Honda Africa Twin

101 hp.

Most exciting

Ducati Multistrada V4 S

170 hp and 0.71 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Honda Africa Twin

Our 8.7/10 at $14,799, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Honda Africa Twin

231 kg with an 850 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Ducati Multistrada V4 S

Our top score in this matchup at 8.9/10.

Price & rating
Price$28,305$14,799
KickTheStand score8.9 / 108.7 / 10
Performance
Engine1158cc four1084cc twin
Power170 hp101 hp
Torque125 Nm105 Nm
Power-to-weight0.71 hp/kg0.44 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension50mm Marzocchi USD fork, semi-active Skyhook DSS Evo45mm Showa USD fork
Rear suspensionSemi-active monoshock, Skyhook DSS EvoPro-Link monoshock
Front brakesDual 330mm discs, Brembo StylemaDual 310mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 265mm discSingle 256mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight240 kg231 kg
Seat height840 mm850 mm
Fuel capacity22 L18.8 L
Suitability
ClassAdventureAdventure
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best foradventure, touring, sportadventure, touring

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Ducati Multistrada V4 S vs Honda Africa Twin: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S or the Honda Africa Twin?

The Ducati Multistrada V4 S makes the most power at 170 hp and 125 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S or the Honda Africa Twin?

The Honda Africa Twin is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $14,799.

Which is lighter, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S or the Honda Africa Twin?

The Honda Africa Twin is the lightest at 231 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S or the Honda Africa Twin?

For a new rider we'd point to the Honda Africa Twin: 101 hp and 231 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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