NEW: Best Beginner Motorcycles of 2026, our top picks for your first ride.
Head to head

Ducati Multistrada V4 S vs Honda XL750 Transalp

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 XL750 Transalp are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The Honda XL750 Transalp undercuts the Ducati Multistrada V4 S by about $18,306, 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 XL750 Transalp
8.4

Honda

Honda XL750 Transalp

The verdict

The Ducati Multistrada V4 S edges it overall at 8.9/10, but the Honda XL750 Transalp wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Honda XL750 Transalp

A2-legal, 91 hp.

Most exciting

Ducati Multistrada V4 S

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

Best value

Honda XL750 Transalp

Our 8.4/10 at $9,999, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Honda XL750 Transalp

210 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$9,999
KickTheStand score8.9 / 108.4 / 10
Performance
Engine1158cc four755cc twin
Power170 hp91 hp
Torque125 Nm75 Nm
Power-to-weight0.71 hp/kg0.43 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension50mm Marzocchi USD fork, semi-active Skyhook DSS Evo43mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork
Rear suspensionSemi-active monoshock, Skyhook DSS EvoPro-Link monoshock
Front brakesDual 330mm discs, Brembo StylemaDual 310mm discs, axial 2-piston
Rear brakesSingle 265mm discSingle 256mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight240 kg210 kg
Seat height840 mm850 mm
Fuel capacity22 L16.9 L
Suitability
ClassAdventureAdventure
A2 licenceNoYes
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best foradventure, touring, sportadventure, touring, commuting

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

Still torn between them?

Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.

Open the bike finder

Ducati Multistrada V4 S vs Honda XL750 Transalp: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S or the Honda XL750 Transalp?

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 XL750 Transalp?

The Honda XL750 Transalp is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $9,999.

Which is lighter, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S or the Honda XL750 Transalp?

The Honda XL750 Transalp is the lightest at 210 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 XL750 Transalp?

For a new rider we'd point to the Honda XL750 Transalp: A2-legal, 91 hp and 210 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

More comparisons