The Ducati Multistrada V4 S has been crowned 2021 European Motorcycle of the Year in a close media-publication determined vote that almost led to a surprise international winner.
The poll is decided by nominating 13 of the year’s notable motorcycle launches and pitching them against one another for the crown of best new motorcycle overall. The result is gleaned from votes cast across publications on the European mainland.
Echoing its success in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, victory went the way of Italy with the Ducati Multistrada V4 S coming out on top after winning praise for its broad versatility as an adventure-cum-tourer that hasn’t lost the essence of the brand’s sporting DNA, plus its approach to technology, notably its radar-assisted cruise control.
However, it was a very close run thing with the Multistrada only just defeating a precocious new rival in the Harley-Davidson Pan America.
The much anticipated first adventure motorcycle from the American giants might have taken a while to get to these shores, but our compatriots considered it worth the wait with its punchy 1250cc Revolution Max engine, impressive kit levels and mix of on-road comfort and off-road capability seeing it fall just one point short of dethroning Ducati.
Completing the rostrum, the big-selling Yamaha Tracer 9 was highlighted for its great value and quality, which continues to keep it ahead in the mid-to-large Sports Tourer segment.
Elsewhere, Ducati consolidated its strong result with the new generation Monster in fourth, while the Aprilia RS 660 coming in fifth.
A toasted sales success in its first full year of sale, the Triumph Trident 660 turned up in sixth place, ahead of the Yamaha MT-09, while the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, Honda Africa Twin 1100 and Aprilia Tuono 660 tie for eighth.
The new Suzuki Hayabusa was 11th, with the similar BMW M 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 RR bringing up the rear in 12th and 13th.
