Multistrada V4 RS – First Look

The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is a seamless fusion of Ducati’s iconic racing pedigree with the practicality of a touring bike. As a numbered series, a black anodized aluminum plate with the bike’s number and the Italian flag is affixed to the triple clamp. But don’t be fooled by its cover. This Multi is a bull in sheep’s clothing. Ducati aimed to combine the smoothness and regularity of the Multistrada with the sporty characteristics of the Panigale and the Streetfighter to create a motorcycle with a fluid and regular power delivery curve at low revs and an exciting acceleration near the limiter. To achieve this goal, Ducati used the air filter from the Panigale V4 R, which is more permeable and sportier, and an exhaust system with Akrapovič silencer developed specifically for the Multistrada V4 RS.

The powerplant of the V4 RS is the powerful 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine inspired by the Panigale V4. It is the only motorcycle in the Multistrada family that features this engine. And it has a dry clutch. That’s correct. The Multistrada V4 RS comes equipped with a billet aluminum STM-EVO SBK dry clutch that enhances the bike’s sight, sound, and ride.

The Desmosedici Stradale engine produces a maximum power of 180 hp, with the limiter at 13,500 rpm, while maintaining the balance that has always distinguished the Multistrada V4 since its first version. The final ratio has been shortened to make the most of the performance of the road Desmosedici, which is sportier and characterized by greater acceleration while keeping the gear ratios unchanged. To manage the heat, the Desmosedici Stradale will deactivate the rear bank when the bike is stationary, in neutral, and the engine temperature is above 70 degrees.

The braking system employs 330mm discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, which are similar to the Multistrada V4 S at the front, and uses Panigale V4 brake pads. The rear system consists of a single 265mm disc with a Brembo floating caliper.

The Multistrada V4 RS is equipped with a monocoque aluminum frame that is different from the Multistrada V4 S and Rally, giving it a different tilt of the steering head (25.75 degrees compared to 24.5 degrees). The fitted Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension setup used an “event-based” system like that of the Panigale V4 S and Streetfighter V4 S. This system is self-adjusting and adapts to the individual riding style of the rider.

The Multistrada V4 RS has a 6.5″ screen and dedicated graphics that enable riders to view the map navigator with the Ducati Connect app. The smartphone compartment has forced ventilation to cool the phone during intensive use of navigation functions and charging. Add to that a rich ensemble of advanced electronics, including radar technology, and you have a bike that’s not only powerful but intelligent and capable. The Multistrada V4 RS’s electronic package includes features ranging from Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down, as well as Bosch-Brembo managed 10.3ME Cornering ABS.

There are four riding modes: Race, Sport, Touring, and Urban. Full Power Mode (Race Riding Mode) delivers maximum power in all gears. High (Sport Riding Mode) has maximum power in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears. Medium (Touring Riding Mode) has maximum power in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears. Low (Urban Riding Mode) has power reduced to 84 kW (114 hp). EBC (Engine Brake Control) is adjustable on three levels to customize engine braking.

The ergonomics are designed to offer a thrilling, sporty ride while ensuring optimum comfort, making long journeys just as enjoyable as short sprints. The high and back pegs of the Multistrada V4 RS mean an increase in maximum lean angle. The handlebar is rigidly fixed to the plate to improve the riding feel and is capped off with new, softer, and sportier grips.

The bike’s visual identity is cemented with a bevy of carbon fiber components, contrasting beautifully with the Iceberg White livery, designed by the renowned Centro Stile. Its sportiness is further underlined by a lightweight techno-polymer tail and a titanium seat support frame, the latter alone reducing the bike’s weight by 5.51 pounds and a weight-reducing smaller and lighter battery than the V4 Pikes Peak. To further minimize the weight, the Marchesini forged aluminum wheels are 5.95 pounds lighter than those of the Panigale V4 S.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is expected in January 2024 with an MSRP of $37,995. Stay tuned for the full First Ride Review here at SBI.

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