The new Ducati Multistrada V4 is here, in two guises: the standard model, and an up-spec’d Multistrada V4 S model. Although we haven’t seen Canadian pricing yet, Ducati should have it here in early winter.
Both models are based around the same 1158cc liquid-cooled V4 engine we described back in October, with 170 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, and 92 pound-feet of torque at 9,750 rpm. It’s got freakishly long intervals between major maintenance, at 60,000 kilometres between major engine servicing. It’s got a six-speed gearbox, will come with multiple engine modes to optimize power delivery and output to riding conditions, and it even has rear cylinder deactivation for stoplights.Â
That’s all a big step up from the old 1200 L-twin, but Ducati’s electronics package is arguably bigger news. Stock, the bike comes with the usual IMU-managed rider aids: leaning-sensitive ABS and traction control, wheelie control, and cornering lights and hill start assist for the S model. But, if you pay extra, you can get the bike with forward- and rear-facing radar, which powers an adaptive cruise control system, as well as blind spot detection and rear collision warning. Bosch partnered with Ducati on the design for these systems.
None of this comes as a surprise; we actually expected this system on last year’s final-edition Multistrada, and similar equipment has been available on cars for years. BMW announced a similar adaptive cruise control system as optional for its 2021 R1250 RT, and has included blind spot warnings on past European editions of the C650 GT maxi-scooter. However, it’s good to see the technology is finally here.
The Multistrada V4 has a five-inch TFT screen, and the S model has a 6.5-inch TFT screen. A Ducati app allows you to link a mobile device to the TFT screen for infotainment purposes, including navigation.
Both versions of the bike get an aluminum frame and double-sided swingarm with cast wheels (19-inch front, 17-inch rear). However, spoked wheels, preferable for unpaved riding, are optional for the S model; pair that with the 19-inch front, and the S model does indeed seem to be a better offroader, as Ducati claims.
The machines ship with a 22-litre fuel tank as standard. The S model weighs 243 kilograms at the curb, and the standard V4 Multistrada is 240 kilograms at the curb.
Why the difference? It’s mostly because of the suspension; both bikes have fully-adjustable forks and shock, but the S model comes with semi-active Skyhook suspension, which adds weight.
Both bikes have 170 millimetres of front wheel travel, and 180 millimetres rear wheel travel. Ducati claims 220 millimetres’ ground clearance. The standard Multistrada has 320-millimetre brake discs up front, with Brembo calipers; the V4 S has 330-millimetre discs and Brembo Stylema calipers.
The standard seat is adjustable between 840 and 860 millimetres, but if you buy optional Low or High seats, you can extend that range between 810 and 875 millimetres.
Speaking of add-ons: Of course, both machines will have optional carbon-fibre bits, luggage and much more available when they hit dealerships. The S model comes in a Sport variant that sounds like it should be hot stuff, and there are Travel, Radar, Travel & Radar and Full packages for all the models. At least, that’s what they’re calling them now. Again, we don’t have Canadian pricing yet, and some of these details may be fine-tuned when the bikes get here.
