Continuing a trend that began with adventure models with street rubber and, eventually, 17″ wheels, Ducati has now introduced a full-blown “superbike” with adventure-style upright ergonomics. The Multistrada V4 RS gets all the goods from the superbike parts bin, including the Panigale V4 Desmosedici Stradale engine. The older, tamer V4 found in other Multistrada models is replaced by the Panigale engine tuned for 180 horsepower and a much higher rpm limit.
Here is the press release from Ducati with all the details, followed by a video:
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS, when Superbike meets touring
- An uncompromising Multistrada V4, powered by the Panigale V4-derived Desmosedici Stradale engine, with dry clutch and dedicated electronic calibrations, to offer unprecedented riding sensations
- Reduced weight thanks to the choice of components made of quality materials such as carbon fibre for the superstructures and titanium for the subframe
- A unique and exciting livery, designed by the Centro Stile with references to MotoGP
- The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is produced in a numbered series. The number is shown on a plate applied to the triple clamp.
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 19 October 2023 – In the fourth episode of the Ducati World Première 2024 web series Ducati presents the new V4 RS, the sportiest, most sophisticated and exclusive Multistrada ever created by the Bologna based manufacturer. Produced in a numbered series, the Multistrada V4 RS is the latest addition to the family which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year and is equipped with the Desmosedici Stradale engine, derived from that of the Panigale V4.
Thanks to the V4 equipped with desmodromic distribution, the Multistrada V4 RS offers unique performance and riding sensations, maintaining the balance that has always distinguished the family. The experience is made memorable by the unmistakable sound of the Desmosedici Stradale with dry clutch and Akrapovič silencer, and by the spirited and exciting power delivery. Sensations also guaranteed by the chassis of the sportiest Multistrada in the family, thanks to Öhlins suspension, single-sided aluminium swingarm and forged rims.
The most demanding motorcyclists will appreciate the technical and stylistic details that make it a unique motorcycle in personality and substance. The RS logo, which becomes a real characterizing element of the model, was designed by the Centro Stile and is shown in the livery, on the key and in the dashboard graphics. The slim and streamlined tail, designed exclusively for this bike, helps to make it even sportier.
The Multistrada V4 RS is a model in which every component, every detail – from the electronic package equipped with radar technology to the very light titanium rear frame – was chosen with a single objective: to create the sportiest touring motorcycle ever. The most exciting Multistrada ever created by Ducati.
Sporty style
The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS combines the unmistakable Multistrada line, elegant and dynamic, with technical solutions that recall the technologies used in racing, typical of Borgo Panigale’s super sports bikes. The name RS has exactly this meaning, recalling another motorcycle in Ducati history – the Monster S4 RS – born according to the same inspiring principles.
The various carbon fibre components such as the front mudguard, the hand guards (designed specifically for this model), the heat shields and the front “beak”, create a play of contrasts with the Iceberg White livery, enriched by various references to the colour of the Desmosedici MotoGP.
The slender and lightweight techno-polymer tail integrates the passenger handles and defines a sporty, sophisticated and unmistakable side view. The titanium seat support frame is a component of great technical elegance which accentuates its sportiness and allows a weight saving of 2.5 kg compared to the standard one.
The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is produced in a numbered series. The number is shown on a black anodized aluminium plate, embellished with the Italian flag, applied to the triple clamp.
Superbike engine
The Multistrada V4 RS is the only one in the family to adopt the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. To combine the smoothness and regularity typical of the Multistrada with the personality and sporty characteristics of the Panigale and the Streetfighter, Ducati has intervened on the V4 obtaining a fluid and regular power delivery curve at low revs and at the same time, thanks to desmodromic distribution, exciting near the limiter. A personality that is also expressed thanks to the exhaust tone, which is deep at low levels and exhilarating like on Superbikes during acceleration at high rpm.
These objectives were achieved by adopting 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.
In this configuration, Euro 5+ homologated, the Desmosedici Stradale engine develops a maximum power of 180 hp, with limiter at 13,500 rpm. This value was chosen to guarantee sporting performance while maintaining the balance that has always distinguished the Multistrada V4 since its first version.
To make the most of the performance of the road Desmosedici, sportier and characterized by greater acceleration, the final ratio has been shortened while keeping the gear ratios unchanged.
Finally, as on the Panigale V4 SP2 and Streetfighter V4 SP2, the Multistrada V4 RS also features a STM-EVO SBK dry clutch made from billet aluminium, with a specific configuration of springs and slipper ramps. This component, which smooths out riding during braking and engagement phases, also contributes to enriching the exhaust sound with its typical metallic timbre when the clutch is disengaged.
Among the benefits of the dry clutch, we highlight the possibility of increasing performance by using Ducati Corse Performance Powered by Shell Advance oil, the result of the collaboration between Ducati Corse and Shell in Superbike and MotoGP.
To improve the thermal comfort of the engine, the Desmosedici Stradale has been designed to deactivate the rear bank when the bike is stationary, in neutral and with the engine temperature above 70°. Again to offer greater comfort, on the coldest days the upwashes, the ducts that channel fresh air to the rider’s legs, can be closed.
The maintenance interval for checking valve clearance on the Multistrada V4 RS is every 30,000 km.
Electronics
The Multistrada V4 RS is equipped with the advanced and sophisticated electronic package of the Multistrada V4 S, which includes, among other features, standard radar technology on both the front and rear, which enables the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) functionality and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
The electronic equipment of the Multistrada V4 RS, thanks to the information obtained from the Bosch inertial platform, is made up of 4 Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up&Down.
All these systems have been calibrated for the characteristics and intended use of the model and integrated into four Riding Modes, namely Race, Sport, Touring, Urban.
On the V4 RS, the Full Power Mode (associated by default with the Race Riding Mode, characterized by a chequered flag above the name) is introduced for the first time in the Multistrada family; this delivers maximum power in all gears, with a prompt response from the throttle. The other Power Modes have been calibrated for use on the Multistrada V4. In particular:
- High (associated by default with Sport Riding Mode) offers maximum power in 4th, 5th and 6th gear with a slight reduction in torque in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with prompt throttle response.
- Medium (associated by default with Touring Riding Mode) also offers maximum power in 4th, 5th and 6th gear, with a slight reduction in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, but with a sweeter throttle response.
- Low (default in Urban Riding Mode) with power reduced to 84 kW (114 hp) and a smooth throttle response.
The Multistrada V4 RS is also equipped with EBC (Engine Brake Control) adjustable on three levels, which allows the rider to customize the engine braking depending on riding style and context.
The greater sportiness of the electronic package of the V4 RS is highlighted by the new graphics of the dashboard, which presents a control panel on the main screen with functionality similar to the Infomode Track of the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4. This drop-down menu displays the levels set for DTC, ABS and DWC in the selected riding mode. Furthermore, the intervention of Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control is highlighted by a flashing of the corresponding drop-down element and the lighting of the upper right corner of the dashboard.
The TFT dashboard with 6.5″ screen, characterized on the Multistrada V4 RS by dedicated graphics, enables you to view the map navigator thanks to Ducati Connect, which allows you to mirror your mobile device. Precisely to support this functionality, the smartphone compartment has forced ventilation, to cool the phone during intensive use of the navigation functions and while charging.
Chassis and ergonomics
The chassis of the Multistrada V4 RS is developed around the 17″ front wheel, which ensures great precision and reactivity in sporty riding. This choice led to the choice of a monocoque aluminium frame different from the Multistrada V4 S and Rally to obtain a different inclination of the steering head (25.75° compared to 24.5°) defining the trail and wheelbase values in function of the greater sportiness of the bike, similar to what has already been done on the V4 Pikes Peak.
The Marchesini forged aluminium wheels, 2.7 kg lighter than those of the V4 S, make the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle more effective. Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres, in the 120/70 front and 190/55 rear sizes, offer excellent grip during acceleration and a strong sensation of contact with the ground in the centre of the curve.
The choice of Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspensions goes in the direction of guaranteeing the best performance in sporting use thanks to the use of an “event based” system, as on the Panigale V4 S and Streetfighter V4 S, which self-adjusts based on individual riding style. The system, already used on the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, has been recalibrated to obtain the best balance between comfort in relaxed riding and support in sporty riding.
In particular, in the Touring and Sport Riding Modes the calibrations of the dynamic system have been modified to improve comfort during relaxed riding and at the same time support when having fun on mixed mountain terrain. Furthermore, to improve riding dynamics even at full load, hydraulic braking has been increased when the rider selects higher damping levels in the various Riding Modes, in the various Load Modes with luggage and passenger.
The braking system derives directly from that of the Panigale V4. At the front, the system includes 330 mm diameter discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, similar to the Multistrada V4 S, to which are added the pads of the Panigale V4. At the rear the system includes a single 265 mm diameter disc on which a Brembo floating caliper works. The control, with regressive kinematics, has a smaller pumping element, thus improving power and modulation. The system is managed by the Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME Cornering ABS system.
In addition to the carbon fibre and titanium elements, a small battery has been adopted to further reduce weight. In this way, 3 kg are saved compared to the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.
The new V4 RS offers sportier ergonomics than the Multistrada V4, with higher and further back footrests to increase the maximum lean angle. The handlebar, rigidly fixed to the plate to improve the riding feeling, is lower, narrower and has a less accentuated curvature. The new, softer grips have a sportier design.
This ergonomic combination translates into a better feeling in sporty riding, while maintaining a good level of comfort at the same time. Comfort has in fact been the subject of great attention, to maintain the best synthesis between sport and tourism of the Multistrada V4 RS.
Accessories
The Ducati Performance catalogue offers various accessories to enhance the characteristics of the motorbike and make it unique from an aesthetic point of view. Motorcyclists who want to increase the versatility of the Multistrada V4 RS will find various luggage options, from plastic or aluminium side cases to tank and passenger seat bags and various oversized windshields.
To emphasize its sporting personality, the catalogue also offers billet aluminium parts such as levers, footrests, brake and clutch reservoirs or fuel tank and oil filler caps. There are also many carbon fibre details to lighten and make the image of the Multistrada V4 RS even more aggressive.
Colours and availability
The motorcycle will be available in dealerships in the Ducati network starting from January 2024 in a single version, which includes front and rear radar as standard in the Iceberg White livery.
As on all models of the Multistrada family, on the Multistrada V4 RS Ducati also offers the exclusive “4Ever Multistrada” warranty, valid for 4 years with unlimited mileage, guaranteed by the entire network of dealers of the Bologna-based company on European territory.
#Ducati #MultistradaV4 #MultistradaV4RS #ChooseItAll
Multistrada V4 RS
Colours
• Dedicated Iceberg White livery
Main standard equipment
• 1,103 cc Ducati Desmosedici Stradale engine with valve clearance check every 30,000 km*
• Aluminium monocoque frame and aluminium single-sided swingarm
• Titanium rear subframe*
• Carbon fibre details
• Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active electronic suspension with “event based” system
• Wheel travel 170-170 mm
• 17″ Marchesini forged aluminium wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres sizes 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear
• Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering braking system
• 330 mm diameter front discs with Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial calipers
• Full LED headlight with DRL and Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL)
• TFT dashboard with 6.5” colour screen with dedicated graphics and display*
• Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
• 4 Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low)
• 4 Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Urban)
• Front and rear radar technology (Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection)
• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
• Engine Brake Control (EBC)
• Hands Free Starting
• Ducati Connect with phone, music and map navigator applications
• Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up&Down
• Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)
*Exclusive equipment for Multistrada V4 RS
I don’t like at all the “adventure” category that seems to expand without control, but an adventure bike with sport bias I simply don’t understand. If you want to touch down your knee on the tarmac, buy a lighter, lower and nimbler V4S.
I would categorize this as a sport bike that has tolerance for bad roads built into the chassis and suspension, so you can go out and have sporty fun in more places.
i guess they shortened the gearing compared to the v4s and the bike winds out more, but a more stonking mid range would be better
Ducati is realy very powerfull. In MotoGP in example. There is nothing to do. Honda is simply slower.
It sure would be nice to belong to this demographic. If the Ducati V4 RS were literally the only thing I owned, and I live in my generous brother-in-law’s basement, I might be able to pull this off. Then again, he would just drop it on some Minnesota ice and that’s the end of my dream life in this demographic.
Ducati’s flagship bikes have never been affordable. In 1994 a 916 sold for $14,500, whereas a Honda CBR900RR sold for $9,200. BTW, $14,500 in 1994 is now over $30,000. Considering the significant technological advancement and performance of the V4 bikes compared to the 916, I think the $40K price tag can be justified.
It’s still an expensive production machine.
I read a ride review of this bike. I think you really have to want that last ten horsepower. The regular engine has a better low and midrange power, something that comes in handy on such a heavy bike, and it has longer maintenance intervals.
Apparently the upscale Multistrada is Ducati’s best selling bike. So they take a base model engine from another one of their bikes and shower some bling parts and wheel sizes about the same as the original 2004 Multistrada, Sweet! Now add an over 50% price increase.
Color me unimpressed. And I’m one of the guys who sprung for the original 1992 900SS, a 916 in 1994 and a 2004 Multistrada for a two up bike after I got married. I found that I like the air cooled two valve better than the water cooled four valve Ducatis. So I’ll probably never buy another new Ducati. My wife wanted to buy me a new bike in 2021. I bought a low miles 2012 instead because it had the air cooled engine and a real cable throttle. A month ago I bought a low miles 2008 Multistrada to replace the 2004. The race kit from the 2004 1000 has the same part number as the the one for the 2008 1100S. So I’ll probably swap that baby onto the newer bike. I’ll keep the barky engine and get an Ohlins suspension upgrade.
Good point about the 916 but then the Japanese bikes got more expensive and the Ducati’s stayed more or less the same. A flagship bike in the 90’s wasn’t the same thing as it is now (“SP”, “RRR”, etc.).
The 916 of the 90’s is equivalent to the base Panigale V2 of today. The V2 costs ~$2k more in non adjusted dollars and mops the floor with anything made in the 90’s at any price. $40k bikes exist because these makes can farkle up the existing thing with little effort and people will pay it. It’s the automotive model, really. Look at the price range across which a Ford Mustang can be purchased.
I was out riding The Tail of the Dragon last week. When I stopped to gas up at the southern end there was a fairly large group of guys gathered there with a bunch of late model Ducatis. I couldn’t help but notice that I found none of them very attractive and they really liked my 2012 Hypermotard SP Corse, which my buddies think is a very attractive bike.
Having just shredded the Dragon I couldn’t help but think that the old Hyper was probably better suited to that road as well. Those V2 and V4 Panigale might leave the old Hypermotard for dead on a race track. But all that extra power is just baggage on the Dragon. I know for sure that I can ride the Hyper much fast on that venue than my old 916, which made more power.
Which bring us to this RS. Put the regular torquier V4 in the RS chassis and you would probably go faster on the Dragon. Way too many people are hung up on racetrack performance. The odd thing is, most people don’t ride on racetracks. And racetracks are designed primarily for cars. If they were designed for bikes they would have a lot more corners. Then you would want more low end power to launch out of them.
Funny how I would much rather have what I already have than this bike and mine will probably work better, or at least just as good at what I need/want as this bike could for a tiny fraction of the price. And this bike comes in under budget for me!
Hmm, interesting. The beak and the bird’s eye headlights and the big-shouldered gas tank don’t quite work, at least for me. The radiator gills actually aren’t bad, surprisingly. Even if I wanted or could spend this much on a motorcycle, I wouldn’t. And we thought Yamaha’s styling of late is pretty bad.
Agree; what’s up w/this japanese bird fetish “thang”?
That’s the birdiest bird beak front end in the industry.
Hey alEl
Functionally, this is very similar to the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT that has been around for several years. More power than most riders can use, all day comfortable ergonomics, high end suspension and all the latest bells and whistles. So if you are looking for a lower price, check around for a used SDGT. PS: I replaced my SDGT with a Multistrada V2S that has a little more comfort and all the power/handling I can use. Oh yeah, it’s prettier too.
Folks moan about the look of adventure motorcycles, yet not even one is good looking. V Storms, BMW GS, Moto Guzzi V 85TT, Ducati, Africa Twin, the list is full and they are all on the sidelines at the dance. Purpose built to a degree but truly going off a good road is still best on much lighter motorcycles. But as all round machines they best at none of the disciplines of motorcycling on a singular level, but over a wide range of applications they do work. I will never be wealthy enough to afford this motorcycle but I appreciate the sum of its parts. If they spent as much time finding a way to lighten the motorcycle as they do packing 170 hp into the frame we would all be better off.
This reminds me of a F350 Super Duty pickup truck, for some reason.
The foot pegs are to low
Part of the genre. The ground clearance is higher so peg to ground clearance is still good (see cornering photo above). End result is comfort, which is what bikes like this are really about.
i rode my friends Pikes Peak Ducati,i ground the pegs alot(so does he)…i think adjustable pegs would be nice.apperantly there are no after market rear sets for these bikes.
i rode my friends Pikes Peak Ducati,i ground the pegs alot(so does he)…i think adjustable pegs would be nice.apperantly there are no after market rear sets for these bikes..
why say it once when you can say it twice
You heard it hear first.
Category name is “SuperAdventure” bike.
SuperMoto = Motocross bike + Sportbike wheels + brakes
SuperAdventure = Adventure bikes + Sportbike wheels + brakes + hella motor
Altho “SuperADV” is cooler. Why? People love acronyms and being part of a club that understands the elusive meaning.
This is a beautiful machine… Exactly what I’ve been hoping for from Ducati, but $40K might be a bit much, but I’m sure there’s going to be a waiting list even at that price. Superbike performance and all day / multi day comfort…
“Ducati Introduces 2024 Multistrada V4 RS: A Superbike With Adventurous Economics”
…it is $40,000!
how big is the gas tank (and mpg)?
Well, it has everything but looks.
Agreed. Too much of everything else but none of the elegance that Ducati used to be known for, unless you admire the tippy-tip of the tail. The rest is as subtle as a brick wall.
Looking at the beautiful picture of the engine at 4:41 on the YouTube Video, WHY WHY WHY would Ducati hide this incredible power plant behind plastic and black paint ? Crank up the brightness and enjoy at 4:41. Hoo chi momma I’m gonna cry in my pizza pie !
According to the marketing copy above the answer is heat/airflow management. Ducati’s have long had a reputation as leg-cookers. Plus, it saves them from having to apply higher finishing costs to the engine if it’s covered up. This was one of the “tricks” of the original Honda CBR’s (Hurricane 600). In Ducati’s case it doesn’t save the customer any $$.
I believe the black color is also a marketing factor, because most engines now on any motorcycle have been popularized as ‘tough’ looking in black, and I don’t think it is a heat transfer issue either. Another point is that an all black area under the tank and seat is difficult to see clearly while working on the mechanicals.
Still in this bike, it is a shame to hide all there is to see.
I cant wait to read all the comments how this is just too nice, too fast, ugly, etc. eye roll, we are living in the future, what a machine!
Agreed,
What a thrill ride!
I’ve been riding a Multistrada for 20 years. I like the return of the 17 inch wheels. Double the power is something that I guess the future would hold. But does this bike weigh less than my ’04 or my ’08 Multistrada? Well no. It does not.
So I would submit that we are living in some grotesque caricature of a dystopian future.
I wouldn’t buy for $4000. Let along $40,000.
If we are indeed “living in some grotesque caricature of a dystopian future”, it isn’t due to this or any other motorcycle.
lol bike is not like your old beater so it’s the end of the world
This bike doesn’t address a single one of my old beater’s shortcomings. Does my old bike need twice as much power? No. Does it need ride by wire? Nope. Does it need basically any of the electronic features on this bike? No. Is it easier to work on? Never in a million years. It it lighter? More nimble? Able to roast a tight environment like The Dragon two up like my current bike? Nope.
This bike has absolutely nothing to recommend it as a replacement for my current two up bike. I was 15 once. But that was a very long time ago. All this ad copy might have scratched the surface back then. But now I measure motorcycles by their ability to to preform in the venues that I choose to ride. And there is nothing that a giant 180 horsepower leviathan brings to the table. Ducati certainly does have it within their power to make me a better two up bike. They just choose not to. That’s on them.
Your results may vary. I’m fine with that.
Some folks just like to hear themselves talk.