In the fourth episode of the Ducati World Première 2024 web series, Ducati presents the new V4 RS (link to watch the episode here), the sportiest, most sophisticated and exclusive Multistrada ever created by the Bologna manufacturer. Produced in a numbered series, the Multistrada V4 RS is the latest addition to the family that celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, and is equipped with the Desmosedici Stradale engine, derived from the Panigale V4.

Thanks to the V4 equipped with desmodromic distribution, the Multistrada V4 RS offers unique performance and riding sensations, while 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, as well as the energetic and thrilling power delivery. Sensations are also guaranteed by the sportiest Multistrada in the family, thanks to the Öhlins suspension, aluminum swingarm and forged rims.

The most demanding motorcyclists will appreciate the technical and stylistic details that make it a bike unique in personality and substance. The RS logo, which becomes a real defining element of the model, was designed by Centro Stile and is displayed on the color scheme, the key and the graphics on the instrument panel. The slender, aerodynamic rear end, 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 electronics package equipped with radar technology to the lightweight titanium of the rear subframe – has been chosen with a single objective: to create the most exciting Multistrada ever created by Ducati.

Sporty style

The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS combines the unmistakable Multistrada lines, elegant and dynamic, with technical solutions that hark back to the technologies used in competition, typical of the supersports bikes from Borgo Panigale. The name RS has exactly this meaning, recalling another motorcycle in Ducati’s history – the Monster S4 RS – born according to the same inspiring principles.

The various carbon fiber 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 color scheme, enriched with various references to the color of the Desmosedici MotoGP. The slender, lightweight techno-polymer rear section integrates the passenger grab handles and defines a sporty, sophisticated and unmistakable side view. The titanium seat support structure is a component of great technical elegance that accentuates its sporty character and allows a weight saving of 2.5 kg compared to the standard element.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is produced in a limited series. The number is displayed on a black anodized aluminium plate, emblazoned with the Italian flag and applied to the steering wheel.

Superbike engine

The Multistrada V4 RS is the only one in the family to adopt the 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. In order to combine the smoothness and regularity typical of the Multistrada with the personality and sporty characteristics of the Panigale and Streetfighter, Ducati has worked on the V4, achieving a fluid and regular power delivery at low engine speeds and, at the same time, due to the desmodromic distribution, exciting when approaching the limiter. A personality that is also expressed thanks to the tone of the exhaust, which is deep at the lower levels, but exuberant as on superbikes during acceleration at high revs.

These objectives were achieved by adopting the air filter from the Panigale V4 R, which is more permeable and sporty, and an exhaust system with Akrapovič silencer developed specifically for the Multistrada V4 RS.

In this configuration, with Euro 5+ homologation, the Desmosedici Stradale engine develops a maximum power of 180 hp, with the limiter at 13,500 rpm. This figure was chosen to guarantee a sporty performance while maintaining the balance that has always distinguished the Multistrada V4 since its first version.

To best extract the performance of the Desmosedici Stradale, which is sportier and characterized by greater acceleration, the final ratio has been shortened, with the gear ratios remaining unchanged.

Finally, as on the Panigale V4 SP2 and Streetfighter V4 SP2, the Multistrada V4 RS also features an STM-EVO SBK aluminum dry clutch with a specific configuration. This component, which softens the ride during the braking and shifting phases, also contributes to enriching the sound with its typical metallic timbre when the clutch is released.

Among the benefits of the dry clutch, we highlight the possibility of increasing performance with the use of 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 cylinder stand when the bike is stationary, in neutral and with the engine temperature above 70°. Also to offer greater comfort, on colder days the ducts that channel cold air to the rider’s legs can be closed.

The service intervals for checking the valve lash on the Multistrada V4 RS are every 30,000 km.

Electronics

The Multistrada V4 RS is equipped with the advanced and sophisticated electronics package of the Multistrada V4 S, which includes, among other features, radar technology as standard, front and rear, which enables the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) functionalities.

The electronic equipment of the Multistrada V4 RS, thanks to information obtained from the Bosch inertial platform, consists of four 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 to the characteristics and type of use of the model and integrated into the four Riding Modes, namely Race, Sport, Touring and Urban.

On the V4 RS, Power Mode Full (associated by default with Riding Mode Race, characterized by a checkered flag over its name) is introduced for the first time in the Multistrada family; it delivers maximum power in all gears, with a ready response to the accelerator. The other Power Modes have been calibrated for use on the Multistrada V4. In particular:

– High (associated by default with Riding Mode Sport) delivers maximum power in 4th, 5th and 6th gears, with a slight reduction in torque in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and a ready response to the throttle.

– Medium (associated by default with Riding Mode Touring) also offers maximum power in 4th, 5th and 6th gears, with a slight reduction in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, but with a smoother throttle response.

– Low (default in Riding Mode Urban) with power reduced to 84 kW (114 hp) and a smooth throttle response.

The Multistrada V4 RS is also equipped with three-level adjustable EBC (Engine Brake Control), which allows the user to customize the engine brake according to the context and style of riding.

The greater sportiness of the V4 RS’s electronics package is underlined by the new graphics on the instrument panel, which features a control panel on the main screen with a similar functionality to the Infomode Track on the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4. This drop-down menu shows the levels set for the DTC, ABS and DWC in the selected Riding Mode. In addition, the intervention of Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control is highlighted by the flashing of the corresponding menu element and a light in the top right corner of the screen.

The TFT instrument panel with a 6.5″ screen, characterized on the Multistrada V4 RS by a dedicated graphic, allows you to view the navigation map via Ducati Connect, which allows you to mirror it with 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 during charging.

Cycling and ergonomics

The Multistrada V4 RS’s handling has been developed around the 17″ front wheel, which ensures greater precision and responsiveness in sporty riding. This choice led to the option of an aluminum monocoque frame different from those used on the Multistrada V4 S and Rally, in order to obtain a different steering column inclination (25.75° instead of 24.5°), defining the trail and wheelbase values according to the bike’s sportier character, similar to what had already been done on the V4 Pikes Peak.

The Marchesini forged aluminum wheels, 2.7 kg lighter than those on the V4 S, make the vehicle’s dynamic behavior more effective. The Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires, measuring 120/70 at the front and 190/55 at the rear, offer excellent grip under acceleration and a strong feeling of contact with the road surface in the center of the corner.

The choice of Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspensions goes a long way towards guaranteeing the best performance in sporting use, thanks to the use of the “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 achieve 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 when riding relaxed and, at the same time, support when having fun on mixed mountain roads. In addition, to improve driving dynamics even with maximum load, hydraulic braking has been increased when the driver selects higher damping levels in the various Riding Modes, in the various load modes with luggage and passenger.

The braking system is directly derived from that used on the Panigale V4. At the front, the system includes 330 mm diameter discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, similar to those on the Multistrada V4 S, to which the pads from the Panigale V4 are added. At the rear, the system includes a single 265 mm diameter disc with Brembo floating calipers. The control unit, with regressive kinematics, has a smaller pump, thus increasing power and modulation. The system is managed by the Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME ABS Cornering system.

In addition to the carbon fiber and titanium elements, a smaller battery has been adopted to reduce weight. This saves 3 kg compared to the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.

The new V4 RS offers sportier ergonomics than the Multistrada V4, with higher and lowered footrests to increase the maximum lean angle. The handlebar, fixed directly to the table to improve the riding feel, is lower, narrower and with a less pronounced curvature. The new, softer grips have a sportier design.

This ergonomic combination translates into a better feel in sporty driving, while at the same time maintaining a good level of comfort. Comfort has, in fact, been the focus of much attention, in order to maintain the best synthesis between sport and touring on the Multistrada V4 RS.

Accessories

The Ducati Performance catalog offers various accessories to enhance the bike’s characteristics and make it unique from an aesthetic point of view. Motorcyclists wishing to increase the versatility of the Multistrada V4 RS will find various luggage options, from plastic or aluminum side cases to tank and passenger seat bags, as well as several larger windshields.

To emphasize its sporty personality, the catalog also offers aluminium parts machined from the block, such as footpegs, brake fluid and clutch reservoirs or tank and oil caps. There are also plenty of carbon fiber details to lighten up and make the Multistrada V4 RS look even more aggressive.

Colors and availability

The bike will be available from Authorized Dealers in the Ducati network from January 2024 in a single version, which includes front and rear radar as standard and in the Iceberg White color scheme.

As with all models in the Ducati range in our country, the Multistrada V4 RS also offers the exclusive “4Ever Ducati” warranty, valid for 4 years with unlimited mileage, guaranteed by the entire network of Authorized Dealers of the Bologna brand on European territory.

O conteúdo Ducati Multistrada V4 RS – Touring or Superbike? aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.