As if Ducati’s 170bhp Multistrada V4 didn’t have enough performance, the Bologna company has announced a range-topping new RS version, with 10 more ponies and a £31,995 price tag. Likely to be produced limited numbers, the V4 RS has been introduced to celebrate 20 years of the Multistrada.
At the heart of the Multistrada V4 RS is the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine from the Panigale and Streetfighter models (as opposed to the Granturismo version used in the other Multistrada V4s), with a new Akrapovič silencer developed specifically for the Multistrada V4 RS and a fancy air filter from the Panigale V4 R superbike completing the transformation. With shorter gearing than the other Multistrada V4s and an STM dry slipper clutch, it should have that classic Ducati superbike soundtrack, delivering mind-blowing levels of accelaration in a super comfy package.
Further reinforcing the links to the Ducati Superbike range, the V4 RS utilises a Panigale/Streetfighter style single-sided swingarm in place of the double-sided item of its siblings, while Marchesini forged wheels, carbon fibre parts, titanium subframe and a lightweight battery pare the weight right down.
The package is as you’d expect from a top-of-the-range Ducati. Electronics have always been one of Ducati’s ace cards and the V4 RS has all the features you could possibly want, plus more, including high-tech Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension and
Radar operated adaptive cruise control with blind spot detection. There are four power modes, the lowest setting giving 114bhp and a gentle power delivery and the interim modes softening off the power and delivery in the lower gears only.
Although not slated as a limited edition, Ducati says each Multistrada V4 RS will be individually numbered (with the designated number featuring on a plaque on the top of the triple clamp). Fancy one? They’ll be in Ducati showrooms from January, only in the white livery shown, for £31,995.
