The remarkable story of the Ducati Multistrada has entered a new chapter as the Italian company launches a new V4 powered version of its mighty adventure tourer for 2021.
First introduced in 2003, Ducati has sold over 110,000 Multistradas in a 17 year production run that has seen it evolve from an awkwardly-styled oddball to one of the fastest and most refined mile munchers on the market.
As the name suggests, the Multistrada V4 is powered by a new four-cylinder engine – a departure in the Multistrada story as every previous edition has had Ducati’s traditional 90-degree L-twin motor at its heart.
Ducati claims that the fourth generation of the Multistrada delivers more performance than any of its predecessors, while being easier to ride than before. In an unexpected departure from Ducati tradition, the 1158cc V4 engine eschews the Italian company’s traditional desmodromically operated valvetrain, instead using a more conventional set-up utilising springs to control the closing of the valves. Ducati says that this contributes to staggering 60,000km (37,000 mile) major service intervals, a far cry from the not too distant past, when Ducatis had a reputation for requiring frequent and expensive servicing work.
The engine pumps out a staggering 170bhp but is tamed by an electronics package developed through Ducati’s MotoGP programme. The Multistrada V4 will be in UK dealerships later this month, with prices starting at £15,495.
That might sound expensive but the Multistrada V4 has a staggering spec sheet, even in its most basic form. Three versions of the V4 will be available at launch. In addition to the base model, the £18,395 Multistrada V4S is available in grey, as well as the standard red livery, with a myriad of touring and performance packages as optional extras, and that can also be specified with spoked wheels for riders wishing to fit more off-road focussed tyres. The Multistrada V4 S Sport has additional graphics and the Performance package as standard, complete with Akrapovič exhaust and carbon front mudguard.
The idea of a 170bhp adventure bike sounds bonkers but one of the staggering things about the previous generation Multistrada, a near 160bhp 1260cc twin, was its supreme all-round capability – being able to scratch with the best of the sportsbikes and devouring motorway miles in equal measure, yet being able to tackle light off road trails and even more in its Enduro trim. Those electronics made the Multistrada as civilised as you like, and the latest version goes a step further.
The electronic package of the Multistrada V4 is a real tour de force. The IMU (inertial management unit) manages the operation of cornering ABS system, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), cornering Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and, on the Multistrada V4 S, cornering lights. Also standard, on the S version, is Ducati’s hill start system, call Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), and semi-active Skyhook suspension system, with auto levelling capabilities.
The Multistrada V4 makes another departure from tradition by adopting an aluminium monocoque frame. Allowing the new bike to run rubber to attack off-road trails, the 19-inch front wheel and double-sided swingarm both make the Multistrada V4 capable of accommodating spoked wheels. Decent ground clearance of 220 mm and a dry weight of 215 kg promise to make it very manageable, while the 22 litre fuel tank will be welcome for touring riders who enjoy long stints in the saddle. Ducati also says that their engineers have paid special attention to NVH, or Noise, Vibration Harshness in automotive design speak, during the design and development phase and that the V4 will be smooth and comfortable on the motorway.
Just like the recently announced BMW R1250RT update, Ducati has also equipped the new Multistrada V4 with a radar controlled adaptive cruise control system and blind spot detection, all aimed at creating a safer motorcycle. The new V4 ‘Granturismo’ engine also has a system of deactivating the rear bank of cylinders while at standstill, reducing heat transfer to the rider and passenger, as well as improving fuel consumption and lowering emissions.
The Multistrada V4 is the first of many new motorbike announcements from Ducati in November. Traditionally the firm, like many other manufacturers, launch their new wares at Milan’s EICMA show, but with the huge expo understandably cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Italian brand is creating an online presentation every Wednesday evening this month to show off its new and updated products for 2021.
