Late last year Ducati unveiled the all-new Multistrada V4 and V4 S in Milan, Italy in
an attempt to really shake-up the large adventure bike market.
While that’s no easy task, Ducati put a lot of new technology and performance into
their newest Multistrada and I’ve been waiting to get my hands on it.
Well, Ducati Detroit recently got a few in and invited me down to check it out.
So, in today’s video I’m going to give an educated, but also entertaining look at
this big hitting adventure motorcycle.
LOGO:
So, there’s a lot to cover off with Ducati new Multistrada V4 and V4 S but I think the
best place is to start with the al-new V4 Granturismo engine.
THE ENGINE: For 2021, Ducati has redesigned the Multistrada
around the potent V4 engine found in the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4.
While it’s the same engine it’s important to note that it does not make the same amount
of power as those two models.
Instead the engine produces 168bhp at 10,500rpm and 92ft-lb of torque at 8750rpm.
If you are asking yourself why does the engine now produce the same numbers, let me tell
you why.
In order to extend the service interval to 37,000 miles Ducati had to drop the Desmodromic
Valves.
Which I feel like we need to take a step back and understand what 37,000 actually equates
to.
How about riding around the equator of the Earth 1.5x without needing to step for a major
service?
That’s pretty dam impressive.
That being said, you will have 9,000 miles between oil changes.
In addition the removal of the Desmodromic Valves, Ducati increased the bore size from
81mm to 83mm pushing the Granturismo from 1103cc to 1158cc unit.
The stroke remains unchanged at 53.5mm.
That new engine also acts as a stressed member in an aluminium frame that does away with
the old steel trellis unit.
Gone too is the single-sided swingarm from the V-twin model, replaced by a redesigned
double-sided alternative.
As Ducati owners love their single-sided swingers, I’m sure we will see it in a 2022 or 2023
facelift.
Ducatis can run hot, so this was addressed in two ways.
Two cylinders turn off at certain temperatures when stopped, while radiator gills and winglets
transfer air away from the rider—it all works well.
THE COMPONENTS: One of the most interesting new pieces of
technology in the Multistrada V4 is the radar guided cruise control technology that will
also use a rear-facing radar unit to ward the rider of fast approaching traffic and
act as a blind spot detector.
I hope Ducati brings that technology to all their bikes in the future and even license
it out to other brands to keep riders safe.
You also get lean sensitive ABS, traction control and riding modes, all controlled through
a new colour TFT dash (5-inch on the standard bike and 6.5-inch on the S) with full Ducati
app connectivity.
The new aluminium chassis weighs in at 215kg (dry) which is just 3kg heavier than the 1260
in S trim.
If you may have notices, Ducati has moved away from the traditional trellis design and
moved into a monocoque main frame.
One of the other large changes on the Multistrada V4 S was the addition of the 19” front wheel
to help the bike excel in any off-road environment.
Previously it’s been fitted with an 18”
Stopping power comes courtesy of twin Brembo radial calipers biting onto 330mm discs and
a single rear, while the electronic Skyhook suspension automatically adjusts as you ride
and auto levels to adapt to bike loading.
The bike has 170mm of travel at the front and 180mm at the rear, a ground clearance
of 220mm.
The Multistrada V4 is available in standard trim (which has mechanically adjustable Marzocchi
suspension and M4.32 Brembos), S (with Skyhook suspension and Stylema brakes) or S Sport
with all the stuff the S has plus a dedicated colour and a performance pack (including an
exhaust upgrade and heated grips)
BIKE WRAP-UP: As a wrap-up, Ducati has done an amazing job
packing the new Multistrada V4 with technology and features that riders in the segment are
looking for.
KTM and BMW will always bring a touch battle to anything Ducati ship’s out of their factory,
but the Multistrada V4 looks like like it’s ready to bring the fight to the Germans.
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Now, what are your thoughts on the all-new Multistrada V4 S?
Are you happy that Ducati has given the Multistrada the potent V4 Granturismo engine?
If I were a betting man, I’d be willing to put money that this will become one of
the many great engines that Ducati is known for.
Fingers crossed in the next few weeks I’ll jump aboard the Multistrada V4 and give you
all a real first ride impression.
That’s it for now.
Go out there and ride safe!