Ducati Multistrada V4 RS: Multi Goes… Racing?

[advrider]

The Ducati Multistrada series has long leaned towards the road-going side of the ADV on-road/off-road equation, but the new-for-2024 Ducati Multistrada V4 RS goes wayyyyyy over the line into sticky tire territory.

Unveiled today with their now-usual online launch, Ducati’s latest Multi comes with a lot of changes that make the machine obviously aimed at roadgoing performance. The most important tweak is probably an engine swap. Ducati took the Multi’s standard 1158 cc Granturismo V4 out, and transplanted in the 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale V4, as used in the Panigale superbike lineup.

This change, along with new air filter and Akrapovic exhaust, boosts the Multistrada V4 RS to a whopping 180 hp at 12,250 rpm and 87 lb-ft of torque at 9,500 rpm, That’s up about 10 ponies, with peak torque only down slightly. There’s also a STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, as used elsewhere in Ducati’s lineup of high-performance sub-models, and Ducati shortened the final drive gear ratio for improved thrust off the line.

The mad scientist routine doesn’t stop there. Many other parts were torn off the Multi, replaced by hot-rod bits that should speed the bike up on-pavement. Gone are the 19-17 wheels that most Multis run, replaced by a new 17-17 forged aluminum wheelset from Marchesini. To match that smaller-diameter front, Ducati tightened up the frame’s front end angle for faster steering. There’s also a new titanium rear subframe that’s supposed to cut 5.5 lb alone.

A Multistrada launch at the track? Uh, OK. That’s the direction Ducati is going here, though. Photo: Ducati

Other chassis changes include relocating the footpegs higher and more rearwards for a sporty ride position, and adding a more narrow handlebar that’s mounted lower. This seems to make more of a difference to the rider’s upper body than lower body, but the rider triangle is certainly more sporty than the previous more ADV-friendly version of the Multi.

Lots of electro-wizardry as well, including auto-adjust suspension from Ohlins. Photo: Ducati

There are other changes to hard parts, including lots of carbon-fiber bodywork and Brembo Stylema brake calipers up front.

Ducati would be loath to let such a machine hit the streets without the latest trick electro package, and the RS comes with Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME Cornering ABS and Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension management, which auto-adjusts your suspension to match road conditions. Wheelie control, launch control, traction control and lots of other gadgetry also comes baked-in, with radar-powered adaptive cruise control and a blind spot detection system. The asking price for all this is a $37,995 MSRP in the US. Quantities are limited, as this is a special-edition bike made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first Multi. If you’re interested, better get to your dealer quick, and they can also fill you in on some of the details (weight?) that were missing from Ducati’s initial release.

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