Ducati has added another Multistrada to its arsenal. This time it’s the V4 RS– the sportiest in the Multistrada lineup. Despite its adventure touring lineage, the Multistrada V4 borrows its heart from the sportier Ducatis from the Panigale and Streetfighter ranges. It gets significant mechanical upgrades over the standard Multistrada that makes it a beast on race tracks.
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS: Heart of a superbike!
Instead of the Granturismo motor powering other models in the Multistrada range, the V4 RS is the only model in the Multistrada lineup to draw its power from a 1,103cc V4 desmodromic engine derived from the Desmosedici Stradale V4 unit that dishes out 180 bhp and 119 Nm of peak torque, which is 11bhp greater but 7Nm lesser than the Granturismo V4.
This unit, seen in the Panigale and Streetfighter lineups,is paired with a six-speed gearbox and benefits from Ducati’s STM Evo-SBK dry clutch. Moreover, it gets a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS: Upgraded hardware
With higher performance from the desmodromic engine, equipment on the new Multistrada also witnesses a significant improvement. For starters, while the aluminium monocoque main frame is carried over from the other Multistradas, the V4 RS gets a titanium rear subframe making it 2.5 kg lighter than the regular Multistrada.
The chassis sits on an Ohlins-sourced fully adjustable suspension setup consisting of front forks with titanium nitride treatment and a rear monoshock. Stopping duties are carried out by 330mm dual front discs and a single 265mm rear disc, aided by dual-channel ABS. The Multistrada V4 RS rolls on 17-inch forged Marchesini alloys shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres.
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS: Features
Complementing the mechanicals is a long list of features, including a host electronic aids such as four power modes (Full, High, Medium, and Low), four ride modes (Race, Sport, Touring, and Urban), traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, quickshifter, engine braking control, hill-hold control, radar-assisted adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection.
Other notable features on offer include 6.5-inch TFT instrument cluster that comes with navigation, screen mirroring and dedicated RS graphics. Another novelty is a cornering function for headlight.
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS: Expected India launch, price
Ducati says Multistrada V4 RS is a ‘numbered’ edition, with each bike featuring a numbered plaque on the triple clamp, although it hasn’t been specified as a limited edition model. The track-based adventure tourer goes on sale in international markets in January 2024. It is priced at USD 37,995 (equivalent to Rs. 31.58 lakh, exclusive of taxes).
There isn’t any confirmation of Ducati launching the Multistrada V4 RS in India anytime soon. If it does get launched, expect it to carry a price tag upwards of Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom).
