In the fourth episode of the Ducati World Première 2024 web series, Ducati presents the new V4 RS (link to watch the episode here), the most sporty, sophisticated, and exclusive Multistrada ever created by the manufacturer from Bologna. Produced in a numbered series, the Multistrada V4 RS is the latest addition to the family celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, equipped with the Desmosedici Stradale engine, derived from the Panigale V4.
Thanks to the V4 engine with desmodromic distribution, the Multistrada V4 RS offers unique performance and driving sensations, maintaining the balance that has always distinguished the family. The experience becomes memorable with the unmistakable sound of the Desmosedici Stradale with dry clutch and Akrapovič silencer, as well as the energetic and exciting power delivery. Sensations also guaranteed by the most sporty chassis of the Multistrada family, thanks to Öhlins suspensions, aluminum single-sided swingarm, and forged wheels.
The most demanding motorcyclists will appreciate the technical and stylistic details that make it a unique motorcycle in personality and substance. The RS logo, which becomes a true defining element of the model, was designed by the Centro Stile and is displayed in the color scheme, key, and graphics of the instrument panel. The slim and aerodynamic rear, designed exclusively for this motorcycle, helps make it even more sporty.
The Multistrada V4 RS is a model in which every component, every detail – from the electronics package equipped with radar technology to the lightweight titanium of the rear subframe – was chosen with a single goal: to create the most exciting Multistrada ever created by Ducati.
Sporty style
The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS combines the unmistakable Multistrada lines, elegant and dynamic, with technical solutions that refer to the technologies used in competition, typical of the super sports motorcycles from Borgo Panigale. The name RS has exactly this meaning, recalling another motorcycle in Ducati’s history – the Monster S4 RS – born according to the same inspiring principles.
The various components in carbon fiber, such as the front fender, hand guards (specifically designed for this model), heat shields, and front “beak,” create a play of contrasts with the Iceberg White color scheme, enriched with various references to the color of the Desmosedici MotoGP. The slender and lightweight rear section in techno-polymer integrates the passenger handles and defines a sporty, sophisticated, and unmistakable side view. The titanium seat support structure is a component of great technical elegance that accentuates its sporty character and allows a weight saving of 2.5 kg compared to the standard element.
The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is produced in a limited series. The number is shown on a black anodized aluminum plate, embellished with the Italian flag and applied to the steering head.
Superbike engine
The Multistrada V4 RS is the only one in the family to adopt the 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. To combine the smoothness and regularity typical of the Multistrada with the personality and sporty characteristics of the Panigale and Streetfighter, Ducati worked on the V4 to achieve a smooth and regular power delivery at low revs and, at the same time, due to the desmodromic distribution, exciting as we approach the limiter. A personality that is also expressed thanks to the tone of the exhaust, which is deep at lower levels, but exuberant like superbikes during acceleration at high revs.
These objectives were achieved by adopting the Panigale V4 R air filter, which is more permeable and sporty, and an exhaust system with an Akrapovič silencer specifically developed for the Multistrada V4 RS.
In this Euro 5+ homologation configuration, the Desmosedici Stradale engine develops a maximum power of 180 hp, with the limiter at 13,500 rpm. This value was chosen to ensure a sporty performance while maintaining the balance that has always distinguished the Multistrada V4 since its first version.
To extract the performance of the Desmosedici Stradale in the best way, more sporty and characterized by higher acceleration, the final drive ratio was shortened, while keeping the gearbox ratios unchanged.
Finally, just like the Panigale V4 SP2 and Streetfighter V4 SP2, the Multistrada V4 RS also features a dry STM-EVO SBK aluminum clutch, with a specific configuration. This component, which smoothens the driving during braking and gear shifting phases, also contributes to enriching the sound, with its typical metallic tone when releasing the clutch.
Among the benefits of dry clutch, we highlight the possibility of increasing performance with the use of Ducati Corse Performance Powered by Shell Advance oil, the result of collaboration between Ducati Corse and Shell in Superbike and MotoGP. To improve the engine’s thermal comfort, the Desmosedici Stradale was designed to deactivate the rear cylinder bank when the motorcycle is stationary, in neutral, and with the engine temperature above 70°. Also, to offer greater comfort, on colder days, the ducts that channel cold air to the rider’s legs can be closed. Maintenance intervals for checking valve clearance on the Multistrada V4 RS are done every 30,000 km. Electronics  The Multistrada V4 RS is equipped with the advanced and sophisticated electronics package of the Multistrada V4 S, which includes, among other features, radar technology as standard, front and rear, allowing for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) functionalities.The electronic equipment of the Multistrada V4 RS, thanks to the information obtained from the Bosch inertial platform, consists of four Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up&Down.
All these systems have been calibrated for the characteristics and type of use of the model and integrated into the four Riding Modes, namely Race, Sport, Touring, and Urban.
In the V4 RS, the Full Power Mode (default associated with the Race Riding Mode, characterized by a checkered flag above its name) is introduced for the first time in the Multistrada family; this delivers maximum power in all gears, with a quick throttle response. The remaining Power Modes have been calibrated for use in the Multistrada V4. In particular:
– High (default associated with the Sport Riding Mode) offers maximum power in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears, with a slight reduction in torque in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, and a quick throttle response.
– Medium (default associated with the Touring Riding Mode) also provides maximum power in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears, with a slight reduction in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, but with a smoother throttle response.
– Low (default in the Urban Riding Mode) with reduced power to 84 kW (114 hp) and a smooth throttle response.
The Multistrada V4 RS is also equipped with adjustable EBC (Engine Brake Control) in three levels, which allows the user to customize engine braking according to the context and driving style.
The biggest sports feature of the V4 RS electronics package is underlined by the new graphics of the instrument panel, which features a control panel on the main screen with functionality similar to the Infomode Track of the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4. This ‘drop-down’ menu shows the levels set for DTC, ABS, and DWC in the selected Riding Mode. In addition, the intervention of Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control is highlighted by the flashing of the corresponding menu item and by a light in the upper right corner of the screen.
The 6.5″ TFT instrument panel, characterized in the Multistrada V4 RS by a dedicated graphic, allows the display of the navigation map through Ducati Connect, which allows it to mirror with your mobile device. Precisely to support this functionality, the smartphone compartment has forced ventilation to cool the phone during intensive use of navigation functions and during charging.
Chassis and ergonomics
The chassis of the Multistrada V4 RS was developed around the 17’’ front wheel, which ensures greater precision and reactivity in sporty riding. This choice led to the option of a monocoque aluminum frame different from the ones on the Multistrada V4 S and Rally, in order to achieve a different steering head angle (25.75° instead of 24.5°) defining the values of trail and wheelbase based on the bike’s sportier character, similar to what had already been done on the V4 Pikes Peak.
The forged aluminum Marchesini wheels, 2.7 kg lighter than those on the V4 S, make the vehicle’s dynamic behavior more effective. The Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires, in sizes of 120/70 at the front and 190/55 at the rear, offer excellent grip during acceleration and a strong sense of contact with the road surface in the middle of the curve.
The choice of Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension aims to ensure the best performance in sporty use, thanks to the use of the “event-based” system, as seen on the Panigale V4 S and Streetfighter V4 S, which self-adjusts based on individual riding style. The system, already used on the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, has been recalibrated to achieve the best balance between comfort in relaxed riding and support in sporty riding.
In particular, in the Touring and Sport Riding Modes, the dynamic system settings have been modified to improve comfort during relaxed riding and, at the same time, support when having fun on mixed mountain roads. Additionally, to enhance driving dynamics even with maximum load, hydraulic braking has been increased when the rider selects higher damping levels in the various Riding Modes, in the various luggage and passenger load modes.
The braking system is directly derived from that of the Panigale V4. At the front, the system includes 330 mm diameter discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, similar to those of the Multistrada V4 S, to which the pads of the Panigale V4 are added. At the rear, the system includes a single 265 mm diameter disc, on which a Brembo floating caliper acts. The control, with regressive kinematics, has a smaller pump, thus increasing power and modulation. The system is managed by the Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME Cornering ABS system.
In addition to the carbon fiber and titanium elements, a smaller battery has been adopted to reduce weight. In this way, 3 kg are saved compared to the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.
The new V4 RS offers a more sporty ergonomics than the Multistrada V4, with higher and more rear-set footpegs to increase the maximum lean angle. The handlebar, directly fixed to the clamp to improve the feel of the ride, is lower, narrower, and with a less pronounced curve. The new and smoother grips have a more sporty design.
This ergonomic combination results in a better feel during sporty riding, while maintaining a good level of comfort. Comfort was indeed a major focus, in order to maintain the best synthesis between sport and touring in the Multistrada V4 RS.
Accessories
The Ducati Performance catalog offers various accessories to enhance the bike’s characteristics and make it unique from an aesthetic point of view. Motorcyclists looking to increase the versatility of the Multistrada V4 RS will find several luggage options, from plastic or aluminum side cases to tank bags and passenger seat bags, as well as various larger windshields.
To emphasize its sporty personality, the catalog also offers aluminum parts machined from billet, such as levers, footpegs, brake and clutch fluid reservoirs, or tank and oil caps. There are also many carbon fiber details to lighten and make the image of the Multistrada V4 RS even more aggressive.
Colors and availability
The bike will be available at Ducati Authorized Dealers starting in January 2024 in a single version, which includes front and rear radar as standard and in the Iceberg White color scheme.
Just like all models in the Ducati range in our country, the Multistrada V4 RS also offers the exclusive “4Ever Ducati” warranty, valid for 4 years with unlimited mileage, guaranteed by the entire network of Authorized Dealers of the brand from Bologna in European territory.
