Ducati Multistrada V4 RS: When Superbike Meets Touring

In the fourth episode of the Ducati World Première 2024 web series, Ducati presents the new V4 RS (watch the episode here), the sportiest, most sophisticated and exclusive Multistrada ever created by the Bologna, Italy-based manufacturer.

Produced in a numbered series, the Multistrada V4 RS is the latest addition to the family and is equipped with the Desmosedici Stradale engine, derived from the Panigale V4. The Multistrada V4 RS offers incredible performance and power delivery with the unmistakable sound of the Desmosedici Stradale engine with dry clutch and Akrapovič silencer. Dynamic handling and responsiveness are assured by the chassis of the sportiest Multistrada in the family, fitted with Öhlins suspension, single-sided aluminum swingarm and forged rims.

The most demanding of riders will appreciate the technical and stylistic details that make it a unique motorcycle in personality and substance. The prominent RS logo is expressed in the livery, the key and the dashboard graphics. The slim and streamlined tail, designed exclusively for this bike, further enhances its sportier character.

The Multistrada V4 RS is a model in which every component, every detail — from the electronic suite equipped with radar technology to the very light titanium subframe — was chosen with a single objective: to create the sportiest touring motorcycle ever — the most exciting Multistrada ever created by Ducati.

Sporty Style

The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS combines the unmistakable elegant Multistrada silhouette with technical features and technologies used in racing, typical of Borgo Panigale’s sports bikes. The name RS recalls another motorcycle in Ducati history: the Monster S4 RS, created under the same inspiring principles.

The various carbon-fiber components, such as the front mudguard, the hand guards (designed specifically for this model), the heat shields and the front “beak,” are complemented by the contrasting Iceberg White livery, enriched by color references from the Desmosedici MotoGP.

The slender and lightweight techno-polymer tail integrates the passenger handles and defines an unmistakably sporty side view. The titanium subframe is an exotic component that accentuates its sportiness and allows a weight savings of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) compared to the standard one. The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is produced in a numbered series. The number is shown on a black anodized aluminum plate, embellished with the Italian flag and applied to the triple clamp.

Superbike Engine

The Multistrada V4 RS is the only one in the family to adopt the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. To combine the smoothness typical of the Multistrada with the personality and sporty characteristics of the Panigale and the Streetfighter, configuring the V4 engine to deliver fluid power delivery curve at low rpm and at the same, due to the benefits of the desmodromic valve system, is exciting near the limiter. It’s a motorcycle with a distinct personality, expressed in the exhaust tone, which is deep at low levels and exhilarating like all Ducati Superbikes during acceleration at high rpm.

These objectives were achieved by adopting the air filter from the Panigale V4 R, which is more breathable and sportier, and an exhaust system complemented with an Akrapovič silencer specifically developed for the Multistrada V4 RS.

In this configuration, the Desmosedici Stradale engine develops a maximum power of 180 horsepower, revving out to 13,500 rpm. This value was chosen to guarantee sporting performance while maintaining the usability that has always distinguished the Multistrada V4 since its first version.

To make the most of the performance of the road Desmosedici, characterized by greater acceleration, the final ratio has been shortened while keeping the gear ratios unchanged.

Finally, as on the Panigale V4 SP2 and Streetfighter V4 SP2, the Multistrada V4 RS also features an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch made from billet aluminum with a specific configuration of springs and slipper ramps. This performance component, which smooths out riding during braking and gear-shifting phases, also complements the distinctive exhaust note with the metallic timbre that is synonymous with a dry-clutch Ducati. Among the dynamic benefits of the dry clutch, performance can be further enhanced by using Ducati Corse Performance Powered by Shell Advance oil, the result of the collaboration between Ducati Corse and Shell in Superbike and MotoGP.

To improve the thermal comfort of the engine, the Desmosedici Stradale has been designed to deactivate the rear cylinder bank when the bike is stationary in neutral gear. Again, to offer greater comfort, on the coldest days the ducts that channel fresh air to the rider’s legs, can be closed.

The maintenance interval for checking valve clearance on the Multistrada V4 RS is every 18,000 miles (30,000 kilometers.)

Electronics

The Multistrada V4 RS is equipped with the advanced and sophisticated electronic package of the Multistrada V4 S, which includes, among other standard features, radar technology on both the front and rear, which enables the adaptive cruise control (ACC) functionality and blind spot detection (BSD).

The electronic systems of the Multistrada V4 RS, built around the Bosch inertial platform, are made up 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 intended use of the model and integrated into four Riding Modes, namely Race, Sport, Touring and Urban.

On the V4 RS, the Full Power Mode (associated by default with the Race Riding Mode, characterized by a checkered flag above the name) is introduced in the Multistrada family; this delivers maximum power in all gears, with a prompt response from the throttle. The other Power Modes have been calibrated for use on the Multistrada V4. In particular:

High (“Sport” Mode) offers maximum power in fourth, fifth and sixth gear with a slight reduction in torque in first, second and third, with prompt throttle response.
Medium (“Touring” Mode) also offers maximum power in fourth, fifth and sixth gear, with a slight reduction in first, second and third but with a sweeter throttle response.
Low (“Urban” Mode) with power reduced to 114 horsepower and a smooth throttle response.

The Multistrada V4 RS is also equipped with Engine Brake Control (EBC) adjustable on three levels, which allows the rider to customize the engine braking depending on riding style and context.

The greater sportiness of the electronic package of the V4 RS is highlighted by the main screen with functionality similar to the Infomode Track of the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4. This drop-down menu displays the levels set for DTC, ABS and DWC in the selected riding mode. Furthermore, the intervention of DTC and DWC is highlighted by a flashing of the corresponding drop-down element and the lighting of the upper right corner of the dashboard.

The TFT dashboard with a 6.5-inch screen, characterized on the Multistrada V4 RS by dedicated graphics, enables you to view the map navigator function through “Ducati Connect,” which allows you to mirror your mobile device. To support this functionality, the smartphone compartment has forced air ventilation to cool the phone during intensive use of the navigation functions and while charging.

Chassis and Ergonomics

The chassis of the Multistrada V4 RS is centered around the 17-inch front wheel, which ensures greater riding precision and responsiveness. The monocoque aluminum frame differs from the Multistrada V4 S and Rally in obtaining a specific steering head angle (25.75 degrees compared to 24.5 degrees), delivering the trail and wheelbase that complements the sporty focus of the bike, similar to Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.

The Marchesini forged aluminum wheels, 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) lighter than those of the V4 S, enhance the dynamic handling behavior. Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires (120/70 front and 190/55 rear) offer excellent grip during acceleration and maximum cornering.

The choice of Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension provides the best performance in sporting use with “event-based” strategies, as used on the Panigale V4 S and Streetfighter V4 S, which self-adjusts according to the rider’s actions and riding style. The system, already in use on the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, has been recalibrated to obtain the best balance between comfort during relaxed riding and support during sporty riding. In particular, in the Touring and Sport Riding Modes, the calibration of the dynamic suspension system has been modified to improve comfort during relaxed riding and at the same time provide optimal performance when on more sporty riding terrain. Furthermore, to improve riding dynamics when at full load, hydraulic braking performance has been increased when the rider selects higher damping levels in the various Riding Modes in the various Load Modes with luggage and passenger.

The braking system is taken directly from the Panigale V4. At the front, 330-millimeter-diameter discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers are complemented by the braking pad material of the Panigale V4. At the rear is a single 265-millimeter-diameter disc with a Brembo floating caliper and master cylinder with a smaller diameter piston to improve power and modulation. The braking safety system is managed by Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME Cornering ABS technology.

In addition to the carbon fiber and titanium elements, a compact battery is fitted to reduce weight by 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) compared to the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.

The new V4 RS offers sportier ergonomics than the Multistrada V4, with a footrest position that is higher and further back to increase the maximum lean angle. The handlebar is directly fixed to the triple clamp, is lower and narrower, and has a less accentuated curvature. The new, softer grips have a sportier design.

This ergonomic combination translates into a better feeling in sporty riding while maintaining a good level of comfort at the same time. Comfort has been the subject of great attention to maintain the best mix between sport and touring applications.

Accessories

The Ducati Performance catalog offers various accessories to enhance the characteristics of the motorbike and make it unique from an aesthetic point of view. Riders who want to increase the versatility of the Multistrada V4 RS will find various luggage options, from plastic or aluminum side cases to tank and passenger seat bags and various oversized windshields.

To emphasize its sporting personality, the catalog also offers billet aluminum parts, such as levers, footrests, brake and clutch reservoirs, or fuel tank and oil filler caps. There are also many carbon-fiber details to lighten and make the image of the Multistrada V4 RS even more aggressive.

Price and Availability

The motorcycle will be available in dealerships in the Ducati network starting from February 2024 in a single version, which includes front and rear radar as standard in the Iceberg White livery. The U.S. pricing will begin at an MSRP of $37,995. For Canada, the pricing will begin at an MSRP of CAD $41,995.

The video can be seen on the Ducati YouTube channel.

Multistrada V4 RS

Colors

Dedicated Iceberg White livery

Main Standard Equipment

1,103cc Ducati Desmosedici Stradale engine with a valve clearance check every 18,000 miles (30,000 kilometers)
Aluminum monocoque frame and aluminum single-sided swingarm
Titanium rear subframe*
Carbon-fiber details
Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active electronic suspension with “event-based” system
Wheel travel: 170 millimeters
17-inch Marchesini forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires sizes 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear
Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering braking system
330-millimeter diameter front discs with Brembo Stylema four-piston radial calipers
Full LED headlight with daytime running lights and Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL)
TFT dashboard with 6.5-inch color screen with dedicated graphics and display*
Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Four Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low)
Four Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Urban)
Front and rear radar technology (adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection)
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Engine Brake Control (EBC)
Hands-free starting
Ducati Connect with phone, music, and map navigator applications
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up&Down
Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)