In what can only be described as a massive week for Ducati, the Italian bike brand has launched its pinnacle Multistrada model, the V4 RS, and in potentially huge news, announced it’s coming to play in the world of motocross.
The Bologna based manufacturer has been working for two years on a prototype that will make its debut next season in the Italian Motocross Championship, providing the opportunity to track test in a real race environment.
It’s a continuation of its strategy to race first, then build production bikes from there. A multi-year project, it commences a program that will see the development of a complete range of off-road engines and motorcycles.
To ensure success, Ducati has signed an agreement with nine-time Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli as a high-performance test rider, as well as joining forces with Maddii Racing to field eight-time Italian champ Alessandro Lupino.
“I am extremely happy to become part of the universe of Ducati, which has always been a symbol of Italian spirit throughout the world, and to begin this exciting new adventure, in an all-Italian project,” Cairoli said.
Entering the specialist off-road sector represents a highly strategic move for Ducati, and its desire to expand the brand’s presence into unexplored terrain. Continuing on with the theme of exploring new territory comes the 2024 Multistrada V4 RS.
The Mulitstrada V4 RS is the most sophisticated and exclusive Mulitstrada created by the Italian manufacturer, and is due to land in Australian dealerships in the second quarter of 2024, with an asking price of $55,800 ride away.
Produced in a numbered series, the Multistrada V4 RS is equipped with the Desmosedici Stradale engine, derived from that of the Panigale V4. Its unmistakable engine noise is further enhanced by an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch and Akrapovič silencer.
Öhlins suspension, a single-sided aluminium swingarm and forged rims add to the excitement, as does its slim and streamlined tail, designed specifically for this variant, and the RS logo.
From the electronic package equipped with radar technology to the very light titanium rear frame, everything has been chosen with a single objective; to create the sportiest touring motorcycle ever.
The various carbon fibre components, such as the front mudguard, hand guards, heat shields and the front “beak”, create a play of contrasts with the Iceberg White livery, enriched by various spots of colour from the Desmosedici MotoGP paint scheme.
The Multistrada V4 RS is also the only variant to adopt the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. In this configuration, the motor develops a whopping 134kW of power. That’s paired with a shortened final gear ratio for greater acceleration.
To improve the thermal comfort of the engine, the Desmosedici Stradale has been designed to deactivate the rear bank when the bike is stationary, in neutral and with the engine temperature above 70-degrees. The upwash ducts can be closed on cold days too.
The feature list is long too, and includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, four power modes, traction and wheelie control, engine brake control, and an up and down quick shifter. Four riding modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Urban) are included.
The TFT dashboard sports a 6.5-inch screen with dedicated graphics, and support for Ducati Connect. It rides on a 17-inch front wheel, with Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres. It shares its braking system with the Panigale V4 too, complete with cornering ABS.
The 2024 Ducati Multistrada V4 RS will arrive in dealerships in January. For further information, please contact your local Ducati dealer.
