ON name alone, the Ducati Multistrada encapsulates an ambitious promise to offer great versatility, and the new V4 version retains and extends that winning formula of ‘four bikes in one’.
Born with the intention of being a sporty yet comfortable motorcycle, able to tackle any road condition, be it asphalt or dirt road, with safety and solidity, the Multistrada V4 covers a variety of souls.
The Sport; light and compact, powered by 170hp engine with an advanced electronic MotoGP aid system, together with a chassis setup featuring agile dimensions for an exciting and effective ride in mixed terrain.
The Multistrada V4 is also a Touring bike, thanks to the main maintenance intervals set every 60,000km, obsessive attention to ride comfort, all-new front and rear radar systems, cartographic navigation system, and cornering lights.
It also has an Enduro mood thanks to its off-road capability, electronic suspensions, smooth delivery, and gear ratio.
Lastly, it reveals its Urban character with unprecedented handling at low speeds, combined with a top-level connectivity system and thermal comfort.
In 18 years more than 110,000 units have been produced and since its birth, in 2003, the Multistrada has constantly evolved and expanded its vocation. The first Multistrada was designed as a sports bike, featuring excellent torque and mainly suitable for a road use.
The 2010 version was the first ‘four bikes in one’ offering. In short, it’s now easier to ride, more robust and ultra-light, more versatile and comfortable, and yet effective in every single riding condition.
The front headlight, featuring DRL system is inspired by the Panigale, and makes the Multistrada V4 very sporty and immediately recognisable. The unbalanced proportions of the front, feature muscular yet sexy lines which perfectly integrate the 22-litre tank.
It’s mixed with the sleek rear section that allows an optimal position, even when standing in off-road adventures. But it’s the engine that is the beating heart of a bike.
Extremely light (66.7kg) and ultra-compact, the V4 Granturismo engine guarantees extremely smooth operation at low revs and linear torque curve as well.
The 1158cc V4 Granturismo engine delivers 125kW (170hp) and a maximum torque of 125Nm. The torque curve ensures maximum smoothness and delivery progression, even fully loaded.
To achieve this goal, great attention has been reserved for the torque curves dedicated to each gear, in order to always obtain a fluid delivery.
In addition, Ducati engineers also concentrated on the gear ratio, with a short first gear, which is therefore excellent for travelling and manoeuvring at extremely low speeds, and uphill starts even when fully loaded, and off-road sections.
A high increase in maintenance intervals is a feature of the 2021 Multistrada. As a matter of fact, on the Multistrada V4 the oil only needs changing every 15,000 km intervals, while the valve play check, or adjustment if necessary, is set every 60,000 km intervals.
The V4 Granturismo engine has been designed for road use and it also exploits, when needed, all the technical benefits that Ducati has developed over years of experience in the world of competition.
Among these, the counter-rotating crankshaft, which by working against the inertia generated by the wheels, enhances handling, reduces pitching, and consequently improves efficiency and riding pleasure even on the road.
On the electronics front, the Multistrada V4 represents the state-of-the-art in the motorcycle sector. That is true in terms of safety, comfort, performance, and connectivity features as well.
The inertial platform (IMU) manages the operation of ABS cornering, Ducati wheelie control (DWC), Ducati traction control (DTC), and on the Multistrada V4 S, the cornering lights (DCL).
Another as-standard feature on the Multistrada V4 S is vehicle hold control (VHC), which makes restarts easier, especially on a gradient. Ducati technicians have also completely revised both user interface and dashboard graphics.
The Multistrada V4 S features an adjustable 6.5-inch TFT unit. Furthermore, on the S version, a joystick has been added in the left switchgear, to ensure easy navigation through the new and intuitive menu.
Other new features include the Ducati Connect system, which allows integration with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Phone and music management is easy, and with Sygic navigation, a rider can view maps directly on the dashboard.
In compartment has been placed in the upper section of the tank as well, accessible via a small door, to store a smartphone, and provide charging by an enclosed USB port.
The Ducati V4 Multistrada V4 also introduces the revolutionary radar system, which allows the use of adaptive cruise control (ACC) and blind spot detection (BSD).
The Multistrada V4 is equipped with an aluminium monocoque frame, 19-inch front wheel, double-sided swing arm and is also available with spoked wheels. It has a reduced wheelbase, sporty front end, and suspension with long travel.
Ground clearance is 220mm and it has a dry weight of 215kg. There will be eight variants available in 2021, starting with the standard Multistrada V4 at $28,990 ride away. The range tops out at $40,690 for the Multistrada V4 Sport S.
Bikes are expected to reach Australian and New Zealand dealers in the first quarter of 2021. For more information contact your local authorised Ducati dealer.
