After much anticipation, the next-generation of the Ducati Multistrada motorcycle has debuted, and as was expected, the machine features a V4 engine. Accordingly, say hello to the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4.
As is Ducati’s custom, the Ducati Multistrada V4 will really only come in two trim levels, with the Ducati Multistrada V4 S featuring more up-spec components over the base model bike.
Both bikes though have a new monocoque chassis, a double-sided swingarm, and a 19″ front wheel (with a 17″ wheel in the rear), and a robust electronics package.
With these choices, the Italian’s are clearly pitching the Ducati Multistrada V4 as the bike to have, if you can only have one motorcycle in your garage.
Thanks to the fact that Ducati has already pulled back the curtain on the new V4 Granturismo engine, we knew quite a bit about the Ducati Multistrada V4 before it even arrived today.
For a more comprehensive view of this new V4 engine, you can read our dedicated story on it.
As for the highlights, we know that the Ducati Multistrada V4 will be the first modern Ducati to do away with the company’s iconic desmodromic system.
This valve-spring arrangement helps the Ducati V4 Granturismo engine to go 60,000 km (37,282 miles) before needing a valve adjustment, while also reducing the cost of ownership for Multistrada V4 buyers.
We also know that this version of Ducati’s V4 engine will displace 1,158cc (thanks to a 2mm larger bore than the Streetfighter V4), will make 168hp (125 kW), and will feature 92 lbs•ft (125 Nm) of peak torque @ 8,750 rpm.
Of note too, the Ducati V4 Granturismo engine will rev lower than its superbike-based Desmosedici Stradale counterpart, with a redline just under 12,000 rpm.
On the base model, stopping that power is a set of 320mm discs, which are mated to Brembo calipers. On the “S” models however, the braking package is upgraded, with 330mm discs and Brembo Stylema calipers doing the duty.
This dichotomy continues on the suspension, where conventional full adjustable pieces are available on the base model Multistrada V4, while the Multistrada V4 S sees the use of the Skyhook electronic suspension.
Once on the road, the Ducati Multistrada tips the scales at 529 lbs (240kg) when the 5.6-gallon fuel tank is filled to 90% (a standard EU criteria), while the Ducati Multistrada V4 S generates a mass of 536 lbs (243 kg).
Both trim levels feature a color TFT dash, which is 5 inches on the base model and a lovely 6.5 inches on the “S” trim.
The screen size will play an important factor for Multistrada V4 owners because Ducati has developed a robust connectivity app for smartphones, which not only integrates various phone apps into the bike’s systems, but it also features turn-by-turn navigation that appears directly on the dash.
Other electronic features include IMU-assisted cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control. There is also a hill-hold assist, cornering lights, and an optional tire pressure monitoring system.
The real headline electronic features though are the addition of front and aft radar emitters, which power an adaptive cruise control and blindspot awareness features.
This package comes from Bosch, and is an optional feature on the Multistrada V4 S lineup.
Ducati boasts that it is the first motorcycle brand to offer both of these systems on a motorcycle at the same time, though we should point out that other premium motorcycle brands are also expected to showcase the Bosch radar pieces on their 2021 models as well.
Looking at the bike, we can see that Ducati has taken rider ergonomics quite seriously – the most obvious points of this are the numerous gills and ducts that can be seen that draw heat from the bike and away from the rider.
Ducati also says that particular consideration was given to noise and vibrations that affect the rider, and the Italian brand boasts that it has the lowest levels in the class on those two criteria.
For those going off-road, Ducati has also taken into consideration the standing position while riding, which has helped dictate the shape of the seat and also other bits on the bike to help the rider move around unimpeded.
The adjustable rider seat can be positioned 840mm to 860mm off the ground, while optional short and tall seats can move those numbers to 810mm and 875mm, respectively.
Ground clearance on the Ducati Multistrada V4 has been increased from the Ducati Multistrada 1260 by 46mm, with a total of 220mm (8.6 inches) featured on the motorcycle.
For riders looking to do more serious off-road work, the Multistrada V4 S is available with wire-spoked wheels. And of course, Ducati also offers a variety of feature packages for the Multistrada V4.
The “Travel” package comes with bags, while the aptly named “Travel + Radar” package also throws in the Bosch radar features. A “Sport” package offers an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust and carbon fiber mudgaurd, while the “Full” package offers everything already described.
Ducati says that the Multistrada V4 and Multistrada V4 S will be in European dealerships starting in November of this year, and in US dealers in January 2021.
Pricing in Europe is set at €18,990 for the base model, €21,990 for the Multistrada V4 S, and €23,790 for the Multistrada V4 S Sport. However, we do not have US pricing information for these bikes at this time.
Of note for American buyers, because of the coronavirus delays, the US government has been unable to sign-off on the use of Ducati’s radar system.
As such, bikes delivered to the USA will have the radar hardware installed, but it will not be activated until the government approves it for use, which is expected to be in the summer of 2021.
Source: Ducati
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