Ducati recently presented the new Multistrada V4 RS, the sportiest, most sophisticated and exclusive Multistrada ever created. Produced in a numbered series, the Multistrada V4 RS is the latest addition to the family which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year.
Equipped with the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine derived from the Panigale V4, the Multistrada V4 RS comes with a dry clutch, an Akrapovič silencer, Öhlins suspension, a single-sided aluminium swingarm, and forged rims.
The Multistrada V4 RS is the only one in the family to adopt the Desmosedici Stradale engine which develops a maximum power of 180 hp, with limiter at 13,500 rpm. The Multistrada V4 RS also features a STM-EVO SBK dry clutch made from billet aluminium, with a specific configuration of springs and slipper ramps.
Further distinguishing it from the other versions of the Multistrada is the RS logo which was designed by the Centro Stile on the key and in the dashboard graphics. The slim and streamlined tail, designed exclusively for this bike, helps to make it even sportier.
There are also various carbon fibre components such as the front mudguard, the hand guards (designed specifically for this model), the heat shields and the front “beak”, which create a play of contrasts with the Iceberg White livery, enriched by various references to the colour of the Desmosedici MotoGP.
The slender and lightweight techno-polymer tail integrates the passenger handles and defines a sporty, sophisticated and unmistakable side view. The titanium seat support frame is a component of great technical elegance which accentuates its sportiness and allows a weight saving of 2.5 kg compared to the standard one.
The Multistrada V4 RS is also equipped with the advanced and sophisticated electronic package of the Multistrada V4 S, which includes, among other features, standard radar technology on both the front and rear, which enables the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) functionality and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
The electronic equipment of the Multistrada V4 RS, thanks to the information obtained from the Bosch inertial platform, is made up of 4 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, Urban. There is also a Full Power Mode (under Race Mode) introduced for the first time in the Multistrada family which delivers maximum power in all gears, with a prompt response from the throttle.
The Multistrada V4 RS is also equipped with EBC (Engine Brake Control) adjustable on three levels, which allows the rider to customize the engine braking depending on riding style and context.
The TFT dashboard with 6.5″ screen, characterized on the Multistrada V4 RS by dedicated graphics, enables you to view the map navigator thanks to Ducati Connect, which allows you to mirror your mobile device. Precisely to support this functionality, the smartphone compartment has forced ventilation, to cool the phone during intensive use of the navigation functions and while charging.
The Marchesini forged aluminium wheels, 2.7 kg lighter than those of the V4 S, make the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle more effective. Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres, in the 120/70 front and 190/55 rear sizes, offer excellent grip during acceleration and a strong sensation of contact with the ground in the centre of the curve.
The braking system derives directly from that of the Panigale V4. At the front, the system includes 330 mm diameter discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, similar to the Multistrada V4 S, to which are added the pads of the Panigale V4.
At the rear the system includes a single 265 mm diameter disc on which a Brembo floating caliper works. The control, with regressive kinematics, has a smaller pumping element, thus improving power and modulation. The system is managed by the Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME Cornering ABS system.
In addition to the carbon fibre and titanium elements, a small battery has been adopted to further reduce weight. In this way, 3 kg are saved compared to the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.
The new V4 RS offers sportier ergonomics than the Multistrada V4, with higher and further back footrests to increase the maximum lean angle. The handlebar, rigidly fixed to the plate to improve the riding feeling, is lower, 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 in fact been the subject of great attention, to maintain the best synthesis between sport and tourism of the Multistrada V4 RS.
That being said, the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is produced in a numbered series. The number is shown on a black anodized aluminium plate, embellished with the Italian flag, applied to the triple clamp.