Ducati’s 2024 Multistrada V4 RS Is the Sportiest Multi Ever

Ducati’s Multistrada 1000 debuted at 2001 EICMA and immediately stirred lots of comments, both pro and con. On the positive side was its basic concept of a touring bike that smartly mixed dynamic sportbike performance potential with a comfortable riding posture and aerodynamic protection for long-haul tours. The negative: the bumper car styling of the top fairing. It was designed by Pierre Terblanche, but  it was embarrassing to the point that it never captured the hearts of the Ducati enthusiasts.

From that ugly duckling 1000, the Ducati Multistrada has become a successful adventure machine through several redesigns and powerplants. Then in 2021, the mighty Multistrada V4 replaced the previous V-twin versions, rewriting the mission of one of the most successful Ducati models ever. A 1,153cc non-desmo Granturismo V-4 capable of 170 hp and 36,000-mile major service intervals gave the new Multi V4 plenty of power with long-distance confidence.

Now time has come for the sportiest Multi ever. Enter the new Multistrada V4 RS—in many respects a new revolution. First, Multistrada V4 RS is powered by a 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale capable of 180 hp at 12,250 rpm and 87 lb.-ft. peak torque at 9,500 rpm—basically a milder Panigale V4 Stradale mill that will combine exciting peak power and surprising torque delivery over a broad rpm range. This version of the Panigale V4 engine runs with a 14:1 compression ratio and is fed by four 50mm (round equivalent) elliptical throttle bodies. The unit also features a dry clutch that gives the ability to adopt the special Ducati Corse Shell Advance high-performance oil.

To combine top engine power with real racebike dynamics, the 19-inch front wheel has given way to a 17 x 3.50-inch forged wheel shod with a 120/70-17 radial that more effectively cooperates with the 17 x 6.00-inch forged wheel shod with a 190/55-17 radial—both Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsas. The return to a 17-inch front wheel required that the whole front end geometry of the sheet aluminum monocoque frame be revised to compensate for the reduction of the wheel diameter. Consequently, the steering rake has been increased from 24.5 degrees to 25.8. This generates 4.7 inches (120mm) of trail, a net increase over the previous 4.2 inches (105.5mm).

Being intended as a real sporting tourer, the Multistrada RS chassis spans a wheelbase of 62.7 inches, which contributes to comfortable accommodations for two. The seat is set at 33.0 inches but a 32.0-inch setting is available as an option. To make the rider more in tune with this powerful bike, footpegs have been moved slightly upward and backward, while the handlebar is lower and narrower.

The suspension department sees Öhlins units employed at both ends: a 48mm fork and a TTX 36 rear shock. Both units are electronically managed to offer active modulation of damping according to Öhlins event-based Smart EC 2.0 control.

Ducati’s electronics suite is one of the most advanced in the business, and is based on the latest Bosch inertial platform that modulates the engine power delivery over four power modes: Full, High, Medium, Low. It also manages a number of safety functions: traction control, wheelie control, engine-brake control, and Ducati quick shift. There’s also four selectable riding modes, including Race Riding Mode, that informs the power, ABS, traction control, engine-braking, and wheelie control settings. Adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection uses forward and rearward radar control technology to ensure safety along with convenience. The TFT 6.5-inch instrumentation panel allows for smartphone control, navigation, and adjustment of all settings.

The braking system is full-on Brembo with 320mm twin front rotors clamped by four-piston Stylema radial calipers with a 265mm rear rotor with a floating caliper. The whole system is managed by the Brembo-Bosch cornering ABS 10.3ME.

Forged aluminum wheels, titanium rear subframe, various carbon fiber body panels, and a lithium-ion battery reduce the weight by more than 20 pounds in comparison to the Multistrada V4 S powered by the Granturismo engine.

Ducati’s Multistrada V4 RS will come in a numbered, but not limited, edition to underline its exclusivity. Pricing is set at $37,995.