Though it’s typically known for its adventure and touring capabilities, the latest Ducati World Première showcased a track and road-focused machine, pulling the covers on the 2024 Ducati Multistrada V4 RS.
We’ve previously ridden the Multistrada V4 S here at Lexham / BikeMatters, and found it to be an absolute world-beater in its capabilities – even saying it could be considered the ‘gold standard’ of touring machinery.
So, with 5 current iterations of the V4 Multistrada, what sets this one apart?
New Ducati Multistrada V4 RS Announced!
For one, it’s the only one in the touring family to have the 1,103 cc Ducati Desmosedici Stradale engine inside, as opposed to the 1158 cc V4 Granturismo. That's the motor otherwise seen in the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4, famed for its desmodromic distribution, dry clutch, and sheer lunacy levels of power, in this touring format will put out a huge 180 bhp and 118 Nm of torque, with redline of 13,500 rpm.
For a starting price of £31,995, this touring weapon will be released in a numbered series, with the unique number shown on the black anodised triple clamp embellished with the Italian flag – though Ducati hasn’t said how many of these will be released.
The video reveal featured countless shots of the bike flying around a race track, and it isn’t just for show – the spec of the bike has been specifically altered to cater for jaunts on track. You’ll find a sportier riding position here, with raised pegs set further back, narrower bars that are lowered, and 17-inch wheels front and rear trod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres on Marchesini forged aluminium wheels.
Dreams of Touring AND Racing?
Elsewhere you’ll find the latest and greatest in electronics, with Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension matched to four riding modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Urban), plus Power Modes selection, Ducati traction Control, Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, Cornering ABS, and a Ducati Quick Shifter up & down to name but a few.
But despite it’s track credentials, it’s also built for road use – naturally. The rear bank of cylinders can deactivate when stationary to improve the thermal comfort of the engine, ducts can be opened to channel air to your legs, and the 6.5” TFT dash can mirror your smartphone for map navigation. You’ll also find rider aids such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection fed off the radar system.
Seat height comes in at an adjustable 840 – 860 mm, it’ll have a 22 litre tank, it comes with a beautiful Akrapovic exhaust system, top-spec Brembo brakes, and is all finished off in a frankly stunning Iceberg White RS Livery with carbon parts all around.
Simply put, this new Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is an absolute track weapon, but will have serious credentials for road riding and touring.
It may not be quite on the affordable or achievable scale for most riders (particularly as it’s a numbered series), but this could well be the epitome of road based adventure.
Imagine this jumping the mountain at Cadwell Park!
We’ll keep an eye on what else Ducati has up its sleeve with 2 more premieres leading up to a grand reveal on the 7th November at EICMA in Milan, and we’ll be there to see what they’ve got!
Check out our Top 10 Touring Motorcycles feature - this could well be right at the top, if it wasn't nearly £32,000!
