In what is becoming an annual fixture ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, in November, Ducati used the third of its weekly online World Premiere episodes to showcase the new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally.
Key features of the new model are improved comfort, a larger fuel tank giving greater range and a whole new dose of off-road aptitude. Ducati is clearly taking a very close look at both KTM and BMW and wanting to improve the real-world ability of the Multistrada V4 while losing nothing of the Ducati DNA.
If you were inclined to think that power outputs for adventure bikes were getting a little out of hand, then maybe turn away now. The V4 engine in the Multistrada produces 170bhp: that’s a lot for any bike, let alone an adventure bike but it’s not at the expense of longevity as Ducati has managed to keep service intervals to 60,000km for the valve train and 15,000km for the oil. The engine is fed by a new 30-litre petrol tank.
The semi-active suspension has increased travel (now 200mm) which also gives a higher ground clearance. Skyhook DSS EVO is fitted as standard, as is auto-levelling to keep the bike on an even keel no matter the load.
The screen is bigger and the pannier mounts have been moved back to give the pillion more room. Talking about dimensions, those vertically challenged riders who might not usually think that an adventure bike is for them will be pleased to note that various seats are available in different thicknesses and there is a suspension lowering kit.
Taking a leaf out of Harley Davidson’s book, the Multistrada V4 Rally is fitted with Minimum Preload Function which allows the rider to lower the bike when coming to a stop or riding at low speed. It does this by minimising the preload of the rear shock absorber. Another neat electronic function is called Easy Lift, which, by opening the suspension hydraulics when turning the bike on, reduces the effort required to lift the motorcycle from the side stand by compressing the forks and shock. A centre stand is also fitted.
On the electronics side of things, the Multi V4 Rally is the first bike in the world to be fitted with front and rear radar, supporting active cruise control and blind-spot detection. Naturally, there is cornering ABS and traction control, wheelie control, and cornering lights.
Four riding modes are present and Enduro mode reduces power to 114bhp and, when idling, the rear bank of two cylinders is shut off. This also occurs at low engine loads in order to increase fuel consumption.
Three different versions are available: Adventure Radar, with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection, Adventure Travel and Radar, which adds aluminium panniers, heated grips and saddles, and Full Adventure adds an Akrapovic silencer and carbon fibre front mudguard.
For pricing and arrival dates for the new Multistrada V4 Rally, visit Ducati South Africa at www.ducati.co.za
