Long criticised for expensive and frequent servicing, Ducati has launched its Multistrada V4 and V4 S adventure tourers with a 60,000 main maintenance interval.
The Bologna motorcycle manufacturer has now unveiled the model with full specifications ahead of the announcement of four more new models over the next month.
We already knew the Multistrada V4 would be the world’s first motorbike with front and rear radar for add blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control and that it would be down on power from the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4 (125kW compared with Panigale V4 on 157.5kW, Panigale V4 R 174.5kW and Streetfighter 153kW).
Now the full reveal shows a highly sophisticated and hi-tech bike with longevity of servicing the icing on the cake for adventure travellers and tourers.
The bike was unveiled online via YouTube given the cancellation of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan due to coronavirus.
Ducati says it has sold more than 110,000 Multistradas since its launch in 2003 with the unfortunate-looking “Uglystrada”. The fourth generation is a substantially different bike thanks mainly to the V4 Granturismo engine.
The lightweight (66.7kg) and compact 1158cc V4 delivers 125kW (170hp) at 10,500rpm with a maximum torque of 125Nm (12.7kgm) at 8750rpm.
Oil change is scheduled every 15,000km, while valve clearance check and eventual adjustment is required every 60,000km, the longest intervals of any production bike.
The V4 engine configuration and 22-litre tank also required a substantial redesign that still looks streamlined, lithe and sexy — albeit ungainly which is common among tall-suspended adventure bikes.
It is complemented by a hefty electronics package that not only includes blind-spot and adaptive cruise controls, but also ABS and traction cornering control, wheelie control and cornering lights on the Multistrada V4 S which also comes with a function to prevent rolling backwards on hills during take-offs.
Ducati’s semi-active Skyhook Suspension will also automatically self-adjust the front and rear suspension levels according to the weight of rider, pillion and/or luggage.
The Multistrada V4 has an aluminium monocoque frame and double-sided swingarm with a total bike weight of 215kg. It sits on a 19-inch front wheel with a choice of spoked or alloy wheels on the V4 S.
Ducati also took the Multi to the wind tunnel to provide the rider and pillion with better wind protection and less “hissing noises” or engine heat on the rider’s legs.
This was achieved with an adjustable Plexiglas windscreen and two side deflectors plus aerodynamically shaped handguards.
Modern Ducatis run very hot for lower emissions and can be uncomfortable for riders in hot climates, especially with the top cylinder so close to the family jewels.
The Multistrada V4 not only directs heat away from the rider but also includes deactivation of the rear cylinder bank at idle. This is also a feature of some big V-twins such as Harley to combat uncomfortable heat when stopped at traffic lights.
The standard V4 comes in red while the V4 S will be available in “Aviator Grey” or red and the V4 S Sport comes in red/white/black with an Akrapovič exhaust and carbon front fender.
Ducati has a range of accessory packs for the Multistrada V4 S: Essential, Travel, Radar, Performance, Full.
The Multistrada V4 is expected to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in the first quarter of 2021 with prices ranging from under $A30k to over $A40k, ride away.
Australia’s starting ride away prices:
| Multistrada V4 | $28,990 |
| Multistrada V4 S | $33,490 |
| Multistrada V4 S – Travel Package | $35,990 |
| Multistrada V4 S – Travel + Radar Package | $37,590 |
| Multistrada V4 S – Performance Package | $35,690 |
| Multistrada V4 S – Full Package | $39,690 |
| Multistrada V4 Sport S – Performance Package | $36,790 |
| Multistrada V4 Sport S – Full Package | $40,690 |
