2021 Multistrada V4

Description

The new V4 retains and extends the winning formula of “four bikes in one” introduced by the Multistrada in 2010.

The Multistrada V4 covers a variety of souls. The “Sport”, light and compact, powered by 170 hp, advanced electronic MotoGP aid system together with a chassis set-up featuring agile dimensions for an exciting and effective ride in mixed terrain. The Multistrada V4 is also “Touring”, thanks to the main maintenance intervals set every 60,000 km, obsessive attention to ride comfort, all-new front and rear Radar systems, cartographic navigation system, directly viewed on the dashboard, as well as cornering lights. It also has an “Enduro” mood thanks to its out-of-the-ordinary off-road capability, electronic suspensions, smooth delivery, and gear ratio. Lastly, it reveals its “Urban” character with unprecedented handling at low speeds, which is combined with top-level connectivity system and thermal comfort.

Multistrada, its name holds an ambitious promise: the ability to dominate “many roads” (to be precise, in Italian “multi” stands for “many” so “Multi-Strada” means “many roads”). Initially born to show a sporty attitude it is now a versatile machine, capable of tackling whatever road conditions while integrating safety and robustness features.

In 18 years more than 110,000 units have been produced and since its birth, in 2003, the Multistrada has constantly evolved and expanded its vocation. The first Multistrada was designed as a sports bike, featuring excellent torque and mainly suitable for a road use. The 2010 version was the first “four bikes in one”, namely the first motorcycle in the world featuring Riding Modes, which compared to the 2003 version offered greater comfort for both rider and passenger, better aerodynamic protection and higher performance. In 2015, to improve throttle delivery, it was equipped with the first variable-timing engine.

The fourth generation Multistrada has become an even more performing bike. In short, easier to ride, more robust and ultra-light, more versatile and comfortable yet effective in every single riding condition. It is clear that Ducati wanted the Multistrada V4 to be an unrivalled top-performer. Like other bikes in the Multistrada family, the V4 is available with the “4Ever Multistrada”, a 4-year warranty with unlimited mileage (Country Specific: Europe only).

When shape meets function

In all Ducati sartorial motoring projects, Multistrada V4 included, shape is constantly related to its intended function. For this reason, the design work behind this project was influenced by its technical soul. A clear example of this principle is the perfect integration of the front and rear radar system into the lines of the bike, where wide surfaces smoothly embody aerodynamics and chassis set-up innovations, in order to bring a robust yet refined aesthetic result. To visually increase the overall touch of solidity of use without adding weight to the shapes, the Ducati team’s effort has gone into perfect balancing of proportions and compactness of the bodywork within the wheelbase. The front headlight, featuring DRL system inspired by the Panigale, makes the Multistrada V4 very sporty and immediately recognizable. The unbalanced vehicle proportions of the front, featuring muscular yet sexy lines which perfectly integrate the 22-litre tank, are mixed with the sleek rear section that allows an optimal position even when standing in off-road adventures. Once again shape and function are protagonists in the meticulous studies concerning aerodynamic flows. Every single element of the front, from the Perspex fairing to the “beak” and even the air vent slits, has been designed to ensure the rider supreme aerodynamic and thermal comfort. Even the small aerodynamic appendages, which help draw heat off the rider’s legs, perform this function.

Beating heart

The engine is the beating heart of a bike. Extremely light (66.7 kg) and ultra-compact, unrivalled within its category the all-new V4 Granturismo engine guarantees extremely smooth operation at low revs and linear torque curve as well.

The 1158 cc V4 Granturismo engine delivers 125 kW (170 hp) at 10,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 125 Nm (12.7 Kgm) at 8,750 rpm. The torque curve ensures maximum smoothness and delivery progression, even fully loaded, giving that appealing feeling of a real “instant throttle response”. To achieve this goal great attention has been reserved for the torque curves dedicated to each gear, in order to always obtain a fluid delivery at low revs, rich in torque in the mid-range and a sporty, unstoppable character at the highs. In addition, Ducati engineers also concentrated on the gear ratio, with a short first gear and therefore excellent for travelling and manoeuvring at extremely low speeds, uphill starts even when fully loaded and off-road sections. The sixth gear, instead, results ideal to tackle lengthy motorway travel.

Ducati’s constant care to customer needs is also underlined by a high increase in maintenance intervals. As a matter of fact, on the Multistrada V4 the oil only needs changing every 15,000 km intervals, while the valve play check, or adjustment if necessary, is set every 60,000 km intervals. No other production bike currently available on the market goes that far.

The V4 Granturismo engine has been designed for road use and it also exploits, when needed, all the technical benefits that Ducati has developed over years of experience in the world of competition. Among these, the counter-rotating crankshaft, which by working “against” the inertia generated by the wheels, enhances handling, reduces pitching, and consequently improves efficiency and riding pleasure even on the road.

State-of-the-art electronics

On the electronics front, the Multistrada V4 represents the state-of-the-art in the motorcycle sector. That is true in terms of safety, comfort, performance, and connectivity features as well. The inertial platform (IMU) manages the operation of ABS Cornering, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), in the “cornering” version and, on the Multistrada V4 S, the Cornering Lights (DCL). Another as-standard feature on the Multistrada V4 S is Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), which makes restarts easier, especially on a gradient. On the Multistrada V4 S, the inertial platform also communicates with the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) system. The latter is not only capable of analysing riding conditions and adjusting the hydraulics of the fork and shock absorber instantly, but – for the first time – it also integrates the Autoleveling function. This recognizes the load on the bike and then autonomously adjusts the setting and is offered in addition to the options already available: rider only, rider with luggage, rider with passenger or rider with passenger and luggage. The tyre pressure monitoring system is also available as an optional for the Multistrada V4.

To further improve the customer’s riding experience, Ducati technicians have completely revised both user interface and dashboard graphics (now multilingual), which on the Multistrada V4 S features an adjustable 6.5-inch TFT unit. Furthermore, on the S version a joystick has been added in the left switchgear, to ensure easy navigation through the new and intuitive menu. Other new features include the Ducati Connect system, which allows, via Bluetooth and wi-fi, the “mirroring” function of the mobile phone app on the dashboard and control via the joystick. Phone and music management results intuitive, while using the Sygic navigation app the rider can visualize the navigation system map directly on the dashboard. Finally, in the upper section of the tank a compartment has been obtained, accessible via a small door, in which it is possible to store the smartphone and keep it charged via an USB port.

Thanks to the Multistrada V4 Ducati also introduces an absolute gem in the world of motorcycles: the revolutionary Radar system, which allows the use of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). Radars are advanced aid systems that Ducati have developed in close collaboration with a top-level technology partner like Bosch, systems capable of supporting and making riding more comfortable thanks to the ability to reconstruct the reality surrounding the motorbike.

Performing, comfortable, intuitive

The Multistrada V4 is equipped with an aluminium monocoque frame, 19” front wheel, double-sided swing arm and is also available with spoked wheels. It has a reduced wheelbase (1,567 mm), sporty front end, suspensions with long travel (170 mm front-180 mm rear), ground clearance of 220 mm and a dry weight of 215 kg. All this allows the Multistrada V4 to be intuitive and effective between curves like an authentic Ducati and at the same time results easy to ride and versatile for both on and off-road challenges. For this reason, with the Multistrada V4 each journey turns into a beautiful adventure, always within everyone’s reach.

Riding fun and great comfort are achieved thanks to Ducati’s careful study on riding position. Compared to previous Multistrada models, now the rider is even more protagonist with a more “dominant” position. The central section of the bike is particularly narrow and allows an ideal riding position even when riding standing in off-road sections. New ergonomics also provides a solid support when the rider puts his feet on the ground, to better manoeuvre the bike when stationary. For this reason, a lot of attention was paid during the design phase to achieve a reduced seat height, two-position adjustable, 840 mm and 860 mm (810 mm low seat and 875 mm high seat are also available as accessories). This added value is crucial especially in low speed manoeuvres, even when fully loaded, also because the new Multistrada V4 can load over 230 kg.

To maximize comfortable long-distance motorway travelling Ducati engineers focused their attention on what in the automotive world is known as Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH), which is basically a measure of the comfort delivered by a vehicle while driving. A detailed aerodynamic study, also in the wind tunnel, was carried out for the Multistrada V4 project, in order to obtain the best air protection both for rider and passenger, reducing noise and keeping away the heat coming from the engine. The result is a Perspex screen with a beautiful silhouette, adjustable in height with a single finger and combined with two side deflectors. From the shape of the handguards to the overall protection from the air, every aspect has been studied in detail. Equally, the sound of the engine, which results gentle yet rich and characterized by the exclusive Ducati soundtrack. The V4 Granturismo engine also adopts the strategy of deactivating the rear bank at idle. In doing so, when the bike is stopped at the traffic lights, the rear bank is deactivated (there is no combustion in the cylinders), improving the thermal comfort of the rider and passenger, thanks to the lowering of temperatures and reduced consumption. All this, together with the very low level of vibrations makes even the longest journey more pleasant to ride and less tiring, whether alone or in a pair. Furthermore, with the constant aim of maximising comfort, heated grips and heated rider and passenger seats are still available (as accessories).

Packs and trims

Introducing the new Multistrada V4, also available in the S and S Sport versions (both offered with spoked wheels as option), Ducati aims to innovate even the purchasing procedure. The customer will be free to order the all-new Multistrada V4 already equipped and embellished with exclusive trims, personalising it according to his own style and needs. In short, the motorcycle is directly built at the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale with the required equipment while accessory packs are still available at Ducati dealers.

With the new Multistrada, dominating all roads has never been so easy.