Ducati Multistrada V4 RS Revealed as a Superbike and Adventure Half-Breed

Whereas the other two were bikes playing in their respective segments with no major departures, the V4 RS is something special indeed. And that is not in small part because Ducati is calling it the perfect mix of Superbike and touring – something we rarely come across, even at a declarative level.

If you think about it, though, the Multistrada was born exactly 20 years ago as a half-breed between a Supermoto and a sport tourer, so there should be no surprise in this evolution of the family.

Ducati describes the new version as the "sportiest, most sophisticated and exclusive Multistrada ever created." It should also be the "most exciting Multistrada ever created by Ducati," and the details about it make that more than clear.

The motorcycle will not be made in large quantity, but as part of a numbered series of undisclosed size. In each and every example of the line, the Superbike DNA of the V4 RS is supplied, of course, by the engine fitted inside the monocoque aluminum frame.

The powerplant is of the Desmosedici Stradale type, a derivation of the one deployed on the Panigale V4. In the entire Multistrada range, the V4 RS will be the only one that gets to use it. The unit is 1,103cc in displacement and has been tuned to develop 180 hp at 13,500 rpm.

A billet aluminium dry clutch the likes of which we also see on the Panigale V4 SP2 and Streetfighter V4 SP2 makes controlling all that power easier. The engine breaths out through an exhaust system that ends in an Akrapovic silencer specifically developed for the model.

The bike spins Marchesini aluminum forged rims, with the one at the front sized at 17 inches. Because weight saving was one of the main criteria when developing this motorcycle, they bring to the table a weight cuts of 2.7 kg (5.9 pounds) compared to the ones installed on the V4 S. Both of them are wrapped in Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires.

Further weight cuts were achieved thanks to the installation of a 2.5 kg-lighter (5.5 pounds) seat support frame, and a smaller battery: this one eliminates 3 kg (6.6 pounds) from the bike's waist compared to the Pikes Peak.

The suspension needs of the Multistrada V4 RS are handled by Ohlins gear. It's of the same kind used on the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, only recalibrated for the needs of this new machine. A single-sided aluminum swingarm can be seen at the rear.

The ride is, like most other Ducati of the modern era, a collection of advanced technologies. Braking power, for instance, is ensured by means of Brembo hardware the likes of which we also get on the Panigale V4.

It too uses the still new radar tech that enhances the adaptive cruise control (ACC) and blind spot detection (BSD). On top of that, the usual traction control, wheelie control, and quick shift are on deck to make the rider's life easier.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS can be configured to operate in one of four riding modes, namely Race, Sport, Touring, Urban.

Design-wise there are a number of elements meant to make the RS stand out. I said earlier the bike will be made as part of a numbered series, and each of their numbers will be visible on a black aluminum plate that also includes the Italian flag and is installed on the triple clamp.

A defining element of the ride is the techno-polymer slim tail, unique to this model and used to house the handles for the passenger. Carbon fiber elements can be seen throughout: on the front mudguard, the hand guards (they too made specifically for the RS), and heat shields.

When looked at from the side, the Multistrada shows a different stance than we're used to, and somewhat similar to that of the Pikes Peak. That's thanks to the increase in the inclination of the steering head (25.75 degrees compared to 24.5).

On top of that, the handlebar is narrower and sits lower than we're used to, ending in newly designed grips. As far as the rider's feet are concerned, they will now sit higher and further back thanks to the relocation of the footrests.

As far as the paint job goes, the Multistrada V4 RS will be offered in only one livery, Iceberg White, with RS logos visible throughout (but also on the 6.5-inch screen graphics). Throwbacks to the colors of the Desmosedici MotoGP are obvious.

Ducati will start rolling out the new bike in January of next year, but so far it has not announced pricing for the model.