The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is the most extreme version of Ducati’s adventure flagship, and the clearest example yet of Ducati blurring the line between adventure touring and outright superbike performance. In place of the touring tuned Granturismo V4 found in every other Multistrada, the RS swaps in an engine derived directly from the Panigale sportsbike line.
That 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4, with an 81mm by 53.5mm bore and stroke, 14.0:1 compression and its counter-rotating crankshaft, revs hard to 12,250rpm for a searing 180hp and delivers 118Nm of torque at 9,500rpm, a step beyond anything else in the Multistrada range. Drive goes through a six speed gearbox with the latest Ducati Quick Shift up and down, running a chain final drive on a 15 tooth front and 43 tooth rear sprocket, while a multiplate dry clutch with slipper action gives a distinctly mechanical, race derived character at idle and on hard downshifts, quite unlike the wet clutch fitted to the rest of the range.
Fully adjustable Ohlins suspension at both ends, a 48mm fork and TTX36 monoshock, uses Smart EC 2.0 event based electronic control to adjust compression and rebound damping in real time as the bike rides, with electronic preload adjustment at the rear adding a further layer of automatic set up, over a 1,591mm wheelbase. Twin 330mm front discs with Brembo Stylema four piston callipers and a 280mm rear disc, backed by Cornering ABS, deliver race level stopping power, while Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres, a 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear and a sportier compound than the trail biased rubber on other Multistradas, sharpen grip and feedback on tarmac. At 225kg, it carries its extra performance without becoming unwieldy.
A 22 litre tank keeps realistic range intact despite the far sportier remit, meaning it can still cover genuine distance between fuel stops. It suits experienced riders who want their adventure bike to perform like a superbike whenever the road allows, rather than prioritising off road capability or outright comfort. Available now at GT Motorcycles, your Ducati dealer in Plymouth, serving riders across Devon and Cornwall, with finance and test rides available.
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