2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 First Look

[Hugh Janus]

The Ducati Multistrada V4 will be making its way stateside in January of 2021, with a base MSRP of $19,995 (Ducati/)

18 years and 110,000 units after the original Multistrada hit the market, the fourth generation 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 has been unveiled at Borgo Panigale by CEO Claudio Domenicali. Domenicali, as much an enthusiast as a corporate higher-up, laid out all the technical and functional details that set the new Multistrada V4 apart from its previous iterations and competitors.

With the decline of superbike sales, Ducati has invested in the development of highly functional, practical, versatile bikes like the all-new Multistrada V4. And on paper, the V4 appears to be a platform built to meet the expectations of sport touring enthusiasts without the mythical exclusivity of the brand’s past.

The heart of the Ducati Multistrada V4 is the 1,158cc Granturismo V4, sans that engine’s desmodromic valve train. The new powerplant is claimed to produce an impressive 170 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 92.2 pound-feet of torque at 8,750 rpm while meeting the tightening Euro 5 emissions standards.

One up-spec option of the Multistrada V4 is the S model, featured here. With semi-active suspension, a larger TFT dashboard, Brembo braking components, and more electronic adjustability, this model also comes from Ducati equipped with panniers. (Ducati/)

Claimed numbers are impressive, to be sure; but Ducati also claims the new powerplant is more than two pounds lighter than the Testastretta DVT 1260cc V-twin engine in its predecessor. It’s more compact, too, allowing for optimal engine location for proper weight bias and neutral handling character. Wheelbase has also shrunk by one inch, to 61.7 in.

Thermal comfort was analyzed while designing the Multistrada V4, resulting in strategically placed venting to improve heat dissipation, particularly at low speeds and while stopped. The engine also automatically shuts off the rear cylinders at low speeds to prevent uncomfortable heat build up underneath the seat.

Harnessing the engine’s performance is a sophisticated electronic rider-aid package, with a six-axis Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU) at the forefront. The system manages the Multistrada’s Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), and Cornering ABS function on all Multistrada models, while the up-spec V4 S platforms incorporate Cornering Lights (DCL) and Vehicle Hold Control (VHC). A bi-directional Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS) is also fitted.

The S model increases the TFT display size from 5 inches to 6.5 inches. (Ducati/)

Multistrada V4 S models also incorporate an all-new radar system, co-developed with Bosch, allowing for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) functions, as well as Blind Spot Detection (BSD) for more comfortable, safer riding. The system will reportedly be available in the United States in mid 2021; once certified, the pack will be offered as an $850 option.

Inspired by Ducati’s Panigale superbike platform, the Multistrada V4 does away with the classic steel trellis frame and adopts a  fully integrated cast-aluminum pyramid-shaped monocoque structure, although steel tubing can still be seen in the subframe. A new aluminum swingarm is featured, encompassing the base model’s Marzocchi gas-charged shock. A massive 50mm Marzocchi fork is used on the base model, and suspension travel is a respective 6.9 inches up front and 7.0 inches in the rear.

Geometry-wise, the chassis features slightly reduced front end rake and trail compared to the outgoing Multistrada 1260. Rake is down from 25° to 24.5° and trail from 4.4 in. to 4.03 in. Being more compact, the engine is set higher, which is said to generate a more balanced and homogenous man-machine association for sure-footed feel at all lean angles, as well as allowing more generous clearance over rough terrain.

A pair of beloved Brembo Stylema calipers and 330mm discs are fitted to the S model for superior stopping power. (Ducati/)

A wind-tunnel developed front fairing inspired by the Panigale V4 improves rider comfort, while the 5.8 gallon fuel tank has been reshaped to offer an easier reach to the ground. Standard seat height is 33.0 inches, while lower (31.9 in.) and taller (34.5 in.) seats are offered by Ducati for a more custom fit.

Ducati is offering the new platform in three different levels: the standard Multistrada V4; the Multistrada V4 S; and the Multistrada V4 S Sport. The two up-spec models include semi-active Marzocchi suspension with Ducati’s Skyhook technology and an auto-leveling system which automatically adjusts for extra load on the chassis (passengers, luggage, etc.). They also receive top-shelf Brembo Stylema calipers with larger 330mm discs (compared to 320mm on the standard), the radar system with adaptive cruise control and blindspot detection, additional riding and suspension modes, and a larger 6.5-inch TFT dashboard in comparison to the base model’s 5-inch TFT display.

The top-tier Multistrada V4 S Sport gets an Akrapovič exhaust, carbon front fender, and unique livery. (Ducati/)

The Sport model comes equipped with a unique livery, Akrapovič exhaust and carbon front fender.

Ducati will offer additional accessory packs, the Enduro, Touring, Urban, Performance, and Travel, each designed with additional features to suit every rider’s needs.

All in all, the Multistrada V4 is intended to be a real game changer in the sport-touring category, and Ducati does not want to miss a beat in creating the most diverse model line in its history; a model that might convince the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer, led by enthusiast Domenicali, to increase the production numbers.

MSRP for the 2021 Multistrada V4 begins at $19,995 in the United States, while the V4 S with Travel and Radar will cost $24,095. Each is expected to hit stateside dealerships in January of 2021.

Source