Watch out for the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS! A trail bike in sheep's clothing with a superbike heart

Ducati continues presenting its new 2024 models, and now we arrive at the fourth chapter, where an “old acquaintance” becomes the star once again: the Ducati Multistrada. But watch out, because the Borgo Panigale brand now surprises us with a new, very radical version of the versatile trail bike, inspired by Ducati’s sportbikes.

It is called the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS, final initials that suggest we are dealing with a model with clear sporting intentions, and this is reflected in the bike’s own livery, which is exclusive to it and will be the only one available to choose, inspired by the Desmosedici GP, with touches of Iceberg White. This livery is combined with carbon fibre in elements such as the front mudguard, the exclusive-design handguards, the heat shields and the front “beak”.

The lines of the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS are the same as on any other Multistrada, but at the rear the Multistrada V4 RS receives a seat cowl with an exclusive design for this model, which reinforces its sporting character. This new cowl, of a more streamlined design and made of technopolymer, integrates the passenger grab handles and is mounted on a titanium structure, which, thanks to this design detail, also allows a weight reduction of 2.5 kilograms compared with the standard model.

But now let’s get to the good stuff, because you probably can’t imagine what the heart of the Multistrada V4 RS is. Until now the most powerful Multistrada was the V4 Pikes Peak, and the baton will obviously be taken up by the V4 RS, which fits the same 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale as the Panigale. As expected, it is toned down, with a smooth, regular power delivery at low revs, as is to be expected on a Multistrada, but like any good desmodromic V4 engine it unleashes all its character and takes your breath away at high revs.

This engine, homologated to Euro 5+, produces a power output of 180 CV and reaches up to 13,500 rpm, the territory reserved for unleashing the temperament of the Panigale and the Streetfighter, all accompanied by the sweet melody of the Akrapovič exhaust developed for this model. It is linked to a six-speed quickshifter in which the final drive ratio has been shortened while keeping the gear ratios unchanged, and, as on the Panigale V4 SP2 and Streetfighter V4 SP2, it features a STM-EVO SBK dry clutch made of machined aluminium, with a specific configuration of springs and anti-hop ramps.

The engine is enclosed by a frame developed with the 17-inch front wheel as its main focus. It is a cast aluminium monocoque designed to achieve a different steering head angle. It also fits Marchesini forged aluminium wheels shod with Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres, as well as Öhlins EC 2.0 suspension, and a braking system with 330 mm discs at the front and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers fitted with the Panigale V4’s pads, plus 265 mm discs on the rear axle with a Brembo floating caliper.

Like any Ducati, the Multistrada V4 RS is also packed with technology, such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection, a Bosch inertial platform with four Power Modes (which for the first time includes Full mode, delivering maximum power in every gear), along with four other Riding Modes, Engine Brake Control, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control. Everything is configurable to the rider’s liking and visible on the 6.5-inch TFT display with exclusive graphics. The rider, by the way, will sit in a more sporty position thanks to the rearset and higher footpegs, together with a narrower and lower handlebar.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is already available in Spain and will not suit every budget, starting at a price of €40,990, but if you want to get your hands on one, hurry, because it will be produced in a limited run.