The best thing since sliced bread – Ducati Multistrada V4
Ducati threw the cat among the pigeons with their all-new, all-powerful, high-tech, go-anywhere Multistrada V4 Granturismo.
Boasting 170 hp (125 KW) at 10,500 RPM and 92 lb-ft (125 Nm) of torque at 8,750 RPM, the 3 models – V4, V4 S and V4 S Sport – feature the new 1158 cc, 83 mm bore x 53.5 mm stroke, dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder V4 90% four-cylinder water-cooled engine that weighs only 147 lb (66.7 kg), 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) lighter than the 1260 V Twin engines.
All that power and torque is delivered through a 6-speed gearbox, with an optional Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down System available.
The V4 Granturismo engine measures 3.5 in (85 mm) shorter and 3.7 in (95 mm) lower than the Multistrada 1260 cc V Twin yet is only 0.78 in (20 mm) wider.
The famous Ducati Desmodronic valve system found in the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4 has been dropped in favour of a traditional valve spring design, allowing Ducati to stretch the V4 Granturismo recommended oil change to every 9,000 miles (14,400 km) and the full service intervals to 37,000 miles (60,000 km). Impressive!
Weighing in at from 474 lb (215 kg) dry, the Multistrada V4 is only 6.6 lb (3 kg) heavier than the 1260 S.
All the models are shod with 120/70-19 front and 170/60-17 rear tyres, the standard fitment being Pirelli Scorpion Trail II. (You might want to swop those for something more off-road capable when attempting to put 100+ horsepower down onto a dirt road.)
Beefy 50 mm Marzocchi shocks allow up to 170mm travel up front while the single side-mounted rear shock allows 180mm travel. The Skyhook suspension is available on the S and S Sport models.
Ground clearance is 8.6 inches (218 mm). Seat height is between 32 and 34.5 inches (810 and 880 mm).
Stopping power is provided by twin 330 mm Brembo discs up front and a single disc at the rear.
The 5.8-gallon (22 litres) fuel tank seems ample but the 7.9-gallon (30 litres) from the 1260 Enduro would be an ideal option.
V4 vs V4 S vs V4 S Sport
The main difference between the base model and the S version is the array of available electronics, from a larger TFT screen – 6.5″ instead of 5″ for the base model – to keyless ignition, cornering lights, radar-assisted cruise control, anti-weave control, cornering ABS, hill hold control, up/down quick shifter and the electronic semi-active Marzocchi Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution suspension system with autoleveling function.
And, of course – just as with the (faboulous) 950 S – the S models have off-road-ready wire-spoked wheels available.
Ruling all roads has never been so easy
Most motorcycle V engines have, until now, one thing in common: roasting of the nuts as the real cylinder gets hots under the seat. Ducati borrowed the concept from Harley and Indian to deactive the rear bank of cylinders when the engines gets too hot or when at idle. Excellent.
To improve both city and off road adventure riding capabilities, Ducati shortened the 1st gear while making the 6th gear longer. This enhances their claim of “Ruling all roads has never been so easy” for this beautiful machine to be “one bike for all roads.” That is, until the competitors raise the bar again.
Bosch motorcycle radar system
The Multistrada Granturismo is equiped with the awesome Bosch radar front-and-rear system similar to those found in modern motorcars. It scans for traffic front and rear to adjust preset braking distances and accelaration and can detect traffic in blind spots, as explained in the video below.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali introduces the Multistrada V4 Granturismo –
Now, if only the Multistrada V4 S had an automatic gearbox à la the Honda Africa Twin DCT and a Christini all-wheel drive front end it would have been the best thing since sliced bread.
12/11/2020. Category: Wheels. Topic: Ducati, motorcycles.