When it comes to big, luxurious and mind-bendingly fast adventure bikes, the Ducati Multistrada V4 is perhaps the first one that will pop into your head. Offered in five variants, the big Multistrada has a variant to suit just about any purpose, both on the road and off it. In this article, we’ll explain in detail what each variant offers and how much it costs.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Ducati Multistrada variant breakdown
Standard
The standard variant of the Multistrada V4 forms the base for four of the five variants available and is a great starting point. It uses the same 1,158cc liquid-cooled 90-degree V4 motor, making the same 170hp/124Nm as all the other variants, except the RS. The mainframe, subframe and styling are also shared with the other variants.
Where it differs is in terms of equipment, chassis parts and price. The standard Multistrada V4 comes with a smaller 5-inch TFT display, different switchgear and doesn’t have radar technology for safety assists like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and the like. It also uses mechanically adjustable suspension and comes with Brembo’s ubiquitous M4.32 monobloc brake calipers with smaller 320mm twin discs. At Rs 24.56 lakh, it is also the most affordable of all the Multistrada V4 models, although it isn’t exactly well-priced, even in the context of big, European adventure bikes.
S
The S variant is largely similar to the standard Multistrada V4 but brings in a host of tech, more equipment and a higher price tag. One of the biggest reasons to go for the S model is the Skyhook electronically adjustable suspension that can be tailored to suit your needs and riding style almost instantaneously at the press of a button. It also comes with front and rear radar technology, which enables adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-change assist and many more functions. You also get a larger 6.5-inch TFT screen with much more complex switchgear to control the added functionality.
The S also brings in beefy Brembo Stylema calipers mated to large 330mm disc brakes to handle stopping duties, something which is important, keeping its 232kg weight (without fuel) in mind. You also get two more colour options to choose from – black and white – in addition to the signature Ducati red, and you can even spec it with cross-spoke laced rims. At Rs 30.61 lakh, it does cost a fair bit more than the standard variant but does bring in a dollop of tech and bragging rights to the table.
Rally
The Rally variant is to the Multistrada V4 line-up what the Adventure variant is to BMW’s GS family – a big 30-litre fuel tank, which brings in immense mile-munching capabilities and longer travel electronically adjustable suspension than the standard and S models. The V4 Rally also comes standard with cross-spoke rims, which are accessories on the aforementioned variants.
This was also one of the first modern-day V4 Ducatis to debut cylinder deactivation, which means that at a standstill and at low speeds, the rear bank of cylinders will be switched off to keep engine heat and fuel consumption in check. Priced at Rs 31.76 lakh, the V4 Rally is probably the most capable model in the Multistrada V4 family when it comes to covering continents.
Pikes Peak
The Pikes Peak is the sportiest of the Multistrada V4 models powered by the Granturismo engine. One look at the Pikes Peak, and you can tell that it does justice to its name with 17-inch Marchesini-forged aluminium wheels shod with Pirelli Rosso IV rubber, sportier Ohlins electronically adjustable suspension, a homologated Akrapovic end can and a single-sided swingarm – this is one of the precious few Ducati bikes on sale today with this exquisite component.
The Pikes Peak also goes above and beyond with a dedicated Race mode in addition to the other similar modes you’ll see on the ‘lower’ Multistrada V4 variants. It comes in a solitary colour option – black/red with white racing stripes – and at Rs 36.17 lakh, the Pikes Peak costs more than even the latest-gen base Panigale V4!
RS
The RS, while listed under the Multistrada V4 banner on Ducati’s website, is powered by the same 1,103cc fire-breathing Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine seen on the Panigale V4, Streetfighter V4 and Diavel V4 RS models. Here, this powerhouse is mated to a dry clutch for that signature Ducati rattle and develops 180hp and 118Nm of torque. These numbers are relatively tame compared to the Panigale and Streetfighter but still a cut above all other Multistrada models. It also comes with super sticky, track-focused Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres.
The V4 RS is a numbered edition model and comes draped in carbon fibre and billet-machined components and even has a rear subframe made entirely of titanium! Other noteworthy features of the RS are that its handlebar is mounted directly to the top of the steering head – sans any risers – for a more ‘connected and sporty’ riding experience, and it doesn’t even have a mounting point for a top box, further cementing its sporting intent. At Rs 43.46 lakh, the Multistrada V4 RS is equal parts an exercise in excess as well as being one of the fastest mile-munching bikes on the planet.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
