Ducati has revealed the most powerful model in the Multistrada line-up, the V4 RS. The Multistrada V4 RS is the only one to use the 1,103cc engine derived from the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4 models, and it makes 180hp and 118Nm here.
- Makes 10hp more than Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
- Torque is down by 8Nm compared to Pikes Peak
- Titanium used to construct subframe
In this bike, the liquid-cooled, 1,103cc, 90-degree V4 engine makes 180hp at 12,250rpm and 118Nm of torque at 9,500rpm. While these numbers are down compared to the Panigale or the Streetfighter, this makes the RS more powerful than even the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, despite it making slightly less torque. The Multistrada V4 RS is also the only model to use a dry clutch for that unmistakable rattle, just like on the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Another element that's borrowed from the V4 R is the air filter, claims Ducati.
While the aluminium monocoque main frame is carried over from the other Multistradas, the RS uses a titanium sub-frame, which is a claimed 2.5kg lighter than the regular one. Just like the Pikes Peak variant, the RS also gets Marchesini forged aluminium wheels. To shave off weight even further, Ducati has even endowed the RS with a ‘smaller’ battery. All this being said, Ducati hasn’t revealed any dry/kerb weight figures for the RS yet.
As with all modern-day Ducatis, the Multistrada V4 RS comes with a bevy of riding modes, including multiple engine power modes, engine braking control, riding modes, traction control, wheelie control, hill-hold control, launch control, a bi-directional quickshifter, radar-assisted adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection.
The Multistrada V4 RS is suspended by the same Ohlins electronically adjustable suspension as the Pikes Peak variant. Braking hardware, too, is the same with the only difference being that the RS uses the same front brake pads as the Panigale V4. Pirelli supplies the tyres and the RS runs on the sticky Diablo Rosso 4 Corsa compound. Further reinforcing its sporting credentials are a lower, flatter, slimmer handlebar and foot pegs that are placed further back for a more engaging riding position.
While the Multistrada V4 RS isn’t a limited edition model, Ducati says it is a ‘numbered’ edition, with each bike featuring a numbered plaque on the triple clamp. January 2024 is when the Multistrada V4 RS will be made available globally and we can expect the model to launch here sometime next year. When it does come here, expect it to carry a heftier price tag than the Rs 31.48 lakh (ex-showroom, India) Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
