Ducati Multistrada V4 spied in near-production-ready form

Back in September 2019, we brought you news that the Ducati Multistrada V4 will launch in 2021. Unlike a lot of other launches that have been postponed owing to the pandemic, this one seems to be on track, as the upcoming Multistrada V4 has recently been spied testing in near-production-ready form. 

• Ducati Multistrada V4 spied in near-production form

• Expected to be launched in late October

• Will feature an all-new engine and 19-inch front wheel.

What do we know of the Multistrada V4?

At first glance, there are some notable differences in comparison to the current iteration of the Multistrada. For starters, the Multistrada V4 employs a conventional double-sided swingarm, unlike the single-sided unit on the Multistrada 1260. This isn’t the first time that a Multistrada has donned a double-sided swingarm – we’ve seen it on the smaller Multistrada 950 and the off-road-biased Multistrada 1260 Enduro. This test mule sports wire-spoke wheels, but there are older spy shots on the internet of a Multistrada V4 with alloy wheels. This implies that, just like with the current V-twin powered Multistrada, there will be a standard road-going iteration and an off-road variant. However, there are rumours that Ducati is looking to replace the two-model structure with just one Multistrada V4, and until the bikes are officially launched, there is no way to be sure about what’s in store.

Another big change comes in the form of a larger front wheel. It has been reported that the Multistrada V4 will sport a 19-inch front wheel like the 1260 Enduro (the 1260 features a 17-inch front). This 19-inch front and 17-inch rear format puts it on a more level playing field with close rivals like the BMW R 1250 GS and Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx. 

Will it use the V4 engine from the Panigale V4?

We know that at the core of the bike will be a V4 engine, however, it has been reported that the engine is not a detuned iteration of the one on the Panigale V4. Sources say that the Multistrada V4 will be powered by an all-new engine, and considering its vastly different intentions and riding conditions, this does seem like a valid course of action for the Italian manufacturer. 

Ducati usually saves all its launches for the Ducati World Premiere that it typically organises in October and it’s around this time that we expect some official information, if not a launch, for the Multistrada V4.