Multi-road V4: test of the new Ducati with granturismo engine

But let’s go with order.

The design of the new Multistrada

The new Multi actually represents a new page in the conception of this bike, whose story began in 2003 with a model that focused a lot on the sporty aspect and evolved with the arrival of the four valves and riding modes towards an increasingly versatile use, but always with the emphasis on use on the road.

The Multistrada V4, on the other hand, precisely by setting, moves and expands the situations in which the bike can be used, including the enduro use and in the light off-road vehicle. This is demonstrated in this sense by the presence of the 19″ front wheel,the specific gear relation, the revised driving position, its own engine that has one of its strengths in the linearity of dispensing at low speeds.

At the same time, the new version aims with greater conviction at users who love long-haul travel, as demonstrated by the long intervals provided for maintenance (up to 60,000 km for valve gaming) and the studies carried out in the wind tunnel to minimize turbulence and improve the protection rider and passenger.

The V4 multi-road vehicle, also available in versions S and S Sport (even with spoked wheels), will have the interesting characteristic of being prepared already in the factory with the equipment requested by the customer: the bike, as a result, is assembled directly in Borgo Panigale with all the required equipment, including the usual accessory packages that make it more suitable for travel rather than offroad.

V4 Granturismo, the engine of the new Multistrada V4

As mentioned, we are talking about the new V4 Granturismo in a special article dedicated above all to the delicate issue of abandoning the Desmo distribution.

Taboo aside, it is necessary to point out that you are in front of a completely new unit, as evidenced by its cubage of 1158 cc for a power of 170 Hp at 10,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 12.7 kg at 8750 rpm.

But what is the purpose of this Granturism? Easy, have fluidity at low speeds, lots of medium torque and sporty performance at highs.

Will they have succeeded? You will find out soon, when in the next pages we will tell you about our driving sensations.

Electronics

Here we are on a terrain where ducati undoubtedly makes a difference. Thanks to the inertial platform, and their specific experience, the technicians of Borgo Panigale have equipped the new Multistrada V4 with everything the modern biker can dream of: without being on the shopping list, here is just everything you could want in terms of safety and comfort.

On the S, the talk becomes even more enveloping if we take into account semi-active suspension, cornering lights and help for starting from sloping roads.

Of course, the four Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro) are always available. Completely revised also the dashboard user interface which is easy to read and intuitive; for the S version, then, we have, a 6.5-inch TFT unit adjustable in inclination, complete with joystick. For the more connected, there is also a special compartment in the tank where you can accommodate and charge your mobile phone.

The chassis of the Multistrada V4

To underline the change of pace with the past, already abundantly traveled with the engine, there is also the frame consisting of an aluminum monoscot.

The swingarm, always made of aluminum, is also completely new, with a two-arm layout and a “traliccio” structure,chosen to offer a good compromise between rigidity and lightness.

The bike then has agile altitudes,as evidenced by the 24.5° inclination of the steering cannotto, such as to potentially guarantee effective and sporty driving in the mix. The analysis of the bike ends the relatively compact measurements of the wheel (1567 mm) and the suspension with excursion suitable for offroad use (170 mm front and 180 mm rear), so as to ensure a ground light of 220 mm.

The dry weight is 215 kg.

Suspension

Important fork, 50 mm, and fully adjustable, while behind here is a Marzocchi shock absorber that connects the swingarm directly to the frame; it is also adjustable in spring preload and hydraulic brakes in extension and compression. On the Sversion, as ducati tradition, the discourse changes because we enter the world of electronic suspension and the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system; in this case, all adjustments are made automatically and instantly, since their setting is integrated into riding modes, although it remains the possibility to customize everything thanks to the on-board computer; solution that we feel discouraged, if you do not have experience and clear ideas about it!

Completely new, however, is the Autoleveling function that recognizes the load present on the bike and independently adjusts the trim, adding to the options already available to the user: rider rider plus suitcases, rider and passenger, rider and passenger with suitcases.

Brakes

As Ducati has accustomed us well, the Multistrada V4 is also equipped with Cornering ABS adjustable on 3 levels (thanks to the presence of the Bosch IMU inertial platform) and Brembo braking system consisting of 4-piston single-block radial calipers, radial pumps with adjustable levers and double front disc of 320 mm. At the rear, here is the single 265 mm disc and floating clasps. On the S version, on the other hand, the system is superbike: 330 mm discs and Brembo Stylema single-block pliers.

Design

The style of the new Multi is very functional, because it has largely been “designed” by the wind tunnel, precisely to improve performance on motorway journeys.

Another input was that related to offroad driving, so the rear area is particularly lean to allow effective standing driving, but also to allow the rider to easily touch the ground in low-speed conditions. The last aspect that defined the design of the bike is undoubtedly the family feeling: for example, the front projector with DRL is inspired by that of the Panigale.

But the time has come to conclude with the speeches, it is time to get in the saddle!

The V4 Multi-Road Test

The Multistrada V4 impresses with pace, speed and ease between corners, for an alchemy of agility, feeling, stability, engine delivery, rigor in keeping lines. We found an extremely powerful and elastic motion, without helplessness, without vibrations.

We immediately confess what our prejudice was and how it was denied right away: we probably thought that Ducati’s commitment to creating a motorcycle for long journeys, with the Granturismo engine, with the main maintenance intervals at 60,000 km, with the primary search for comfort, had somehow sacrificed the driving fun, the pleasure of taming exuberant horses guaranteed by the latest series of Multi-road 1200 and 1260,that is, from the desmo twin-cylinders with the 17 inches in front, the monoarm and the 190 behind, the brat frame, all features that are no longer there.

Instead we were wrong, of fun and taste there are not to end, also because the new Multi has many other innovative elements that mark the new references for the entire category, and potentially the foundations of future Ducati traditions (first of all in our opinion the counter-rotating crankshaft, which annihilates the gyroscopic forces of moving masses and removes inertia in changes of direction and load transfers).

The V4 is a whole new project, but those who drive Multistrada feel at home

We are facing a real generational transition, but those who drive or have driven one of the more than 110,000 Multistrada produced by Ducati (who writes falls into this set) going up on the new Multistrada V4 will feel at home; those who have never been part of this world, on the other hand, on the new V4 will have the best welcome ever given to them.

Lots of fun between curves and comfort on the go

The fact that with the Multi V4 we found taste and fun between the curves, does not mean that they did not give the work of Ducati engineers for comfort on long journeys, hours in the wind tunnel to increase aerodynamic protection, lower noise, remove hot air from the saddle area.

At the same time, the tussing of the front and rear radars it has created systems such as adaptive Cruise control, whose usefulness and functionality will be appreciated really and to the end only when motorcyclists have the opportunity to test them (we had the honor of being among the first in the world to try these systems on a motorcycle: we are sure that they will create addiction).

Last consideration: in reality the great dynamic qualities of this new bike are not in contrast to its globetrotter soul, on the contrary: rhythm, ease, effectiveness, safety and confidence are fundamental qualities as well as comfort for those who want to travel every road (with this companion also in offroad), whether it is climbing a step like crossing a valley, crossing a city or a plateau.

We start: between roundabouts, junctions, highway

On the road the nature of the Mutistrada V4S of our test proves to be complete already in the very first kilometers: agility and driving skills we immediately test them in the left right of the first two roundabouts of Borgo Panigale, where on the asphalt spotted wet the Multi enters lightning, bends, holds the trajectory, transmits safety, accelerates getting up, exits quickly towards the junction of the ring road and then towards the A1; entered the highway we warn the exceptional thrust of the engine,the progression and the great extension, all the substance that is there from the lows, the tacher needle (in the new TFT dashboard) that splashes towards 10,000, the quickshift gearbox that shoots gears to rise, the stability that is never in question.

The front radar for adaptive cruise control

We settle for code speeds with adaptive cruise control,which gives us the ability to graph the distance we want to keep from the vehicles in front in 4 steps; the design of a car on the dashboard tells us when the radar intercepts a vehicle in our lane, which if it is slower than the speed set on our cruise makes the bike automatically slow down as soon as we reach the fixed distance: this happens gradually if the difference in speed is small, with decisive braking if instead those in front of us went much slower.

In our test the system has proven to work well and to be absolutely intuitive: imagining a long motorway trip for one of our trips, adaptive cruise control can allow us to drive the bike for hundreds of kilometers, limiting ourselves to keeping the handlebars and moving the load in curves and changes of direction. Of course, those who drive must always be focused on the road in order to be able to intervene in any circumstance.

The rear radar of the Multistrada V4

The rear radar, on the other hand, has an important function for safety and also acts as a cruise control disabled; pick up other means behind the bike, then even riderin the blind corners of the rider’s view, and light up a light on the right or left mirror according to the position of the vehicle that follows; The Blind spot detection,this is the name of the system, does even more; if the riderfor some reason, ignores the signal and decides to change the lane anyway, the light begins to flash to reiterate the concept and overcome any distractions.

The commands

Cruise control, Riding Mode (Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro as on previous versions), settings, suspension and control adjustments are visible on the new 6.5-inch screen and manageable by rider via the left block on the handlebars: the logic is very similar to that of the Multi 1200 and 1260, plus the new version has been equipped with a mini joystick that makes everything easier, but that at first can create confusion if you are looking for the command of the arrows (especially if you are wearing winter gloves).

The comfort of the new Multi thanks to a bubble that protects

In addition to the engine’s power, the stability and usefulness of the two radars, the first motorway transfer gives us the opportunity to verify the almost total protection from the air, given by the new dome with plexi divided into three parts – the central one adjustable in height with ease, with one hand and also on the move – as well as the felling of aerodynamic rustle.

Having tried the bike in late November we could unfortunately not fully appreciate the work done to increase thermal comfort, thanks also to two wings at the bottom in front of the driving seat studied in the wind tunnel to channel fresh area in the area of the rider’s riderone of the areas most affected by heat flows.

In practice, ducati technicians, thanks to aerodynamic studies, were able to create a bubble that protects rider and passenger from air, noise and heat, and in this test we were able to verify the achievement of the goal.

Driving the V4 Multistrada in the narrow mix

Finally we get out of the A1 and, after the toll booth, we begin to climb to the altitude.

Hairpin bends, curves in succession, changes of direction one after another: thanks to the few inert things at stake, the new Multi is agile in turning narrow, descending into the fold quickly and turning round without put in trouble the rider the elasticity and linearity of the engine also allow you to keep high rhythms without having to knock down gears.

Thanks to the cycling skills that favor cornering insertions, even the excellent braking system (Abs cornering, Brembo Stylema radial pliers, 330 discs in front) is also less stressed.

The Fast Drive

On theTuscan Emilian Apennines there is no shortage of curves, there are for all tastes.

On the stretches of fast mix we have the way to come to this conclusion: the rule that agility and handling are generally paid with stability is not applicable to this bike.

19-inch rim in front and aluminum monoscot frame help to give rigor to the front and the ability to hold trajectories, while counter-rotating crankshaft and sporty cycling altitudes give speed in turning.

A mix that in the guide on wide-ranging curves gives so much confidence, effectiveness, roundness and rhythm, with decisive insertions, precise lines, great hold in support even when the asphalt conditions are not the best; some of the credit goes to the grip of the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II that give a great feeling to the rider

Suspension behavior

The Sky Hooks have been on
the Multistrada
family for years and have always been a reference for how they support driving and absorb roughness according to the different Riding Modes.

In this latest evolution, the feeling and confidence on disjointed and poorly adhesion funds increases, which in some cases with the Multi V4S can also be addressed in Sport mode. In Urban mode, the tendency to pitch has been reduced compared to the past.

The Multistrada V4 off-road

During the test there was no possibility to make a real off-road vehicle. From a short test on a stretch of dirt road with a V4S version equipped with ray rims, dowels and paramotor, and with handlebars in the position designed for standing driving, we had the opportunity to test the ability to always give traction, the excursion of the suspension in Enduro mode, the shape of the tank and saddle designed for the best control of the vehicle with the legs.

Engine

Absolute power, always full dispensing, always ready, linear from the lows.

If we’re allowed to say so, the V4 in the Granturismo version is even tastier and more enjoyable than the Streetfighter version, which has 38 more horses.

Vigour, absence of vibrations, twin-cylinder sensations with the order of the “Twin pulse” bursts are aspects already known and found here. On the Granturismo version, however, thanks to the increase in displacement, we have so much substance from the bottom, and this helps in the mixture, in overtaking, in shooting with the highest gears, in the corner output.

The dispensing is a reference throughout the use, but here it should be emphasized the presence of a technical solution adopted in the last year on the Panigale 2020, on the Streetfighter and now on the Multi, the so-called “Engine Strategy”, a system that adapts the torque curve with a different supply for each gear. It is one of the many technical details that make the 4 cylinders of Borgo Panigale references for the different categories to which they belong. The gearbox with quickshift function to climb and climb works flawlessly, even in sports driving.

Brakes

Braking performance is mirrored by engine performance, i.e. at the top of the category and beyond.

Powerful, modular, even more balanced thanks also to the bike as a whole, perfect in all conditions, it is an immense contribution to overall safety in driving.

As in the Multi tradition, the V4 S also has the best possible braking system,with the aforementioned Brembo Stylema radial pliers, the top quality components and an electronic control system that adapts braking to the different Riding Modes chosen. On this Multi, however, given the different dynamic balance of the bike, the sports guide is more round and detaching to the limit is no longer so indispensable; it must also be said that on some occasions the wheel behind that is glimpsed in braking, and the muzzle of the bike pointing to the curve, continue to contribute to the happiness of the rider

Driving position

Those who drive Multistrada and get on the V4, as we have already said, feel at home.

The saddle, however, has changed, is flatter and facilitates longitudinal movements, at the same time it is more tapered and narrow in the center to favor standing driving in the off-road. The new driving position was possible thanks to the more compact engine.

The new dashboard of the Multistrada V4

We say this without fear of being denied, because we know that when you go to the dealership to try the bike you will have the same impression: the new dashboard, or dashboard for those who prefer, with 6.5-inch color TFT of the S version is beautiful and readable in any light condition, both stationary and when driving.

By the way it is adjustable in inclination by rider even with gloves (not when you are on the road) and has a new interface redesigned with the aim of being easier and more intuitive. For instrumentation you can choose from six languages. It integrates a lot of useful rider: absolute novelty for the Multi, the possibility to see the maps of the navigator on the screen, thanks to the dialogue with the smartphone.

Consumption

Consumption is the only item in which the Multistrada V4 does worse than the previous version, although, to be honest, the twin-cylinder is a particularly thrifty engine.

In comparison, Ducati declares an 8% higher consumption for the new unit than in the 1260; however, on the motorway with cruise control the four cylinders takes the rematch, thanks to a long sixth and a particularly low engine in comparison to the maximum rotational speed.

Ducati Multistrada V4: conclusions

Based on what we have described so far it is interesting to emphasize how the new Multistrada presents itself by focusing a lot, if not everything, on dynamic skills and versatility, improving in those uses where until now the 1260 version was not effective, as in offroad driving.

A further step forward to exploit at 360 ° a model that already presents this ambition in its name and which, especially in the second and third version (the four-valve ones), was one of the reasons for its success: in fact, in 18 years of Multistrada have been produced over 110,000 units,an important number if we consider how it has entered an already mature and competitive sector such as road enduro.

These numbers testify to how he has been able to do it with personality, focusing above all on sportsmanship, on performance: a characterization that is no longer the only one to be in the foreground because the Multistrada V4 not only presents itself as the sporting choice in its specific market segment, but also has the ambition to compete directly with the best competitors precisely on their strengths : ease of use, versatility, comfort, reduced maintenance costs. In all this, the new V4 Granturismo engine plays an important role, offering dispensing characteristics and running costs that match what the most demanding riders require.

To do this, Ducati also abandons its last distinctive character, namely the Desmo, precisely to highlight how the new Multistrada, in addition to the four-cylinder engine, represents in all respects a clear cut with the past.

A choice which aims to further expand the public potential of those interested in the new V4; after trying it, we can certainly say that the new bike has all the cards in order to do so, but also to fully convince those who come from the Multi-road world.

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