Ducati Multistrada V4 1160 2021 — Specifications

The time when the V2 resonated as the soul of Bologna is over. Ducati, in a technological gamble, decided to graft the heart of its Panigale onto its most touring-oriented model. The Multistrada V4 is not a simple evolution; it’s a complete overhaul. We place the 170 horsepower roaring engine of the Granturismo block on a completely redesigned structure. The result? A machine that deliberately buries decades of tradition to write a new chapter, bold and uncompromising.

Technically, the bet is daring. Farewell the iconic trellis frame, replaced by a monocoque aluminum structure. Farewell the mythical single-sided swingarm, replaced by a more conventional swingarm. And above all, farewell the desmodromic distribution, a historic cornerstone of the brand. Instead, Ducati focuses on rationality and reliability, with a valve inspection interval extended to 60,000 km. The 1158 cm³ V4 engine, with its 124.5 Nm of torque, is a true piece of watchmaking, more supple and generous in the low revs than the old V2, even if it cedes a bit of raw bite. It is designed to swallow the kilometers without weakening, while retaining that characteristic punch that slams you into the seat from 4000 rpm.

On paper, the announced weight of 240 kg fully fueled may raise an eyebrow. But once in the saddle, at 840 mm from the ground, the beast reveals itself to be surprisingly agile. The geometry, the weight distribution, and the omnipresent electronic assistance transform this weight into stability rather than heaviness. The cycle part, with its 50 mm inverted fork and 170/180 mm of travel, is designed for sport, but the switch to a 19-inch front wheel is a serious nod to adventure. Let's not make it a pure trail bike though: to really get off the beaten path, it’s better to opt for the optional spoked rims. Its element is the road, in all its diversity.

And that’s where the electronics come into play. The four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro) are not mere gadgets. They radically redefine the character of the motorcycle, limiting power to 115 hp for the city or trail, and releasing the full 170 horsepower for sunny mountain passes. Traction control, wheelie control, and Cornering ABS form a safety net as discreet as it is effective. For nearly 20,000 euros, one is entitled to expect this level of sophistication. Note that enthusiasts of advanced technology, such as radar for adaptive cruise control, will have to turn to the S or Sport versions.

So, who is this new Multistrada for? Certainly not for the purist attached to Ducati symbols. It is a machine for the demanding and sporty touring rider, the one who wants to cover 800 kilometers of highway in a day before tackling a series of mountain curves the next. It offers the comfort of a grand tourer, with its 22-liter tank and studied riding position, and the reflexes of a sportbike. It is the modern incarnation of the "multi-route" concept: ultra-competent, terribly fast, and deliberately oriented towards the future, even if it means upsetting a few dogmas along the way. A successful bet, but one that requires the rider to turn the page as well.