Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Overview
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Ducati’s Multistrada V4 Rally has longer-travel suspension, a larger fuel tank, and increased comfort.
Ducati’s Multistrada is one of the most significant successes in the history of the Borgo Panigale make, in its original V2 power version and perhaps even more so in the new model powered by the V-4 Granturismo. The Multistrada emerged from the swamps of the original, a 2003 bumper-car-styled machine; the second generation was radically redesigned while keeping the initial inspiration in mind. The bike was intended to combine the flexibility of an enduro bike with the superior handling qualities of a superbike chassis, in itself a good idea, and the second generation successfully recaptured that thinking. From then on the Multistrada kept rolling, conquering ever larger shares of the growing adventure market. In its 1,198 V-2 Testastretta-powered edition, it even won the Pikes Peak Hill Climb three times in the hands of the late Carlin Dunne, confirming the model’s potential.
Ducati has built the Multistrada V4 Rally to be ridden hard and farther than the standard model.
This new Multistrada V4 Rally is a real multipurpose enduro-GT designed to deliver riding pleasure and safety on any surface. The only exception would be the toughest, rockiest alpine trails, where its substantial 573-pound claimed wet weight could take an excessive toll. Both the frame and engine are closely related to the units developed for the latest-generation Multistrada V4: A lightweight aluminum monocoque frame structure encloses the 1,158cc V-4 Granturismo engine that generated 143.8 hp at 10,600 rpm and 77.8 lb.-ft. peak torque at 7,400 rpm on the Cycle World in-house dyno. The V4 Rally edition receives new cams and new ECU tailored to generate not only those impressive horsepower numbers, but also a fatter torque curve from around 3,000 rpm to ensure useful, dirt-friendly response.
Ducati claims the ride off-road will be more rewarding on the Multistrada V4 Rally.
The V4 Rally travels on wire wheels equipped with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires, 120/70-19 up front and 170/60-17 out back. As on the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, the braking system is massive, with twin 330mm rotor front discs actuated by Brembo Stylema radial-mount four-piston calipers and a new 265mm rotor with two-piston caliper at the rear. The whole is managed by the latest Bosch 10.3ME cornering ABS, based on a six-axis inertial platform (IMU) that optimizes the intervention of the various safety functions on the basis of lean and pitch angle. Other safety functions include cornering lights for increased visibility around corners, traction control, and wheelie control. The V4 Rally comes equipped with front and rear millimeter-wave radars; the front unit manages active cruise control, while the rear one covers the rear blind spots monitoring. The rider can select from four riding modes. Sport delivers full power, an aggressive throttle response, and tighter suspension settings. Touring still has full power available, but with milder throttle response, and comfort suspension settings. Urban mode reduces the V4’s output to 115 hp, employs mild throttle response, and selects suspension settings that react automatically to urban environment conditions. Enduro, with 115 hp available, gives a brisker throttle response compared to Urban and limits ABS to the front wheel. All of this is adjustable through a 6.5-inch TFT dash.
A new windscreen and deflectors have been fitted to the Multistrada V4 Rally.
Attention was paid to the riding comfort, given the real grand touring mission of the model, for both tarmac and on dirt equally. The V4 Rally features a revised wind-tunnel-designed fairing for increased protection from wind blast and turbulence. The windshield size has been increased by 1.6 inches in height and by 0.8 inch in width. Air scoops for ventilation have been redesigned for maximum heat control, and for further help the cylinders of the rear bank are deactivated while the bike is stopped or proceeding at very low speed. A 7.9-gallon fuel tank has been developed, but shaped so that its size does not interfere with the best possible comfort of riding posture. The new, large tank has naturally also been restyled. Ducati also developed a set of aluminum side and top cases with a cargo volume of 31 gallons. The Ducati Multistrada V4 will be available in the States and Canada and come in classic Ducati Red and in Matte Black with polished aluminum inserts.
