DUCATI’S Multistrada V4 may be one of the worst kept secrets of global motorcycling, but that’s not going to stop Ducati from teasing it out bit by bit.
The first teaser was explaining the thinking behind adopting the new V4 unit over the outgoing twin-cylinder one. ‘4 is lighter than 2’ Was the main point, with the statement going on to say, ‘The adaptation of V4 to a smaller bore achieves the objective of a weight reduction of 1.2 kg compared to the previous V2 generation.’
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Now the focus of the teaser switches to the delivery and power of the new machine. The latest generation of Ducati V4s has never left anyone wanting for more power. So, a slightly longer stroke version of the engine with 1,158cc should be extremely powerful. But it could be all to easy for a manufacturer to lose sight of the bigger picture. The Multistrada is a sporty touring motorcycle, not a sports bike.
To help affirm this viewpoint, Ducati is using this teaser to get across how easy to manage the new bike will be. It’s reported to be producing 170bhp, although a post on the official Ducati social channels has stated that the power will be ‘gentle’ yet ‘exciting when needed.’
The outgoing Multistrada V2 is thought to be living on through the 8950 and Enduro versions
The statement will be welcomed by Multistrada fans the world over, as it confirms that Ducati is keeping the bike true to its roots. It may have the same mechanical heart as bikes like the Streetfighter V4 and Panigale V4, but a race bike it is not.
With the new V4 engine, the Multistrada V4 should also inherit the full and thorough suite of electronic goodies that the top-spec sports bike gets. Think wheel lift protection, multi-level traction control, cornering ABS and of course a number of riding and engine modes to fettle and fiddle with.
