Ducati has for the first time officially confirmed the much-rumoured Ducati Multistrada V4 is indeed in development and due to hit the streets in 2021.
Talk of the Ducati Multistrada V4’s very existence has been the subject of conjecture in recent weeks as various spy shots and videos showing an updated version emitting a soundtrack that follows a similar tune to the Ducati Panigale V4 superbike began doing the rounds.
Indeed, while there was always an expectation the new V4 unit would find its way into the hugely successful adventure tourer at some point, it was less clear as to whether it was imminently around the corner or down the line.
Now, in a press release celebrating the delivery of the 100,000 Multistrada – 16 years after the first generation went into production – Ducati reveals that ‘in 2021 the Multistrada family will expand to see the twin cylinder 1260 and 950 motorcycles joined by a version with a new, specific V4 engine.’
The confirmation clears up some confusion in the industry following the emergence of a fresh EPA filing that detailed a new version of the current twin-cylinder model, the Ducati Multistrada 1260GT, seemingly contradicting the V4 talk.
However, this news suggests the GT will be launched first, before Ducati turns attentions to giving the Multistrada the V4 treatment.
Ducati Streetfighter V4 gets launch limelight to itself
If the Ducati Multistrada V4 isn’t due to go on sale until 2021, it’s logical to assume it will be the headline draw for Ducati’s 2021 Model Range Premiere – more than twelve months away – leaving us to concentrate on other motorcycles when the 2020 line-up is officially revealed next month.
Instead, we expect to see the Ducati Streetfighter V4 take centre stage during the reveal on October 23, alongside the update Panigale 959, Multistrada 1260GT and new trims for the Scrambler and Monster.
A model that has been fed to the media steadily over the past few months in various prototype forms, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 this is set to be the first opportunity to see it in all of its Ducati regalia, where those all-important specifications will also be revealed.
New 1260GT sets the tone for Ducati Multistrada V4
Though it’s not the V4 many expected (yet), the Multistrada 1260GT remains a significant launch for Ducati regardless as it is expected to feature a significant new safety feature in ARAS (Advanced Rider Assistance Systems) or, as it is colloquially known, Radar Cruise Control.
In development since 2016, ARAS uses a variety of sensors front and rear to understand its environment and feedback to the rider accordingly, such as obstacles or fast-approaching cars.
In short, it could be a game changer in terms of motorcycle rider safety and simply adds to the list of innovations the Multistrada range has debuted over the years.
