Ducati unveils mental Desmo-powered Multistrada V4 RS tourer for 2024

Ducati has equipped its latest Multistrada V4 variant with a 180hp Desmosedici Stradale engine, giving the adventure tourer a superbike level of performance.

Existing variants of the adventure model are powered by the purpose-built 1158cc Granturismo V4 powerplant that is capable of 170hp, but the new sport-focused 2024 Multistrada V4 RS will use a Panigale V4-derived 1103cc engine which puts out 180hp at 13,500rpm.

With the new engine also comes a dry clutch and dedicated electronics, as well as reduced weight, a new chassis, new technology, carbon fibre and titanium components, and a new dedicated livery designed by Ducati’s Centro Stile arm.

The Multistrada V4 RS will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2024 with a price of $55,800 ride away, making it the most expensive model in the Multistrada range. According to the press release, the bike will be produced in a numbered series, with a special plaque on each unit.

The all-new bike joins other models in the Multistrada V4 family, including the V4, V4 S, V4 Rally, V4 Pikes Peak, and the recently added V4 S Grand Tour. There is also the Multistrada V2 and V2 S, as well as the DesertX and DesertX Rally, which are all powered by the 937cc Testastretta engine.

With the addition of the Desmo engine, the RS will in theory take on a whole new personality, with improved feel, sound, and power delivery. The engine is complemented by a Akrapovic silencer and a STM-EVO SBK dry clutch.

The Desmo engine also features a cylinder deactivation system that only uses two cylinders at idle and when the engine temperature is too high. But compared to the Grandturismo V4, the maintenance interval for checking valve clearance is reduced from 60,000km to 30,000km.

In another change from the previous Multistrada V4 variants, the new RS also opts for a 17-inch front wheel and a new monocoque aluminium frame, with altered geometry to improve the sporting prowess of the machine. The Marchesini forged aluminium wheels are 2.7kg lighter than those on the V4 S, while the Diablo Ross IV Corsa tyres are designed to offer maximum grip.

Suspension is handled by an Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active setup, while the braking system is derived directly from the Panigale V4, with 330mm dual discs and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers at the front and a single 265mm disc and Brembo caliper at the rear. The ABS is a Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME Cornering system.

Electronically, the RS features all the same rider aids and safety features as the standard Multistrada V4, but includes radar cruise control and blind spot detection as standard. A new Race riding mode has also been added, which offers maximum power in all gears, and the 6.5-inch TFT display features new graphics dedicated to this model.

As always, Ducati has a full range of accessories available for the bike, while customers can purchase the new model in a single colour scheme – Iceberg White. The bike also comes with a 4-year warranty with unlimited mileage.