Ducati has revealed a new variant to join its flagship adventure bike line-up, with the Multistrada V4 Rally set to launch in the first quarter of 2023, priced from $41,400 rideaway.
The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally, which is distinguished by off-road-focussed and long-distance touring upgrades, is positioned well above the current V4 and V4 S variants ($28,990, $35,990), and just below the road-honed V4 Pikes Peak ($44,500).
This new V4 Rally variant is best positioned to compete with the likes of the BMW R 1250 GSA ($28,300), Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer ($33,950) and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R ($33,265).
Compared to the current Ducati Multistrada V4 range, the new Rally grade adds a 30-litre fuel tank (+8L), increased travel semi-active suspension (200mm), more ground clearance and rider mode enhancements better suited to off-road riding.
The Rally also benefits from wider footpegs, new luggage mounts, lighter wire-spoked wheels and tougher engine protection guards.
Long-distance touring capabilities should be improved thanks to a new windshield (40mm higher, 20mm wider), while pillion comfort should be enhanced thanks to a longer tail section with redesigned ergonomics.
The bike also carries over the radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) system with blind-spot monitoring, large 6.5-inch TFT dash and full electronics suite with cornering ABS and lean-angle sensitive traction control.
Joining the standard Sport, Touring and Urban rider modes is a revised Enduro mode which limits the engine’s power to 85kW, lowers traction control intervention and deactivates ABS at the rear wheel.
Otherwise, the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally uses the same 1158cc V4 engine that delivers a maximum 125kW and 121Nm, but gains a new cylinder deactivation system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in certain situations.
Three trim levels will be on offer, including Adventure Radar (adds ACC), Adventure Travel (gets aluminium side cases, heated grips and seats) and top-spec Full Adventure (wears carbon-fibre front guard and Akrapovic silencer).
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
