REVEALED: DUCATI’S ALL-NEW MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY

Ducati’s 2023 Multistrada V4 Rally brings more of everything we loved about the Multi, especially if going everywhere is your thing…

With the September 29 Ducati World Premiere tagline of “Unlock Earth”, we were dreaming of what off-road bike the Borgo Panigale magicians would reveal. And the new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally didn’t disappoint; bringing more comfort, more ground clearance and even more range to take you even farther from the beaten track and back.

RANGE ANXIETY BE GONE!

To increase the range of the MTS V4, Ducati has fitted a massive 30-litre fuel tank, increasing distance between fuel stops by around 100 kays, thanks to the extra eight litres of go-fast juice. In our experience on the Multistrada V4 S earlier this year, that should equate to somewhere around 350-370km. Not a bad stint in the saddle, especially for such a thirsty bike when ridden hard. That said, Ducati listened and as a result the rear cylinder deactivation of the V4 Granturismo engine has been tuned. While still retaining idle deactivation, the Rally will further improve fuel consumption via the rear bank of cylinders deactivating when the bike is at low speeds and power; then reactivating at your command on the throttle, bringing the full roar of the V4 back to life instantly. Ingenious!

THE MULTI’S BEATING HEART: GRANTURISMO V4

Talking engines, the Rally still sports Ducati’s 1158cc Granturismo V4 platform, though it doesn’t prioritise performance at the expense of practicality. The new Enduro mode with off-road Power mode limits the engine’s 170HP to a ‘paltry’ 115HP for a more dynamic, direct response. Don’t sweat servicing either, with oil changes every 15,000km (or 24 months) and valve adjustments in 60,000km intervals.

TECH & RIDER AIDS

Like its Pikes Peak and V4 S brethren, the Rally rolls with Ducati’s Adaptive cruise control and Blind Spot Detection; front and rear radars taking the hard work out of highway and inner-city riding. Bosch’s IMU is the brain controlling the likes of cornering ABS, Wheelie Control and Traction Control. All of which are tuneable to your own liking, and your set-up will be stored even when you turn the bike off.

WE WANTED MORE TRAVEL…

And Ducati delivered. The Rally benefits from an evolved (Skyhook DSS EVO) semi-active suspension system and ups the travel ante to 200mm. The shapeshifting, auto-levelling suspension joins Ducati’s new Minimum Preload technology, which lowers the bike at a stop. And that makes riding big ADV bikes a lot more accessible for vertically challenged riders. Not content with that, the Rally features an Easy Lift function that eases suspension compression with each power cycle to reduce the effort needed to lift the bike off its sidestand.

MAXIMUM COMFORT IS KEY

The Multistrada V4 Rally could just be the perfect bike to ride across Australia – or the world, thanks to its combo of power and comfort – be it solo or with a pillion. The entire front-end has been remodelled for greater wind protection, plus new deflectors help generate an elongated air bubble that limits turbulence for the rider and particularly for the passenger. And while it might not look it, the windscreen has grown – it’s 40mm higher and 22mm wider. Also of note, Ducati has added much wider footpegs, which was one of our niggles with the V4 S model when riding off-road. Seat-wise, Ducati offers a swathe of options to suit the most demanding derrières with seat heights varying from 805 to 905mm.

TOUGHER THAN EVER

Standard on the Rally are new, lighter tubeless spoked rims and reinforced engine guards. No, Ducati makes no secret of its off-road intentions with this new machine. At chassis level, the Multistrada V4 Rally continues with the compact monocoque aluminium frame, with a double-sided swingarm shell-cast in aluminium.

BUILD OPTIONS

The new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally is offered in three versions:
Adventure Radar: Equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection;
Adventure Travel & Radar: Which adds aluminium side cases, heated grips and saddles; and
Full Adventure: Completes the above equipment with a homologated Akrapovič silencer and a carbon fibre front mudguard.

WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH?

The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally will arrive in Australian dealerships from February, 2023. It’s available in two colours: Ducati Red and Brushed Aluminium & Matt Black, the latter with an exposed brushed aluminium tank (both come with black spoked rims).

Starting at $41,400, the Multistrada V4 Rally – like all Ducati Multistrada models – is covered by “4|Ever Ducati” warranty, valid for four years with unlimited mileage that relies on the service offered by the entire network of dealers.