It’s that time of year again, when the OEMs start to release their new models. Ahead of the show circuit kick-off with November’s EICMA extravaganza, Ducati has announced it will sell an updated Multistrada V4 next year, in both a base model and an upgraded S-series model. The Pikes Peak model is back as well.
What’s new?
It seems there are very few changes to the base model’s hard parts—the swingarm pivot point is changed, the engine now has rear cylinder deactivation and the front end bodywork is updated to look more like a Panigale V4 (because that’s what ADVers want, sportbike looks… ?).
The updated rear cylinder deactivation is supposed to improve fuel efficiency, and unlike older systems that only kicked in at a stop, Ducati’s new version can even run while the bike is moving, saving even more gas in stop-and-go traffic. Not that anyone is buying a Multistrada so they can pench pinnies on fuel.
The Multistrada V4 now has five riding modes, with Wet mode introduced this year. This does exactly what you’d think, offering more tractability on wet, slippery surfaces. Enduro mode was re-tuned as well, with power output limited to 114 horsepower now, as well as reconfigured traction control system and ABS shut off at the rear wheel, as well as other tweaks to the safety systems.
The real changes are on the Multistrada V4 S, which now has an auto-lowering suspension feature. Photo: Ducati
The changes are more noticeable on the Multistrada V4 S model, which now gets an auto-lowering function that drops the bike’s suspension when you come to a stop. This makes it easier for short-shanked riders to handle the jacked-up beast. This system kicks in when the bike travels below 6 mph, lowering the seat height just over an inch. When the speed picks back up to more than 31 mph, the bike returns to standard ride height.
The Multistrada V4 S also sees the luggage package reconfigured, with side bags and top box moved backwards so the passenger has more space.
You can watch Ducati’s video below if you want more explanation of all the electro-trickery and other features built into the new Multis (make sure to turn on English subtitles). Remember that this is a year focusing on smaller evolutionary steps, with no major changes to chassis or the engine.
Return of the Pikes Peak Multistrada
Even though motorcycles are no longer allowed in the Race to the Clouds, Ducati has brought back a Pikes Peak sub-model this year. This differs significantly from the other Multis in that it has a 17-inch front rim, for sporty handling; it is intended as a street machine, not an ADV bike. A single-sided swingarm is standard, and the paint job is inspired by Ducati’s MotoGP team.
Ducati threw a load of carbon-fiber parts at the Pikes Peak model, cutting weight and adding to the trick look. This machine was homologated with an Akrapovic exhaust, and sees the riding position moved around for more aggressive cornering (higher footpegs, narrow handlebars, etc.).
The Pikes Peak variant of the Multistrada V4 returns, with single-sided swingarm and 17-inch wheels. Photo: Ducati
And the Pikes Peak model will also get Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, similar to the Panigale V4 S and Streetfighter V4 S. Like those bikes, this machine’s “smart suspension” runs off event-based logic that adapts not just to the terrain being ridden over, but also the pilot’s riding style. The suspension’s settings can be adjusted on-the-fly with a button on the handlebar, changing to Track, Comfort, Dynamic or Low Grip settings.
Other performance-oriented tweaks include inclusion of Engine Brake Control, an electronically-managed combined braking system, and a Race Riding Mode with engine mapping set for high-speed performance.
Does all this mean that maybe, maybe, we’re about to see the Race to the Clouds allow bikes again? Don’t count on it.
Ducati says the new Multis will all be available in the US in the first quarter of 2025. MSRP is Multistrada V4: $19,995 for the standard Multistrada V4; the Multistrada V4 S model is $28,305 and the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is $32,995.
