The new DucatiMultistradaV4 is designed with different purposes in mind: sport/travel, enduro, urban and other. Juliet Elliot explains why engineers had to work around conflicting demands
The latest product version usually gets a few improvements. Ducati MultistradaV4 is different. It features an optional radar, which is something that has never been seen on any bike of this type.
The engine is also completely new. The 1,158cc engine, a V4 Granturismo, is the result a three-year effort. It generates 170hp (125kW), 10,500rpm, with 125Nm of torque @ 8,750rpm. It’s derived the Moto GP racing vehicle.
Claudio Domenicali – CEO of Ducati Motor Holding says, “The engine layout has been inspired by the Panigale or Streetfighter units, however it has a higher displacement. One of the benefits is undoubtedly its compactness. It is 95mm lower then the Multistrada1260 Twin and 85mm thinner so that the positioning inside the chassis can be much more straightforward.
Domenicali states, “It is built for long distances. Hence the importance of long intervals between valve clearance tests, which are 60,000km. This is now the absolute benchmark in motorcycling.”
Gianluca Zattoniu leads engine project management. “For the new valvetrain, numerous tests have been conducted, starting with preliminary measurements with strain gauges or laser instruments to a motoring trial of over 100 million cycles. It took nearly 20 days.
Vincenzo De Silvio is R&D director. He says, “We were tasked with improving the fluidity of the engine, its smooth running at medium and slow revs, and its performance.” We looked at a range of alternative arrangements to the twin-cylinder configuration. When the lab tests were satisfactory, we began to send our testers across Italy in order to experience the 120,000km per vehicle.
Alessandro Valia (Ducati’s official test-rider) is his name. “I felt the V4 Granturismo immediately from the first time that I tried it. It has a smoothness and a consistent thrust that allows the rider to manage all situations. It turns smoothly at low revs. At middle revs it has the torque and kick of the twin but with a smooth ride. At high revs it travels at the same speeds as its super sports siblings. We were looking for versatility. The implementation of the counterrotating crankshaft has helped us move in that direction. It increases the vehicle’s agility and allows us to relax while touring. For sporting use, it closes lines at much higher speeds.
The gearbox itself is unique. This unique gearbox was derived from Panigale units. It features a shorter 1st, and a more long 6th gear. This allows for greater versatility as a multipurpose bike. The lower gear is designed for offroad crawling and the higher gear for maximum fuel economy.
The DucatiMultistrada V4 was made for comfort
Ducati wanted to make the bike as comfortable in town as it is on highways or riding places with no roads. The high-speed side of the motorcycle was addressed with a lot of aerodynamics. Domenicali loves to refer to the bike’s styling as “rugged and refined”. This is very important when standing. Also, the rear foot pegs have been made slim to maximize off-road usage.
The chassis itself is made of a cast monocoque structure, a rear steel trellis subframe, and a swing-arm with two sides. The suspension travel is 170mm from the front to 180mm from the back. Simulating the body, including its cladding, took a lot of time. Heat management was also emphasized. This is critical as the rear cylinders will be idled and deactivated.
The seat is also unusual. Standard variant height can be adjusted between 860mm and a low position 840mm. A variant with an optional 810mm width is available for shorter riders. Domenicali explains that the seats are flat and long to allow longitudinal movement during longer journeys. It is also narrow, so riders can rest their feet comfortably on the floor.
Ducati considered the passengers as well. The padding measures 25mm thicker than that of the lower rider and 40mm larger. Heated seats are available as an option. Skyhook’s self-levelling suspension reacts to weight changes and provides the most stable ride.
The V4 model comes in V4S, V4S, or V4Sport trims. Each has a variety of options, including larger brakes and different wheel styles.
