DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY (2023 - on) Review

The Ducati Multistrada turns 20 this year, the original 1000 DS model was launched in 2003 and the latest V4 Rally version is an addition to the fourth generation of the popular go anywhere adventure bike. Ducati have pulled out all the stops with their latest evolution of the V4 S, which made its debut in 2020 and made a bid to become the class leader in the flagship big bike adventure class.

• Latest news: Ducati load Panigale engine into Multistrada for RS model

With a V4 motor and 170bhp on tap it already has the ultimate power bragging rights, but this latest evolution is a lot more than that. In partnership with the sublime motor comes a chassis, suspension and electronics package that move this bike into a whole new league of sophistication.

Modern bikes are increasingly loaded with rider aids and advanced electronics with varying degrees of real world benefit. But Ducati are the current masters of honing their electronic know-how, with knowledge that has been garnered from years of development and huge expense from the MotoGP and World Superbike paddocks.

Known for having some of the most advanced electronics in their road going superbike, this technology is being tailored to other models within their range with huge success.

The V4 Rally brings a new globetrotting addition to the Multistrada V4 range. With the headline differences being a jump in fuel tank capacity from 22 to 30 litres which in turn gives a claimed 35% increase in fuel range. This has been achieved by using an aluminium fuel tank instead of a double skinned plastic tank meaning that the external dimensions of the tank are the same, but the capacity increases by eight litres which is an impressive achievement.

It also gets tubeless spoked wheels instead cast for better off-road performance and durability that are 3.2kg lighter along with a centre stand, bigger foot pegs, bigger screen and a 3mm thick aluminium bash plate.

The engine and chassis has also benefited from some upgrades with the four cylinder motor now having cylinder deactivation meaning it runs on two cylinders lower in the rev range to improve fuel consumption, lower emissions and reduce heat.

The suspension now offers an Easy Lift facility which takes the compression off the suspension to make it easier to get it off the side stand. Plus there is a button to reduce preload meaning the bike gets significantly lower the more weight you put on it – perfect for getting your foot down on uneven, cambered terrain or when you want to have your feet firmly on the ground when your pillion climbs onboard.

With four rider modes – Touring, Urban, Sport and Enduro the character and feel is tangibly changed depending on your selection and type of riding. But this isn’t just a engine mapping change – it applies to the electronic suspension settings, ABS, engine braking, traction control, anti wheelie meaning you have pre-set parameters designed to work in your chosen conditions – which they do. Plus within each pre-set parameter you have the choice to tweak and adjust each area to your personal preference and needs.

Watch Michael's full Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally video review here:

The 50mm Ducati Skyhook front forks and rear shock are electronically controlled and fully adjustable. This offers an incredible level of support and adjustability meaning that however you ride the suspension operates within its sweet spot.

There is no crashing through the stroke of the forks under hard braking or overloading the rear when you try and exploit its 170bhp. Even through rapid changes of direction where it’s easy to overload the suspension it gives you the support you need and want, maintaining incredible balance on and off-road.

Weighing in at 240kg wet it’s a heavy bike, but very much inline with the rest of the market it’s trying to conquer. With the electronics working in such harmony with the chassis and engine it’s real world fast. MCN’s Michael Neeves describes the top end adventure bikes as ‘superbikes on stilts’ and there is arguably no better analogy.

Their level of performance, poise, usability and comfort makes them kings of the road and the new Rally has now moved this on another level. The key components of suspension, chassis, engines, brakes and electronics are now working in such harmony it’s hard to pick fault.

In the real world that means that regardless of the level of a rider's personal ability or experience, they can exploit the high performing and incredibly useable components – meaning they would benefit any rider from novice through to expert.

The powerful twin 330mm discs with Brembo Stylema calipers with lean angle sensitive ABS brakes are also in tune with the rest of the package. Strong enough to be able to use one finger with a high level of control and feel off-road.

Adjustments are made to the level of ABS intervention in the aforementioned rider modes, but there is also a sub menu where this can be adjusted and tailored to your needs. In Enduro mode, the level of intervention is reduced on the front and ABS completely removed on the rear.

When Ducati launched the Multistrada V4 S three years ago it entered new ground. An 1158cc V4 adventure bike raised the stakes in the power department even trumping KTM’s formidable 160bhp Super Adventure S and R models.

Honed for years as a superbike engine the latest Rally offering has revised camshaft timing, new exhaust and cylinder deactivation meaning the rear two cylinders are dormant until the revs reach 3,800rpm when all four cylinders chime into action seamlessly. Running as a twin at tick over and low revs has a number of benefits, first of all it reduces heat, secondly it reduces emissions and thirdly Ducati claim a 6% reduction in fuel.

The V4 engine is a pleasure to use wherever you are in the rev range. The connection from wright wrist to rear tyre is sublime enabling you to make the first tap of the throttle incredibly early in a corner and with utmost confidence. The power is strong and accessible but when the revs climb so does the engine note and attitude and anything over 7,000rpm its superbike roots are clear to hear and feel.

By selecting Enduro mode, power is reduced from 170bhp to 114bhp – which is more than enough on the dirt. Throttle response is softened improving that all important throttle connection when grip is at a premium.

Along with traction control engine breaking parameters are also pre-set depending on the chosen mode and like everything else on the bike it can be adjusted easily through the clear and intuitive menu system.

The first of the V4 Multistradas experienced some problems but these were quickly sorted and haven’t returned. The overall finish of the bike is very impressive, there are neat infill panels and the high quality components you’d expect on such a premium product. It’s hard to fault.

The saying 'you get what you pay for' isn’t always appropriate, but when it comes to the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally it rings true - with a starting price of £23,950.

And actually, the bike we rode was the Adventure Travel model which gets heated grips, heated seat, aluminium panniers and crash bars and retails at £26,943 making it a seriously expensive motorbike – double the price of a base model Honda Africa Twin.

It is of course a significantly higher spec in every way but this level of performance, technology and refinement clearly comes at a cost. Other top-end big adventure bikes include the previously mentioned KTM 1290 Super Adventure, BMW R1250GS Adventure and last year's Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer.

The new Rally takes the words fully loaded to another level. In addition to the advanced electronics, electronic suspension, rider modes and seemingly infinite adjustability. There is radar front and rear, adaptive cruise control, vehicle hold control, easy lift, preload reduction at a touch of a button, cornering lights and 6.5” TFT dash.