India-bound 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 unveiled: Top 5 things to know

Italian premium motorcycle manufacturer Ducati has finally unveiled one of its most anticipated motorcycles, the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4. And yes, it is coming to India next year. Launched in 2003, there have been three generations of the Multistrada with the present one being the fourth-gen offering. In terms of what has changed, the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 makes use of an all-new Granturismo V4 engine that's derived from the company's flagship the Panigale V4. Another important update is the long service interval on the Multistrada V4, which offers a lower cost of ownership compared to its predecessor. The chassis design has been tweaked with the larger front wheel, better handling characteristic and ground clearance.

Also, the Multistrada V4 comes with front and rear radar, making it the first production motorcycle to get both of them together. Ducati will be offering the Multistrada V4 in three versions, standard, V4 S and the V4 Sport, also the bike can be ordered with an option between alloys and spokes. So there's no separate Enduro version of the Multistrada V4. Scroll below to know the five highlights of the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4.

An all-new V4 powertrain

The outgoing Ducati Multistrada 1260 develops 160PS of power from its 1262cc engine. In the upcoming Ducati Multistrada V4, it is a 1158cc unit that makes 170PS of power at 10,500rpm and generates 125Nm of torque at 8,750rpm. This new Euro V compliant engine weighs 66.7kg, making it 1.2kg lighter than the previous. Also, in terms of dimensions, the new unit is 85mm shorter, 95mm lower and only 20mm wider. This layout of a 90-degree four-cylinder engine with a large bore, to obtain a shorter and lower engine, reads just about right for the sporty characteristics of the Multistrada V4, at least on paper. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down System. The firing too will be distinct with the 70-degree offset of the crankpins combined with the 90° V-engine layout generates a firing order that Ducati calls the Twin Pulse.

The company mentions that in the V4 Granturismo engine, with the use of new materials, processes and technologies in the desmodromic system, the timing system has been altered for extended maintenance schedules. Ducati states the 60,000 km valve clearance adjustment interval will drastically reduce maintenance costs. The oil service is scheduled at longer intervals, 15,000 km or two years.

Underpinnings

The Multistrada V4 comes with an aluminium monocoque frame, 19-inch front wheel and double-sided swingarm, with spoked wheels for the off-road setup. The wheelbase of the sport tourer is set at 1,567mm whereas the suspension travel has been increased, 170mm for the front and 180mm on the rear. The ground clearance measures 220w (+46 mm compared to the 1260) while the motorcycle tips the scale at 215kg. Braking duties are being supported by the Brembo Stylema calipers with 330mm front discs.

Electronics suite

The electronic package that is being offered on the Multistrada V4 includes an inertial platform (IMU) that manages cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), here in "cornering" version and, on the Multistrada V4 S, the Cornering Lights (DCL). Also standard on the Multistrada V4 S is Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), which makes it easy to restart on sloping roads. On the Multistrada V4 S, the inertial platform also communicates continuously with the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) control system with Autoleveling function.

Radar tech

Both the front and rear radars have been developed and produced in close cooperation with Bosch. Ducati mentions that each radar has compact dimensions (70 x 60 x 28 mm, similar to a modern action camera) and has been neatly integrated into the bike, weighing only 190 grams. The radar positioned in the front of the vehicle controls the operation of the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), which by means of controlled braking and acceleration automatically adjusts the distance (selectable on four levels) from other vehicles when riding at a speed between 30 and 160 kmph, stated Ducati in an official release. The purpose of this device will be to manage the adaptive cruise control, allowing a given distance (which can be set by the user) to be maintained from the vehicle in front, and warning the rider of any risks of distraction-related head-on collisions.

Design

From the looks of it, the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 carries a lot of elements from its predecessor. Ducati mentions that the design of the new iteration was done keeping functionality in focus and also inspired by the technical specifications of the motorcycle.

Further, the design feels much more compact and aerodynamic compared to the previous. The Multistrada gets Panigale V4 inspired DRLs. Further, the motorcycle gets more bodywork in the front with a 22-litre fuel tank. The central and the rear sections of the motorcycle have been kept narrower as offering comfort while standing and riding was one of the key factors while designing the Multistrada V4.

This can also be seen with the slimmer footpeg holders. Also new on the Multistrada V4 is the 6.5-inch TFT instrumentation, which shows significantly more information controlled by a joystick on the switchgear. Also, using the Ducati connect application, one can access proper navigation on this screen. Ducati has also given a provision for storing mobile phone on the fuel tank with USB connection to charge the phone on the go.