Since its release, Ducati’s Multistrada V4 range has been mightily impressive, selling by the bucketload and offering an incredible level of comfort combined with an impressive level of performance. But then again, it did lack in a few areas; there wasn’t a big tank version for example, and it wasn’t quite as suited to off-road riding as some its big adventure rivals. But for 2023 that’s all changed, with the introduction of the Multistrada V4 Rally.
Although it utilises the same 170bhp engine and monocoque aluminium chassis platform as the other versions, the new Multistrada V4 Rally has got some impressive features unique to this model, including the new rear cylinder deactivation system that now works while you’re riding, and not just while it’s idle. Ducati say that this new brand-new strategy is the first of its kind on a production motorcycle, which keeps the rear bank deactivated at low revs in order to keep both fuel consumption and emissions as low as possible. They tell us that it will reactivate above a certain speed, or with a certain power request from the throttle grip. This will work alongside the 30 litre fuel tank to create what we can only imagine to be a pretty monstrous range – although it hasn’t been quoted by the manufacturer just yet.
And if you do fancy taking advantage of the longer range, then you’ll be glad to hear that the Multistrada V4 Rally comes equipped with some modifications aimed at improving comfort over the standard model too. This includes a bigger screen, adjustable seat heights (both front and rear), more pillion room, lower suspension settings (if you’ve got shorter legs) and even a minimum preload function, which allows the bike to lower at speeds, by automatically lowering the amount of preload on the rear shock.
But it’s not just about making the Multi more user-friendly at slow speeds and at a standstill, as Ducati have also given the Rally some changes to make it that little better off-road as well. There’s now an Enduro riding mode, which softens the electronics and drops the rear ABS, while the suspension now gets 200mm of travel. That gives it 10mm more ground clearance than on previous Multistrada V4s, meaning that the Rally will offer up 230mm of ground clearance. You also get a sump guard as standard. As you can imagine, it then comes with all the electronic bells and whistles imaginable; from a full suite of rider aids and rider modes to Ducati’s adaptive radar cruise control, the Multistrada V4 Rally comes fully loaded with tech.
The Multistrada V4 Rally will be available in three different versions, each offering the same base but with options for side panniers, heated grips and saddles while the ‘Full Adventure’ version also offers a homologated Akrapovič silencer, alongside a carbon fibre front mudguard. All versions will be hitting dealers from February 2023, and will come in two colours: Ducati Red and Brushed Aluminium & Matt Black. Although there’s no word yet on the cost, expect it to be the priciest option in the Multistrada V4 lineup.
