To that end, there’s also added heat shielding, including a carbon fiber heat shield to the left of the shock, to help keep the rider and pillion cool(er). Instead of forcing the front tire onto the tarmac, she says the closable scoops, when open, take the incoming cool air and direct the hot air from the engine away from the rider and passenger. Given Ducati’s obsession with winglets, the scoops could easily be confused for downforce generators, but Multistrada Project Manager, Anna Bondioli insists comfort is the goal here. The most noticeable being the closable air deflectors below the cooling fan shrouds also seen on other Multis like the Rally version. With the Multistrada V4 RS, Ducati had a little more freedom to try some things. Turning off the rear cylinders helps, but not enough. On bikes like the Panigale and Streetfighter, where lightness is a concern, the options to deflect heat have been limited. With such a monstrous beast packaged so tightly under the rider’s butt, managing heat has been a challenge since day one. Not that that’s going to stop some of you…Īs much as the V4 engine has been praised for its insane power, it’s also been criticized for its insane heat – and I’ve been one of those vocal critics. There’s only one catch – it’s for off-road use only and isn’t street-legal. To that end, there’s also an accessory Akra exhaust that frees up 12 more horsepower, two more newton meters (1.5 lb-ft) of torque, and shaves off 11 pounds (5 kg) from the overall weight. Compared to the Multistrada V4 S, the RS gets a 50mm throttle body instead of the 46mm piece on the S, and the RS also uses the same high-flow air filter used on the Panigale V4 R for more breathability.Įxpelling spent gasses is the job of the homologated Akrapovič silencer with its own pre-silencer fitted under the engine specifically tuned to provide a low rumble at low rpm and a distinct wail when revved like you think you’re riding a Panigale instead of a Multi. Unlike the Diavel V4 and other Multistradas however, the rear cylinders are still active even when cruising. Not only that, but when combined with the dry clutch, it makes all the right sounds you expect from a Ducati – heavy clutch lever be damned.Īs far as the engine itself is concerned, the V4 RS still features rear cylinder deactivation when the bike is stopped, in neutral, and engine temps are above 70✬ (158✯). The reality is that the Desmosedici Stradale engine begs to be revved. I think the thing to consider here is that we’re splitting hairs over 55cc, 10 horses, and five lb-ft of torque. The smaller front and larger rear sprockets should give the RS better acceleration in comparison. The RS uses a 15/43 final drive ratio compared to the 16/42 ratio on the Multistrada V4 S. To help make up for the reduction in power, gear ratios are also a little different. Now, by virtue of being smaller than the 1158cc V4 Granturismo engine, the RS also makes less torque than the standard Multistradas (87 lb-ft vs 92 lb-ft). Below roughly 10,000 rpm, the Granturismo makes noticeably more power. 170 hp – but that’s largely because the engine reaches a higher redline, due in part to the desmo valve actuation. It makes more peak horsepower than a standard Multi – 180 hp vs. Very similar to the one used in the Streetfighter, the 1103cc V4 is plucked from that platform and delivered to the Multistrada. The real talking point here is, undoubtedly, the engine. This is all supported by a new, exposed, trellis-type titanium subframe Ducati says is 5.5lbs (2.5kg) lighter than the standard subframe on the Multistrada V4 S. Moving to the back of the bike, the tail section is slightly different than other Multis and has passenger grab handles, and pannier mounting points, integrated into the design. Not that we really had any issues with the rubber mounted bars of other Multistradas, but this is a sign of the bike’s serious intent to tackle twisty roads and racetracks. Further leaning into the Multi V4 RS’ sporty nature, the bars are solid-mounted to the risers for a direct feel to the front end. Behind the screen is a numbered top yoke for a little extra exclusivity (but the bike is not a limited edition). From there, you’ll notice a smoked windscreen and air deflectors. The front fender, beak, hand guards, and rear cylinder heat shield (more on that later) are all carbon. First, there’s carbon fiber – the true sign of sportiness.
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