Ducati’s dropped the Multistrada V4 RS 2026—a machine that feels like it’s ripped straight from a Panigale V4 and given the soul of a grand tourer. With 180 hp, a featherlight titanium subframe, Öhlins semi-active suspension, and predictive DVO electronics, this $39,995 beast is rewriting what sport touring means. As someone who’s spent years chasing Ducati’s legacy, from the iconic 916 to today’s V4 masterpieces, I’m floored. Let’s dive into why the V4 RS is the ultimate ride for those who crave speed and adventure.
A Panigale Heart in a Tourer’s Body
The Multistrada V4 RS is powered by the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine—a 90-degree marvel that screams to 13,500 rpm and churns out 180 horsepower in every gear. That’s not just power; it’s a symphony of Italian engineering that hits you like a lightning bolt. Borrowing from the Panigale V4, it’s paired with an STM-EVO dry clutch and a homologated titanium Akrapovič exhaust that shaves weight and adds a growl that’ll raise goosebumps. The shorter final drive ratio (compared to the Pikes Peak model) makes acceleration ferocious, like a superbike that’s ready to eat up highways or twisties. It’s the kind of power that makes you grin under your helmet, every single shift.
Featherlight and Fierce: 465 Pounds of Precision
Ducati’s obsession with lightweight performance shines here. At 465 lbs dry (211 kg), the V4 RS is 3 kg lighter than the Pikes Peak, thanks to a titanium subframe, carbon fiber fairings, and a lithium battery. The monocoque aluminum frame, paired with a single-sided swingarm (a Ducati signature), forged 17-inch Marchesini wheels, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires, gives it the agility of a superbike. But here’s the kicker: it’s still practical. Reinforced for luggage and top cases, it’s ready for a cross-country haul without losing its edge. This is a bike that dances through corners yet carries your gear like a loyal companion.
Brakes That Inspire Confidence
When you’re pushing 180 hp, you need stopping power to match. The V4 RS delivers with dual 330 mm front discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, and sport pads, backed by Bosch-Brembo cornering ABS. It stops from 100-0 km/h in just 32.8 meters—whether you’re carving canyons or cruising motorways, it’s pure control. It’s the kind of braking that lets you push harder, knowing the bike’s got your back.
Smarter Than Ever: DVO Electronics and Touring Tech
The V4 RS isn’t just muscle; it’s brains, too. Ducati’s Vehicle Observer (DVO) system is like having a co-pilot who reads your mind, tweaking traction, wheelie control, and stability in real time. The 6.5-inch TFT display is a visual treat, showing off five riding modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet), four suspension presets, and four power maps with exclusive RS graphics. Add in standard front radar, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and forward collision alerts, and you’ve got touring tech that rivals premium EVs like the BMW Vision CE. It’s electronics that amplify the ride, not overpower it.
How It Stacks Up: V4 RS vs. Rivals
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Vs. BMW S1000XR: Lighter and more powerful (180 hp vs. 165 hp), with superior electronics.
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Vs. KTM Super Duke GT: Outmuscles it (180 hp vs. 175 hp) and adds radar-based touring aids.
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Vs. Triumph Tiger 1200: More agile and tech-packed, with superbike-inspired handling.
My Take: Is This Ducati’s Masterpiece?
Priced at $39,995, the Multistrada V4 RS 2026 is a collector’s dream—a bike that blends Panigale fury with touring comfort. From its Lotus-tuned chassis to its predictive DVO tech, it’s a category-defining machine that dares you to dream bigger. I’m already imagining blasting down coastal roads, luggage packed, with that V4 roar echoing off the cliffs. What about you? Is the V4 RS the ultimate sport tourer, or is there another bike stealing your heart? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’m dying to hear what riders think of this beast. & Read About- Ducati V21L: The Electric MotoE Bike with QuantumScape Solid-State Batteries – A Game-Changer for EVs and Supercars
Source- ducati.com
