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At the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Ducati unveiled its latest RS range in fittingly dramatic fashion. Factory riders Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez rolled the new Diavel V4 RS and Multistrada V4 RS into pit lane, concluding a cinematic presentation that paired raceday spectacle with Italian theatre. Yet behind the fanfare lies a serious story: Ducati has taken its most versatile platform, the Multistrada, and transformed it into the sportiest, most technically advanced touring machine the company has ever built.
The Multistrada V4 RS isn’ t simply another variation in Ducati’ s long-running adventure-sport family. It represents the absolute pinnacle, an RS model created to fuse the heart of MotoGP engineering with the soul of a continent-crossing tourer.
Underneath the distinctive Multistrada silhouette lies the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, producing 180 horsepower. It’ s the same powerplant that has dominated in Ducati’ s superbikes, here tuned to deliver both tractable low-end smoothness and an exhilarating top-end surge. The RS-exclusive dry clutch and Akrapovič silencer add a soundtrack that is pure racing heritage, while the Twin Pulse firing order ensures every twist of the throttle comes alive with character.
Ducati hasn’ t stopped at power. The Multistrada V4 RS integrates an updated electronics suite that borrows directly from MotoGP. At its heart is the Ducati Vehicle Observer algorithm, simulating the input of 70 virtual sensors for more precise and adaptive control. Combined with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, including event-based forks and shock, this system constantly fine-tunes performance, whether you’ re attacking a mountain pass or settling in for a long-haul cruise.
Braking is equally confidence-inspiring, with a larger 280 mm rear disc, cornering ABS, and refined strategies that deliver sharper stopping power without sacrificing composure. Ducati has even rethought the structure of the bike: a titanium rear subframe, the only one of its kind in the motorcycle world, saves weight while still
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