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The 2026 Rally is instantly recognizable with two new liveries: Jade Green with gold wheels and Ducati Red with a brushed aluminum fuel tank, both paired with black spoked wheels. But it’ s not just about aesthetics. The latest V4 Rally is fitted with a 30-litre fuel tank, longtravel semi-active suspension, reinforced engine guards, and advanced radar-based safety systems that position the bike as a true globe-trotter, equally suited for gravel paths, alpine passes, or long freeway slogs.
At the heart of the machine is the 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine, delivering 170 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 121 Nm of torque at 8,750 rpm. Lightweight at just under 67 kg, the engine features a counter-rotating crankshaft borrowed from Ducati’ s MotoGP program, enhancing agility by countering the gyroscopic effects of the wheels. New for 2026 is the Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 system, which delivers smoother gear transitions by eliminating the traditional microswitch in favor of a direct drum sensor.
Complementing the powertrain is a suite of chassis and handling improvements. The aluminium monocoque frame remains, but it now works in tandem with a repositioned swingarm pivot that boosts antisquat behavior, enhancing stability during acceleration even when fully loaded. Braking performance has been bolstered with a larger 280 mm rear disc, while lightweight, tubeless spoked wheels come standard with a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Technological sophistication is central to the V4 Rally’ s appeal. Ducati has introduced a range of new electronic aids for 2026, including Forward Collision Warning— a radarbased alert system for frontal impact risks— and an Automatic Lowering Device that reduces seat height at low speeds to improve stability during stops or low-speed maneuvers. The suspension system has also been overhauled with an enhanced Adaptive Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO, which now includes the Ducati Vehicle Observer( DVO) algorithm— technology derived from the company’ s MotoGP racing division.
The DVO simulates input from up to 70 virtual sensors, supplementing real-time data from the inertial platform to refine the performance of electronic aids like Cornering ABS and Wheelie Control. This deeper intelligence also improves Ducati’ s Electronic Combined Braking System, which now features both front-to-rear and rear-to-front brake modulation strategies— allowing smoother and safer deceleration, especially when riding two-up.
Safety during night riding also sees an upgrade. The bike comes with Cornering Lights, improved headlight clusters that reduce forward shadows, and a new Coming Home function that keeps the low beams on briefly after the ignition is switched off. A Ducati Brake Light flashes under hard braking to warn trailing vehicles, while an
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