Two years after the launch of the fourth generation Multistrada V4, Ducati has dropped the cover on the all-new Multistrada V4 ‘Rally’. The new model was unveiled today on Ducati’s 2023 World Premiere web series and is packed with new features designed to give the bike more off-road capability, range and comfort.

First up, suspension travel has been increased to 7.9 in (200 mm) front and rear, up by 1.2 in (30 mm) and .8 in (20 mm) respectively, raising ground clearance to 9.1 in (230 mm). A new sensor on the fork enhances precision of the semi-active Marzocchi suspension by relaying the position of the front wheel in real-time with more accuracy and speed. The Multistrada Rally is also equipped with reinforced engine guards and 19”/17” tubeless spoked wheels as standard, redesigned and lightened to improve handling.

Additional wind protection has been added, with the windshield increased by 1.6 in (40 mm) in height and .8 in (20 mm) in width plus, modified deflectors reduce turbulence for the rider and passenger. The Rally model also features wider steel micro-cast rider footpegs that can be adjusted without tools and have a more aggressive profile for off-road use. In turn, passenger footpegs have been revised with oversized rubber inserts to reduce the level of transmitted vibrations. 

To further increase comfort, the tail of the bike has been lengthened and the top case attachment is moved back to offer more leg area for the passenger. Furthermore, with seats of different heights for both rider and passenger and the lowered suspension kit, the Multistrada V4 Rally can be customized to suit rider’s needs. In addition, a center stand is standard on this bike to ease the loading and unloading of the side cases and to perform any maintenance.

For long-journeys and fewer fuel stops, range is also increased with a new larger capacity 7.9-gal (30 L) aluminum tank (up from 5.8 gal).

Advance Enduro Mode

The Enduro Riding Mode limits the 170 hp engine power to 115 hp with a dedicated Engine Mode, characterized by a more dynamic and direct response than the one of equal power dedicated to the Urban Mode. 

The Enduro Riding Mode also sets the DSS Evolution system (which allows the adjustment of preload and the hydraulic brakes in compression and rebound of the front fork and rear shock absorber) specifically for off-road riding. The traction control and Wheelie control systems switch to the lower intervention level and the ABS is set to level 1, suitable for off-road use on low-grip terrain. In this case, the rear wheel lift detection function, the Cornering function and the intervention on the rear wheel are disabled.

Easy Lift Function 

The Minimum Preload function, already introduced on the Multistrada V4 S in 2022, allows the rider to “lower” the bike when stopping and riding at low speed by minimizing the preload of the shock absorber. The Multistrada V4 Rally takes a further step forward in terms of ease of use by introducing the Easy Lift function. The new feature opens the valves of the semi-active units for about three minutes when the panel is switched on to maximize the flow of oil inside them, which softens the suspension, making it easier to lift the bike off the side stand.

The new model is further equipped with an Auto leveling function that delivers a constant adjustment to keep the bike’s riding characteristics unchanged when the rider, passenger and luggage configuration vary.

Extended Engine Deactivation

To improve thermal comfort and fuel consumption, the 1,158cc Multistrada V4 Rally introduces a new extended electronic deactivation strategy for the rear bank of cylinders, a technical solution debuting for the first time on a production motorcycle. Until now the V4 Granturismo proceeded to deactivate the two rear cylinders during stops with the engine running, on the Multistrada V4 Rally Ducati introduced a strategy that extends deactivation also to riding at low revs in specific conditions.

With this new strategy, even with the bike in motion, the control unit, depending on the gear engaged and other engine parameters (such as throttle opening and engine speed), interrupts the combustion of the rear bank at low speeds. As speed increases or if you want to take full advantage of the engine’s power, the cylinders are restarted, guaranteeing all the character and performance of the V4 Granturismo. The system is active in all Riding Modes, with a different calibration for each gear. However, it never works in first gear, which avoids standing starts with the rear bank deactivated.

Accessories 

Besides the wide range of accessories and different seat configurations, it is also possible to make the Multistrada V4 Rally sportier and embellish its appearance with different parts of carbon fiber trim; aluminum levers and footrests machined from solid; dynamic LED indicators; and brake and clutch fluid reservoirs machined from solid as well.

Availability

The Multistrada V4 Rally will start hitting dealer floors in the US and Canada in May 2023. The new model will be available in Ducati Red and Brushed Aluminum & Matt black, the latter with an exposed brushed aluminum fuel tank, with black spoke rims for both. 

US pricing for the Multistrada V4 Rally will begin at an MSRP of $31,495 for the Ducati Red color, with the Brushed Aluminum & Matt black starting at $31,995. For Canada, the Multistrada V4 Rally will start at an MSRP of $34,395 CAD for Ducati Red and MSRP of $34,995 CAD for the Brushed Aluminum & Matt black.

For more information visit ducati.com.

2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Specs

Photos by Marco Campelli.