After only one year on the market, the Ducati Multistrada V4 has already undergone some updates. Particularly interesting is the fact that the V4 S has gained a new semi-automatic ride height function.
Since its launch last year, Ducati’s Multistrada V4 has proved to be an advanced grand tourer, following the SuperEnduro GT trend that is so popular at the moment. The engine is, of course, the key factor: the non-Desmo 1,158cc V-4 produces 170 hp at 10,500 rpm and 92 lb ft of torque at 8,750 rpm. With a balanced chassis and aggressive bodywork package, the bike offers an advanced electronics package including front and rear radar sensors for monitoring traffic conditions, adaptive cruise control and a blind spot detection system. Of course, motor Ducati also offers a wide range of accessories.
The chassis of the MultiSTRada V4 is based on the same cast aluminium concept originally developed for the Panigale V4 superbike. Its construction offers high torsional stiffness and light weight, and the bike offers excellent stability, agility and versatility in both on- and off-road riding.
Ducati’s goal was to offer a bike with high reliability and comfort, an engaging riding experience and excellent safety. These key benefits helped make the Multistrada V4 an immediate success, with over 10,000 units sold in its first year. Prestige and purity aside, the current generation of Ducatisti clearly embraces and appreciates the long maintenance intervals of the non-Desmo valve drive system.
Although the motorbike is only a year old, the Multistrada V4 will receive styling and technical updates in 2022. The most obvious is the new Arctic White colour scheme, which joins the current Ducati Red and Pilot Grey. The Multistrada V4 is available in four trim packages, Essential, Radar, Travel & Radar and Full, with all three colours available for each trim.
Electronic ride height
The Multistrada V4’s ‘S’ model includes an electronically managed suspension system, which now has an additional function called ‘minimum preload’. This system semi-automatically lowers the bike’s suspension to enhance low-speed manoeuvrability and make the bike more rider-friendly in urban traffic. Thanks to the DUCATI Connect system, a software update has also been made to make it easier to access and interact with electronic devices. While the updates are standard on the new bikes, they will also be available free of charge to owners of last year’s Multistrada V4 S.
While the motorbike is currently offered with a removable touring case, a new ADV-spec aluminium top box and side panels will now be available.
When it comes to lowering the bike, there’s another option: the Ducati Performance accessories range will offer a lowered suspension kit, including forks and shock springs, as well as a shorter side stand. This setup will lower the seat height by 20 mm (0.8 inches), with the aim of improving low-speed agility and achieving a sportier riding style.
Finally, from April onwards, new aluminium luggage (bags and boots) will be available to cater for serious touring enthusiasts. These offer plenty of space: 76 litres for the side skirt supports and 41 litres for the top box. Waterproof lined bags provide an extra layer of waterproofing to make loading and unloading easier.
A quote from Ducati’s own website makes the intentions of the 2022 Multistrada V4 clear: “It’s never easy to rule the road.”
View of the Multistrada V4 S, minus the side box. The Multistrada V4 model has been a great success for Ducati, and the 2022 update adds key improvements.
