Back in late 2017, Ducati revealed its all-new Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine platform for its then-forthcoming Panigale V4 superbike— marking the Italian firm’s first non-L-Twin-powered model since the 1970s. Derived directly from Ducati Corse’s MotoGP bikes, this 90° V4 offered incredible performance capabilities, generating over 200hp and allowing for insanely quick-acceleration times and equally-impressive top-speed figures. And after previously debuting its Multistrada V4, the company has now unleashed a high-performance track-focused version of the adventure-tourer that’s been bestowed with the Desmosedici Stradale V4 from Ducati’s flagship superbike. 

Dubbed the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS, this ultra-premium and ultra-capable model variant jettisons the Multi’s normal 170-hp 1,158cc V4 Granturismo mill for the Panigale’s 1,103c Desmosedici Stradale V4 — which has been tuned to put down 180hp and 87ft-lbs of torque. The RS-spec Multi V4 also gains the same billet aluminum STM-EVO SBK dry clutch found on the top-of-the-line Panigale V4 SP2 and Streetfighter V4 SP2. Alongside the semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension system, the bike also comes loaded with a cutting-edge suite of rider assists including a myriad of power modes, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Vehicle Hold Control, and a state-of-the-art Radar system with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection. 

Ducati has also bestowed the Multistrada V4 RS with a lightweight titanium subframe that alone shaves roughly 5.5lbs of weight off the bike. Further weight savings are owed to its full suite of carbon fiber bodywork and techno-polymer tail with integrated passenger grab handles. The entire bike now rides on a set of markedly sportier — and much lighter — 17” Marchesini forged aluminum wheels, as well. Other highlights include Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME Cornering ABS-backed Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers and an Akrapovič silencer with a carbon fiber end-cap, both as standard. These updates, upgrades, and tweaks collectively make this the most high-performance Multistrada that Ducati has ever produced — and by a pretty significant margin too. 

Priced at $37,995, the 2024 Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is scheduled to hit dealerships in February of next year.