Ducati updates its super-adventure tourer with more tech, Euro 5+ engine and chassis tweaks for 2026
Ducati’s mental Multistrada is crazy enough in its standard V4S form, with the 170bhp Granturismo V4 engine and 231kg mass. But the firm raised the game even more last year with the RS version, which comes with a full-fat Desmosedici Stradale engine, that has the ‘proper’ Ducati desmodromic valve gear instead of the conventional cams and valve springs seen on the Granturismo V4 motor.
That Euro 5+ 1,103cc DOHC 16-valve engine – shared with the Panigale V4 – makes a heady 180bhp in the Multistrada tune, meaning plenty of low-down and midrange drive as well as the wild top end. And it comes with an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch plus titanium Akrapovic silencer for extra cool points.
And on the RS, it’s matched to a sportier 225kg chassis that uses an aluminium monocoque frame and single-sided swingarm together with a light, strong titanium rear subframe.
There’s also a 17” front wheel instead of a 19” rim seen on the standard Multistrada range, sharper semi-active suspension, top Brembo brakes, wheels and tyres, all to give a more agile feel, while keeping all of the touring luxury that makes the Multistrada such an amazing distance machine.
The 2024 RS was a stunner, and there’s not been a lot that Ducati could do to lift the basic spec up. It’s done its best though, adding the latest version of the firm’s electronic riding aids package, as seen on the Panigale superbike. That means you get the ‘Ducati Vehicle Observer’ setup, which aims to improve performance even more, while adding extra safety from the traction control and braking systems.
Full Öhlins semi-active EC2.0 suspension also features, with 48mm USD forks and a TTX36 rear monoshock as well as new forged aluminium Marchesini wheels wearing Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa rubber.
The up/down quickshifter is now the improved DQS 2.0 setup, which uses an angular sensor on the shift drum rather than a microswitch in the shift rod, while a lighter lithium battery saves a couple of kg over the Pikes Peak Multistrada.
Radar-assisted cruise, keyless ignition, cruise control, 6.5” full colour dash with new graphics and menus rounds off the luxury touring package nicely.
Ducati’s been able to update one more thing as well: the price. The limited edition RS Multistrada now costs a sniff over £34k – a lot of cash, but it is a lot of bike…
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS
£34,095
Colours
Dedicated RS livery
Main standard features
1,103 cc Ducati Desmosedici Stradale engine with valve clearance check every 30,000 km
Dry clutch
Aluminium monocoque frame and aluminium single-sided swingarm
Titanium rear subframe
Carbon fibre details
Semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based electronic suspension with improved strategies
New 17inch Marchesini forged aluminium wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear
Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME ABS Cornering braking system with Front-to-Rear strategy
330 mm diameter front discs with Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial calipers
Full LED headlight with DRL and new Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL)
6.5″ colour TFT dashboard with dedicated graphics
Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO)
4 Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low)
5 Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet)
Front and rear radar technology (Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection)
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) DVO
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Engine Brake Control (EBC)
Hands-Free Start
Ducati Connect with phone, music, and map navigation apps
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0
Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)
Ducati Brake Light (DBL) EVO