By Michael Neeves Published: Today 11:38
For many, the £34.095 Ducati Multistrada V4 RS would be parked near the front of their fantasy garage, but does the reality match the dream?
Ever since the Multistrada 1200 arrived in 2010, followed by the BMW S1000XR and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT , these ‘superbikes on stilts’ have become the go-to machines for riders moving from their beloved sportsbikes to something comfier, but still entertaining.
In more recent years even spicier versions have come along, like the £28,495 Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak and £28,120 BMW M1000 XR , although we’re yet to see a 1390 version of the Super Duke GT.
Reasons to buy: + Top spec, high-performing componentry everywhere + Rapid road progress can be made in comfort, think ‘ultimate sports-tourer’ + In-depth electronics package enhances performance, comfort and safety
Reasons to avoid: – Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak offers a similar experience for nearly £6k less – Its overall weight can influence the ride stability at speed, despite the quality suspension – Overall feel and tyre spec could be too racy for some
Ducati turned the Multistrada V4 up to 11 in 2024 with an even more special ‘RS’ version. It uses the same chassis as the V4 Pikes Peak : a 17in front wheel and single-sided swingarm (compared to the standard Multi V4’s 19-incher and double-sider), electronic Öhlins suspension with a self-levelling rear, forged Marchesini forged aluminium wheels and Brembo Stylema calipers.
The numbered (but not limited edition) RS goes a step racier with a 2kg weight saving, stickier Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres (the Pikes Peak has non-Corsa Rosso IVs), a titanium rear subframe, a smaller battery, carbon fibre goodies, including screen, beak and front mudguard, rearset pegs and lower, more compact bars and an Akrapovic exhaust can.
It’s also crammed full of the most advanced electronics you’ll find on any road-going motorcycle, including radar cruise control, blind spot indicators and cornering lights.
For 2026 the RS gets new wheels and upgraded electronic rider strategies to polish everything from traction, engine brake, wheelie, ABS and suspension control to its quickshifter.
The RS is also the only model in the Multistrada V4 range not to use Ducati’s 1158cc, 168bhp spring-valve V4 Granturismo motor. Instead, it’s fitted with the full-fat, 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale unit from the Panigale V4 , Streetfighter V4 and Diavel V4 RS , making a claimed 178bhp and fitted with a dry slipper clutch.
On paper its extra 12bhp (and 4.5lb-ft less torque) doesn’t sound like much, but the way it makes its power is altogether angrier and more purposeful. The revs spool up quicker, the force of acceleration pushes you harder into the back of the seat and the airbox roar is deeper and more piercing.
It may have more performance than you’ll ever know what do with on the road and there’s never a dull moment when the V4 is singing, but the power delivery is buttery smooth, friendly and easy to manage.
When you’re not slicking up and down the slick gearbox, chasing the revs, the V4 is always calm and tractable.
The RS’s spec sheet reads like a superbike ’s and the handling is as crisp and racy as a Multistrada can be. It would hold its own in a fast group trackday , but it has a couple more aces up its sleeve on the road.
It’s tall, so you can see more of the road ahead and its supple, long travel suspension (45mm more at the front, 40mm at the rear) dances over our ever-decaying road surfaces without batting an eyelid.
Weighing a claimed 225kg (wet, no fuel) the RS is still no lightweight and it wiggles its hips through fast direction changes as its weight settles through the suspension, but once you’re used to the way it moves and appreciate the huge amount of grip on offer, the harder you push, the more it hunkers into the tarmac to destroy corners.
Its Öhlins forks and shock are deliciously damped and composed, with the added flexibility of instant electronic adjustment to make them stiffer or softer, depending on the riding mode you’re in.
Braking power and feel are up there with the best superbikes you can buy and like the latest Panigale V4 there’s an ABS mode that automatically drags the back brake into corners when you apply the front, based on your speed, lean angle and where the IMU thinks it is in space.
But the RS is just as impressive as a tourer . It’s roomy, comfortable, calm and practical and although priced out of most rider’s orbit, it oozes the kind of luxury you’d expect for your 34 grand.
This is the same desmo engine used in the 213bhp Panigale V4 . It’s retuned for the road and makes 35bhp less, but your derrier dyno would never know. It’s rapido.
Like the previous RS the ’26 version uses a titanium subframe to save 2.5kg. It can accommodate panniers and for the first time a top box, adding to its appeal.
A Multistrada V4 staple since ‘20, the 6.5in TFT display sports an RS logo and a Race riding mode with full p…