2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak First Ride Review

[Hugh Janus]

The 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak transforms the popular adventure platform into an all-out sport-tourer. (Jeff Allen/)

Few races are more daunting than the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a ruthless combination of 156 corners through treacherous terrain and unpredictable conditions, demanding respect and leaving zero room for error. To succeed here, men and machines are put in a crucible requiring them to be exceptional in all areas and lacking in none.

The Pikes Peak is the sportiest and most equipped Multistrada in Ducati’s lineup, retailing for $28,995. (Jeff Allen/)

Ducati has built a legacy at the Pikes Peak, with seven victories under legendary racers Greg Tracy and the late Carlin Dunne before motorcycles were barred from competition following Dunne’s tragedy in 2019. Even Cycle World’s own Don Canet and Mark Cernicky had their share of success aboard Bologna-based machinery at the Race to the Clouds. If there’s one manufacturer that knows what it takes to conquer the Mountain, Ducati is it.

So it comes as no surprise that Ducati now brings us the all-new 2022 Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, which it claims to be the sportiest iteration of the Multistrada platform it has ever produced. The motorcycle pays homage to the Mountain with a unique paint scheme inspired by the Desmosedici GP21 MotoGP project.

Ducati emphasized performance in the Pikes Peak model, notably revising the chassis for more responsive and confident on-road handling. (Jeff Allen/)

Ducati’s new Pikes Peak is the offspring of the Multistrada V4 adventure-touring machine that contested our recent big-bore ADV shootout, Ducati’s best-selling model in 2021. That means this bike encompasses everything that has made the latest Multistrada so popular: a flexible, rider-friendly V-4 powerplant; a rock-solid chassis; and the most premium rider amenities offered by Ducati. All of this blends with aesthetic and functional changes inspired by Ducati’s deep racing heritage.

Nothing less than superbike-spec Brembo Stylema Monoblock calipers clamping to 330mm discs bring the Pikes Peak to a halt. (Jeff Allen/)

As with the Ducati Multistrada on which it’s based, the Pikes Peak is powered by the 1,158cc Granturismo 90-degree V-4 engine. In this application the engine’s been recalibrated, with a dedicated Race mode using a softer redline strategy, a new quickshifter algorithm allowing for more aggressive downshifts, and even more direct throttle response. The fundamental components of the powerplant remain identical to the Multistrada V4, which produced a ripping 143.8 hp at 10,600 rpm and 77.8 pound-feet of torque at 7,400 rpm the last time we ran it on the in-house Cycle World dyno. The most impressive aspect of this motor is its linear power delivery, which sustains all the way up to peak output, and its flat torque curve, which shows at least 70 pound-feet of torque available from 4,500 rpm until its redline of 11,500 rpm.

The Multistrada shreds like a streetfighter, but is more spacious and comfortable for the long haul. More twisties, please. (Jeff Allen/)

Which is what makes the Multistrada so remarkable in motion. Ducati has done wonders in balancing its characteristics, finding good middle ground between high performance and everyday rideability. Opening the throttle brings gentle yet crisp initial power delivery as the bike settles the chassis and accelerates. The Granturismo is happy to lug at low revs, as low as 2,500 rpm, short-shifting through its well-spaced six-speed gearbox. It’s also completely satisfied with having its throttle yanked in aggression, which results in a power surge that will remind riders of its superbike roots. Through all of this, there are deeply emotional V-4 sounds from the titanium Akrapovič muffler that’s found as standard equipment on the Pikes Peak model.

Ducati’s 6.5-inch TFT display plays host to the Pikes Peak’s electronic rider-aid suite. Seen here are the motorcycle’s four preset riding modes, including the Race mode. (Jeff Allen/)

It’s fair that Ducati anticipates the Pikes Peak will be piloted on the aggressive, howling end of the scale, as this motorcycle is chock-full of racing DNA. Its potentially wicked power is tailored and managed via a full suite of electronic rider aids including selectable settings of Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), and power modes. To simplify the rider-aid suite, there are four selectable riding modes, each with preset parameters: Urban, Touring, Sport, and the aforementioned Race mode, featured here for the first time on a Multi.

The Pikes Peak adopts the same semi-active Öhlins suspension components as seen on the Streetfighter and Panigale models, which utilizes the Smart EC 2.0 “events-based” algorithm. (Jeff Allen/)

The Pikes Peak’s power delivery is so docile that I preferred the Medium power mode and deactivated the rider-aid intervention all together; I found this provided the most visceral riding experience and the most direct connection to the rear tire, and was acceptable in most riding conditions. That’s not to say the traction and wheelie control systems are not superb for heavy-fisted hammering; dialing to level 3 of DTC and disabling DWC resulted in blistering corner exit speed with solid control and manageable wheelies, similar to the bike’s Panigale and Streetfighter siblings.

OE-fitted Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV rubber glues the Pikes Peak to the tarmac. (Jeff Allen/)

There are more similarities in its chassis composure and quick steering. The Pikes Peak ditches the 19-inch front wheel of the standard Multi for a set of trick Marchesini forged aluminum wheels rolling on sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires. It’s important to note the size change opens up more aftermarket sport tire choices; perhaps a set of slicks is in order for a trackday?

Steering geometry has been optimized and a single-side swingarm is also unique to the Pikes Peak. A top-shelf semi-active Öhlins fork and TTX 36 rear shock using the latest Smart EC 2.0 events-based algorithm replace the Marzocchi units on the Multistrada V4 S model. The chassis is planted from corner entry to exit; with the aid of sharp steering, it smashes side-to-side transitions with steadfast conviction despite being a measured 543 pounds on the Cycle World scales.

The 17-inch forged aluminum Marchesini wheels save nearly 6 pounds in comparison to the other Multistrada models, adding to its sportiness. The common sizes create flexibility in tire choice. Racing slicks and a trackday seem in order. (Jeff Allen/)

Dedicated ergonomics play a role in the Pikes Peak’s playful handling. In comparison to the base-model Multistrada V4, the footpegs have been pushed up and back by 10mm in each direction for a more aggressive lower stance. Likewise, the handlebar is lower and narrower, resulting in a more aggressive stance. This eases hustling the bike through a tricky set of corners, but is still comfortable at the end of a long day of riding. Overall the riding position is pleasant for this 5-foot, 7-inch tester, with the only gripe being the minimal size of the adjustable windscreen, which struggles to cope with wind buffeting even in its highest position.

Ducati nailed a split personality with the Pikes Peak. Everything about it is rider friendly at a leisurely pace, but it's playful in the right conditions. Have we ever mentioned wheelies save from front tire wear? (Jeff Allen/)

Ducati’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) function is fitted as standard equipment on the Pikes Peak, easing to the long haul. There are four selectable following distances: near, medium, far, and very far. The Multistrada responds marvelously with throttle and braking input, and our only gripe is that the resulting low level of focus required on the highway is potentially worrisome should an unexpected situation arise. Stay sharp. It’s also equipped with Blind Spot Detection (BSD) functionality, which is extremely useful in dense traffic scenarios.

The 2022 Multistrada V4 is a menace even sitting still. The Desmosedici GP21-inspired livery reminds of its racing roots. (Jeff Allen/)

The amenities and overall quality of the Pikes Peak are damned impressive, as they should be for a motorcycle priced at $28,995. But this is also where it falls short. Despite radar technology and top-shelf componentry, the Pikes Peak doesn’t have heated grips as standard equipment, but as an additional $388 accessory. Isn’t having heated grips a golden rule of all sport-touring machinery? And it’s a similar story with panniers or storage, which start at $988 in the Ducati parts catalog.

Still, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is an absolute sport-touring weapon. It’s not a mere upgrade to the Multistrada V4 and V4 S adventure-touring models, but a real step in its own direction: A sport-tourer balancing the best of Ducati’s touring and racing worlds as it rips toward the clouds.

The Ducati Corse badge on the beak of the front fairing signals the Pikes Peak sporting intent. (Jeff Allen/)

2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Specifications

MSRP:	$28,995
Engine:	Liquid-cooled Granturismo 90-degree V-4; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	1,158cc
Bore x Stroke:	83.0 x 53.5mm
Compression Ratio:	14.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	170 hp @ 10,500 rpm
Claimed Torque:	92 lb.-ft. @ 8,750 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 46mm elliptical throttle bodies; ride-by-wire
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate w/ slipper action; hydraulic operation
Frame:	Aluminum monocoque
Front Suspension:	Öhlins 48mm fully adjustable; 6.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Öhlins TTX 36 fully adjustable monoshock; 6.7 in. travel
Front Brake:	Radial-mounted Brembo Stylema Monoblock 4-piston calipers, dual 330mm semi-floating discs w/ cornering ABS
Rear Brake:	Brembo floating 2-piston caliper, 265mm disc w/ cornering ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Forged aluminum Marchesini; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 6 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV; 120/70-17/ 190/55-17
Rake/Trail:	25.75°/ 4.7 in.
Wheelbase:	62.8 in.
Seat Height:	33.1 in. (low)/33.9 in. (high)
Fuel Capacity:	5.8 gal.
Average MPG:	33 mpg.
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight:	543 lb.
Availability:	April 2022
Contact:	ducati.com

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