2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally First Look

Peon Maface · September 29, 2022

Ducati revealed a new Multistrada V4 Rally in the latest episode of its 2023 World Première web series. And while the model name hints at improved off-road capability, the V4 Rally’s feature list leans more for long distance travel and passenger comfort than tackling Dakar.

Not that there aren’t any upgrades to make the Rally model more capable of venturing off the tarmac than existing Multistrada V4 models. The Rally’s semi-active suspension provides 7.9 inches of travel, front and rear, an increase over the 6.7-inch front and 7.1-inch rear travel offered on the other variants. The suspension changes increase the ground clearance by 0.4 inches to 9.1 inches. The Skyhook DSS EVO electronics were also updated for more precise and efficient control over the suspension settings.

Like the Multistrada V4 S, the Rally model comes with a Minimum Preload function to lower the ride height when stopping or at low speeds. The Rally takes this a step further with an Easy Lift function that softens the suspension on start-up to make it easier to lift off the side stand.

Ducati also added an updated Enduro ride mode to join the Sport, Touring, and Urban modes. The Enduro mode restricts the engine output to 114 hp, compared to the claimed full output of 167 hp, while also providing a more dynamic and direct throttle response. The Enduro mode also switches traction control to a lower intervention level while deactivating wheelie control and rear wheel ABS. Cornering functionality and rear lift detection are also suppressed for off-road use.

The Multistrada V4 Rally comes standard with wire spoke wheels, with a 3.00×19″ wheel up front and a 4.5×17″ rear wheel. The wheels come clad in Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires, but they can also be fitted with Scorpion Rally or Scorpion Rally STR tires.

For the Rally’s V4 Granturismo engine, Ducati introduced an new “extended” electronic deactivation system. On existing models, the rear cylinder bank deactivates during stops, but for the Rally, the system also works at low revs in order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The rear cylinders restart when the speed increases. The system is calibrated to work in all ride modes and in each gear, except first, so that standing starts make use of all four cylinders.

The Multistrada V4 Rally has a 7.9-gallon aluminum fuel tank, a significant increase over the 5.8-gallon capacity of the other models. Ducati updated the bodywork to maintain the existing Multstrada’s look, and tank height despite the larger fuel capacity. Ducati also adjusted the aerodynamics to improve wind protection for both rider and passenger.

To improve thermal comfort, Ducati added new heat shielding to the subframe and swingarm. The Rally’s side and top case attachments were also moved back slightly to improve passenger comfort.

Other updates include wider footpegs with removable rubber inserts and a beefier sump guard.

In other markets, Ducati offers multiple equipment packages, but for the U.S., the Multistrada V4 Rally comes only in the Adventure Travel and Radar package that adds adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, aluminum side cases, and heated grips and seats. American customers will have a choice of two paint options. The Ducati Red option is priced at $31,495 while the Brushed Aluminum and Matt Black option raises the price to $31,995. Expect to see the Multistrada V4 Rally at Ducati dealerships in May 2023.

2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Specifications
MSRP	Starting From $31,495
Engine Type	Ducati V4 Granturismo, V4 – 90°, 4 valves per cylinder, counter-rotating crankshaft, twin pulse firing order, semi dry sump, liquid-cooled
Displacement	1,158 cc
Bore x Stroke	83 x 53.3 mm
Compression Ratio	14:01
Horsepower	167 hp at 10,750 rpm (claimed)
Torque	89.2 lb-ft. at 8,750 rpm (claimed)
Fuel Injection	Continental electronic fuel injection system, Øeq 46mm equivalent elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire system
Exhaust	Stainless steel muffler, double catalytic converter and 4 lambda probes
Gearbox	6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift up/down
Primary Drive	Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.8:1
Gear Ratios	1=40/13, 2=36/16, 3=34/19, 4=31/21, 5=29/23, 6=27/25
Final Drive	Chain, Front sprocket z16; Rear sprocket Z42
Clutch	Multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run
Frame	Aluminum monocoque frame
Front Suspension	Ø50 mm fully adjustable usd fork with internal stroke sensor. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS). 7.9 inches of travel
Front Wheel	Spoked wheel 3″ x 19″
Front Tire	Pirelli Scopion Trail II 120/70 R19
Rear Suspension	Cantilever suspension with fully adjustable monoshock. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Electronic spring pre-load adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS). Aluminium double-sided swingarm. 7.9 inches of travel
Rear Wheel	Spoked wheel 4,5″ x 17″
Rear Tire	Pirelli Scorpion Trail II 170/60 R17
Front Brake	2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers, 2-pad, radial master cylinder with cornering ABS as standard equipment
Rear Brake	265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper, with cornering ABS as standard equipment
Instrumentation	6,5″ TFT color dislay with Ducati Connect and full-map navi system
Dry Weight	500 lb (claimed)
Curb Weight	573 lb (claimed)
Seat Height	Adjustable 34.3 – 35.0 inches 34.9 – 35.6 inches with high seat accessory 33.7 – 34.5 inches with low seat #1 accessory 32.5 – 33.3 inches with low seat #2 accessory 31.7 – 32.5 inches with low seat #2 + low suspension kit accessory
Wheelbase	61.9 inches
Rake	24.7°
Trail	4.15 inches
Fuel Capacity	7.9 US gallons
Number Of Seats	2
Safety Equipment	Riding Modes, Power Modes, cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Ducati Brake Light, Ducati Cornering Light, Vehicle Hold Control
Standard Equipment	Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO, Ducati Quick Shift, Cruise control, Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, 6,5″ TFT colour display with Ducati Connect and full-map navigation system, Full LED headlight with DRL, Engine Brake Control (EBC), Extended Cylinder Deactivation (ECD)
Warranty	24 months, unlimited mileage.
Service Intervals	9,000 miles / 24 months
Desmoservice	36,000 miles