Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Review - Adventure Amplified

The Multistrada V4 Rally is a motorcycle that has been designed to tour the longest distances and take on the most challenging paths in its way with the highest levels of comfort. We all know that the Ducati Multistrada V4 is already an extremely capable machine but the Rally was introduced to take that one step further. We spent time exploring the capabilities of this exclusive machine in different conditions. 

Design

From afar, the Multistrada V4 Rally looks exactly like the Multistrada V4 but some significant differences set them apart. As you get closer, you realise that the Rally is properly ‘thicc’, especially considering the larger 30-litre fuel tank. To support its go-anywhere capabilities, the Rally gets a set of tubeless spoked wheels instead of the alloy wheels on the Multistrada V4 S. These changes make the Multistrada V4 Rally look even meaner and give it a more rugged appeal.   

Engine, Performance, and Mileage

The Ducati V4 Granturismo engine in the Multistrada V4 Rally churns out 170PS at 10,750rpm and 121Nm at 8740rpm. This is a potent and usable motor that is capable of doing anything the rider demands. It has that aggression to it and accelerates to triple-digit speeds in the blink of an eye. This motor feels smooth as you set off and has a wild surge of power coming in at around 4500rpm, after which it rushes all the way to the redline. On the Multistrada V4 Rally, doing speeds of 120kmph feels like 60kmph; It is THAT easy to get carried away doing high speeds on this machine. 

It is a Ducati at the end of the day so it has that wild nature to it; getting that front wheel up in the air is another easy task with the amount of power on tap. It is also tractable enough and able to do around 50kmph in third gear. Holding speeds of around 120 kmph out on the highway, it feels smooth and planted. In stop-go traffic, the hydraulic clutch feels heavy, but once on the go, the quickshifter works so well that the clutch is rarely needed. The TFT screen displayed a mileage of around 15 kmpl, so this should be able to do approximately 450 kilometres on a full tank.

Handling and Ride Quality

With the fully electronic SkyHook suspension (200mm wheel travel at both ends) and the tubeless spoked wheels, the Multistrada V4 Rally can take on any kind of terrain with ease and has an extremely plush ride quality. The bike gets suspension modes that set it up according to the weight (rider, pillion, and baggage) that the motorcycle is carrying. 

I was a little sceptical about heading off-road as I was a little intimidated by its large size. But just a minute in, I was able to kick up some dust and have a blast sliding around. It is so well balanced and the electronics always had my back. As I hit a set of twisty roads, it further impressed me with how it handled effortlessly and blasted through corners while feeling so stable. Surprisingly, it tips into corners quickly and can carry commendable lean angles for a motorcycle that has a kerb weight of 260kg. 

To top it all off, it gets twin 330mm disc brakes with four-piston Brembo Stylema callipers which are sharp and precise enough to bring the bike to a halt in an instant. There were a few times I had to get on the brakes hard and while doing so, felt confident because of how quickly it came to a stop. There is also minimal fork dive, further adding to the stability under hard braking. 

Comfort

Does not matter how long you want to travel astride the Multistrada V4 Rally, it is one of the most comfortable motorcycles to be astride. The wide handlebars are set high up and the footpegs are in a neutral position putting up a rider in a very commanding position. Standing up to tackle off-road trails also feels natural and to make things even easier, the TFT screen can be repositioned for the optimum view while standing up and riding. Despite a kerb weight of 260 kilograms, it is surprisingly easy to move around in parking spots and feels much lighter on the go. This review unit was equipped with a lower accessory seat to make it more accessible. There is a high seat option, two lower seat options, and additionally, a lowered suspension kit to go with it for shorter riders. The stock seat is adjustable between 870mm and 890mm. The review unit we received sported the low seat accessory option B which is adjustable between 825mm and 845mm. As expected, the comfort offered by this seat is great, making it perfect for being out on the highway for hours on end. 

Features

This has to be one of the most technologically advanced motorcycles out there. When the Multistrada V4 debuted, it was one of the first motorcycles in the world to get a radar system. This system optimises Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring functions making it an extremely safe motorcycle to tour on. Additionally, it gets riding modes, power modes, cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Brake Light, Ducati Cornering Light, and Vehicle Hold Control. 

Each of the four ride modes (Road, Rain, Sport, and Enduro) can be customised according to the rider's preference and switching between them on the go is also very user-friendly with the joystick on the left side switchgear. The blind spot monitoring system detects and warns you of the dangers behind by a flashing light on either side of the mirrors. As expected, they blink a bit too often on our roads, but it’s a great safety feature to have when out on the highway at higher speeds. A very unique feature is the kit under the seat; it has a couple of simple tools and a puncture kit paired with CO2 canisters to aid with an emergency in remote locations. 

Verdict

The bike is priced starting at a whopping Rs 29.72 lakh (ex-showroom) making it Rs 8.24 lakh more expensive than the standard Multistrada V4. There are three trims to choose from (Radar, Adventure Travel and Radar, and the top-spec Full Adventure). With the versatility of the engine, brilliant suspension, high levels of comfort, and handling abilities, it surely is one of the most desirable machines I've ridden. 

The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally does everything you would want from a motorcycle in a graceful manner and would be the best companion to do a world tour astride with its all-in-one capabilities. The price is surely hefty but there is nothing else to complain about; it is a well-engineered and technologically advanced motorcycle that ultimately makes you feel like a much better rider than you actually are.