Ducati’s just added a new version of its flagship adventure bike to the growing Multistrada V4 range – but this one’s built with mile-munching in mind.
The Italian firm’s Multistrada has been a hit since it was first released 20 years ago. But its newest V4 iteration has seen the model go from strength to strength; to the point that there’s now five big ‘uns to choose from (plus a couple of V2’s).
Joining the standard V4, V4 S, V4 Rally and V4 Pikes Peak is the new V4 S Grand Tour. As you’d expect, it’s all about covering big distances in proper comfort – building on the solid base of the V4 S and adding a load of extra goodies to make it comfier, safer and easier to live with.
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The beating heart of the Grand Tour is a 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine, which kicks out a healthy 170hp at 10,500rpm and 125Nm at 8,750rpm. Road test of other models in the range suggest it’s a glorious motor, offer smooth and progressive power wherever you are in the revs. Flexible, capable but still fun – it’s perfect for a proper two-up tourer.
It goes big on technology. In addition to all the good stuff fitted to the other ‘Strada’s (including Cornering ABS, Traction Control, Wheel Control, Hill Control and more), it comes equipped with a radar system with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). There’s a built-in navigation system which allows you to transform the TFT dash into a colour map, a TPMS to keep an eye on your pressures, additional LED fog lights and even a new Minimum Preload function; which works to compress the suspension and drop the seat height when stopping or moving at low speed. There’s also a clever Easy Lift function which increases the suspension hydraulics to make it less difficult to haul off its side-stand. For increased comfort, Ducati’s even fitted heated grips and rider and passenger seat heaters as standard. Nice.
There’s luggage included. A pair of integrated boxes which offer 60 litres of storage should provide plenty of room to pack up for your next adventure. There’s a centre stand too, which is a nice touch – particularly for big mile riders who like to be able to do their own maintenance.
Not that it’ll need much attention… because Ducati’s worked hard to make the Multistrada have some pretty massive service intervals (for example the valve clearance check is set at 60,000 km). There’s also the 4EVER Ducati and Roadside Assistance programs, which offers 4 years with unlimited mileage and roadside assistance, transport for rider and passenger, a replacement vehicle and overnight stay in a four-star hotel in the event of problems that should occur during the standard warranty coverage period. That’s some confidence in your bikes, right there…
Costing a healthy £23,595, the new Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour will be available in dealerships as soon as the end of September. If you want to get your hands on one, It’d be wise to get in touch with your local dealer ASAP.
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