Ducati is clearly on a roll with its V4 engine-powered motorcycles. Ever since we were treated with the Multistrada V4 last year, there was always a hunch that they wanted to squeeze out more from the already mental machine. And now we have it! The 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is an even more focused iteration based on the not-so-shabby V4 S.
Motorcycles have been banned from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb owing to a series of fatal crashes. But Ducati has had a tradition of making "Pikes Peak" badged motorcycles that are layered with added hooliganism! And that is exactly the more-focused version of the Multistrada V4 packs. In short, this adventure motorcycle can be taken to the race track and ripped through corners and straights alike. It defies convention and is a supersport machine on stilts. The most evident difference is the cool Desmosedici GP 2021-inspired livery.
Mechanical changes are plentiful with the major being smaller wheels, restructured chassis, revised ergonomics, and more weight savings. We surely know that Ducati loves to make Frankensteins, but this one right here is on a whole different league. The comparatively sane Ducati Multristrade V4 S is still more desirable in most ways than the likes of the path-setting BMW R1250 GS line-up, the equally animalistic KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, and the newest boy in town - the Harley-Davidson Pan America.
Wanna get your knee down using an adventure motorcycle on the tracks?! Ducati's got you covered!
Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Packs The Same Engine As The Standard Multi
Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak packs the same engine as the other Multis which in turn is a re-bored version of the V4 motor from the mad Panigale V4. This clearly explains why this sizable adventure motorcycle loves popping wheelies! The 1160cc V4 Granturismo engine remains unchanged from the standard Multistrada V4 and churns out 170 HP @ 10,500 RPM and 92 lb-ft @ 8,750 RPM and is coupled to a slick-shifting 6-Speed gearbox.
This engine is controversial as well due to the lack of Desmodromic Valves. That's quite the "screaming" performance from an adventure tourer. It would be more sensible to call the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak a supersport tourer. The only new addition to the suck-squeeze-bang-blow drama here is the addition of a sweet-sounding Akrapovic titanium and carbon exhaust system. No change in performance but you shave off a few pounds and a raspier exhaust note.
Smaller And Lighter Wheels, Upgraded Suspension, And Revised Ergonomics
Ducati has swapped the 19-inch wheels and given the Pikes Peak smaller and lighter 17-inch wheels. These are Marchesini forged aluminum wheels that Ducati claims are 6 pounds lighter than the standard Multi V4's cast aluminum. The front and rear wheels are now lighter and 17-inchers.
Apart from this, extensive usage of carbon fiber parts for the front fender and parts of the cool-wrapped fairing helps shave an additional 3 pounds as well. The suspension gets a major and stiffer upgrade with Ohlins suspension layout that also includes the Smart EV 2.0 semi-active system. This is the same suspension setup used in the Panigale V4 S and the Streetfighter V4 S.
The downsizing of wheels required Ducati to rework the chassis layout and ergonomics. The steering rake has been increased from 24.5 degrees to 25.75 degrees. This translates to a longer wheelbase that results in a more planted ride on both straights and corners. The ergo is now a bit more sporty with higher footpegs are farther behind along with a lower and narrower handler bar.
True Ducati Hotness Coupled With A Desmosedici GP ’21 Inspired Livery
The most evident way in which you can differentiate the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak from its saner brothers is with the cool Desmosedici GP ’21 Inspired Livery. This red-white combination is the only offering from this Multi and it surely adds a lot of drama to the machine.
Come on! It's a Ducati, and drama's in its blood. Another dramatic mechanical and aesthetic change is the ditching of Multi's conventional swingarm and replacing it with a single-sided piece of art from the Panigale V4. There is a healthy use of carbon fiber and the smoked front windshield might keep the wind away from your face!
This Hooligan Is Packed With Safety And Technology
Ducati never disappoints when it comes to the sheer usage of technology. Safety is well catered to here, after all, it's an adventure motorcycle that can pop wheelies and scrap the footpegs! The brakes are bitey thanks to twin 330 mm rotors upfront with Stylema monoblock calipers and a 265 mm rear disc with a floating caliper.
This is the same setup from the Panigale V4 and paves way for Bosch cornering ABS, millimeter-wave front-and-rear radar system, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot alert. Yup, all these on a motorcycle. Assistive features are plentiful as well with traction and wheel control and electronically controlled quick-shifter among others.
Ducati has replaced the Enduro riding more with a new Race mode, clearly going with this Multi's character. All of the wizardries are controlled via a 6.5-inch TFT instrument cluster that also doubles up as the interface for Ducati Connect and navigation.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak: Pricing And Launch Date
The 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is already on sale and starts from $28,995. It comes in one dramatic MotoGP-inspired shade and gets the same accessory listing as the standard Multi V4. The premium is steep as compared to the standard Multistrada V4 that starting from $19,995 and the Multi V4 S from $25,795.
Well, for the adventure-sport mashup the Multi V4 Pikes Peak offers, the pricing is not extravagant at all. Just make sure you take out your panniers and be mentally prepared before hitting the track with this hooligan.
Sources: Ducati.com, Rideapart.com, Motorcycle.com, Cycleworld.com, Asphaltandrubber.com