By Deji Osas
Ducati has officially unveiled the 2026 Multistrada V4 RS, a motorcycle that redefines the limits of sport touring by merging superbike DNA with long-distance practicality. Marketed as the sharpest and most advanced Multistrada yet, the V4 RS combines blistering performance with cutting-edge rider assistance systems—offering enthusiasts a touring machine that behaves like a race bike when unleashed.
Superbike Power at the Core
At the heart of the Multistrada V4 RS lies the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, originally developed for the Panigale superbike range. It produces a staggering 180 horsepower at 13,500 rpm, giving it more power than Ducati’s first-generation Panigale V4 from 2018. Unlike other Multistradas, the RS delivers full power in every gear, paired with a unique throttle map for uncompromised acceleration.
An STM-EVO dry clutch and an Akrapovič exhaust system add racing pedigree while reducing weight and enhancing sound. Shorter final gearing ensures explosive acceleration, making the RS the most aggressive Multistrada ever built.
Slimmer, Stronger, Lighter
Weighing just 465 pounds curb, the V4 RS undercuts its sibling, the Pikes Peak edition, by seven pounds. Ducati achieved this by fitting a titanium rear subframe, carbon fiber body panels, and a lithium-ion battery, all of which shave off crucial weight without compromising strength. The subframe is reinforced to handle panniers and a top box, ensuring it retains its touring versatility.
Race-Bred Chassis and Braking
Built around a monocoque aluminum frame and Ducati’s signature single-sided swingarm, the RS features Marchesini forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires. Suspension is handled by Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active units, tuned for a balance between comfort and track-ready stiffness.
Braking comes from twin 330 mm discs with Brembo Stylema calipers, paired with cornering ABS for maximum control under pressure.
Technology That Predicts Rider Needs
The Multistrada V4 RS debuts Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO), an algorithm that anticipates rider inputs and adjusts traction control, wheelie control, and stability aids in real time. Riders can choose from five riding modes—Race, Sport, Touring, Urban, and Wet—plus multiple suspension presets and power delivery maps, all managed through a 6.5-inch TFT display with RS-exclusive graphics.
Touring Meets Innovation
Despite its superbike heart, the V4 RS remains true to the Multistrada’s long-distance heritage. It comes equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, and Forward Collision Warning, blending convenience with safety for touring enthusiasts.
Ducati’s Halo Sport Tourer
Priced at $39,995 in the U.S., the Multistrada V4 RS is expected to arrive in showrooms by March 2026. Positioned above the Pikes Peak and standard V4 models, it serves as the halo product of Ducati’s sport touring lineup—a machine that proves speed, agility, and endurance can coexist in one package.
Two decades after the Multistrada first launched in 2003, Ducati has taken the concept to its logical extreme. With the RS, the Italian manufacturer isn’t just selling a motorcycle—it’s selling the closest thing to a Panigale that can comfortably cross continents.
