New from Ducati for 2022 is its Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak ($28,995). This is a variation of Ducati’s Multistrada V4 adventure motorcycle, which debuted for 2021. It’s positioned as an adventure-sport model with a 17-inch forged front wheel instead of the standard model’s 19-inch hoop; think along the lines of BMW’s S 1000 XR.
Editor’s note: We’ve reported on the original Multistrada V4 with our Is Ducati’s Multistrada V4 the Fastest Adventure-Touring Bike?, 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S MC Commute Review, and 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S First Ride Review.
The Pikes Peak is still powered by Ducati’s fabulous 1,158cc V-4. We really like this engine, which is based on the Panigale V4 superbike powertrain we fell in love with many years ago. It has a lot of power, loads of character, creamy smoothness, a handsome sound, and no annoying vibration. It does suck the fuel, however, so it’s a good thing Ducati fitted a nearly 6-gallon fuel tank, so you’re going to have some capacity.
Suspension-wise, this Multi is fitted with Öhlins semi-active suspension versus the Marzocchi semi-active components on the Multistrada V4 S. We didn’t get a chance to truly whale on this bike during its official US press introduction, due to rain and slippery road surfaces, but based on our experience with the Panigale V4 S, the suspension package almost certainly kicks butt.
Ducati shifted the ergonomics package to make it more road-focused. The handlebar is a tad lower, the rider rearsets are slightly higher and more rearward. This provides more cornering clearance for those who want to try and scrape the footpegs on asphalt. Realistically, this subtle ergonomic change equates to a more demanding riding style, so we prefer the lower pegs and wider bar of the standard Multistrada V4 S. Even in standard configuration the Multi is a capable sport-oriented road bike, so it’s almost overkill to have more aggressive ergonomics.
As usual, this vehicle has a very nice, bright 6.5-inch color TFT display, though there’s a lot going on with the menu system and the layout in general and it takes a while to figure it all out. The switch gear could also be simplified; while we appreciate the switch gear’s backlighting, which is nice during night rides, there’s an unusual amount of buttons. Ducati would do well to simplify the user interface.
We do, however, really like the adaptive cruise control feature. It’s essentially a radar-based cruise control system, which allows the bike to easily keep pace with the vehicle ahead. We’ve used this setup before on the Multistrada V4 and found it exceptionally handy, functioning easily and intuitive in its use. Great job, Ducati.
This bike also uses the same front brake pad material as the V4 S Panigale superbike. We like the Multistrada V4′s original brakes, but these are better, at least in theory. Either way, owners will be getting a great braking package.
It’s also worth noting that Ducati offers three-level ABS adjustment, allowing riders to tune the ABS character to their own preference or to the road surface. The ABS programming is highly advanced, which should be appreciated by pro-level riders.
Overall, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is another really nice motorcycle from Ducati. We love the engine and its surpassing smoothness, and we absolutely love the handling. Still, the Pikes Peak is priced $4,900 higher than the standard Multistrada, and while that includes up-spec Öhlins suspenders and forged 17-inch rims, anyone who’s not a pro-level road rider is not really getting a whole lot more performance. Realistically, the standard Multi performs so well on the asphalt that it meets the needs of 99 percent of riders, who could then ride their bikes off-road too, if they wished. So, for our money, magnificent as the Pikes Peak inarguably is, we’d buy the standard Ducati Multistrada V4 S.
Gear Box
Helmet: Shoei RF-1400
Jacket: Rev’It Component H2O
Pant: Rev’It Defender 3 GTX
Gloves: Racer Tour FHH
Boots: TCX Jupiter 4 Gore-Tex
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Technical Specifications and Price
| Price: | $28,995 |
| Engine: | 1,158cc, liquid-cooled, 90° V-4 Granturismo; 4 valves/cyl. |
| Compression Ratio: | 14.0:1 |
| Fuel Delivery: | EFI w/ 46mm elliptical throttle bodies, ride-by-wire |
| Clutch: | Wet, multi-disc slipper/assist; hydraulic actuation |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Frame: | Aluminum monocoque |
| Front Suspension: | 48mm Öhlins USD fork, fully adjustable w/ Öhlins Smart EC 2.0; 6.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Öhlins TTX 36 monoshock, fully adjustable w/ Öhlins Smart EC 2.0; 6.7 in. travel |
| Front Brakes: | Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers, dual 330mm discs w/ Cornering ABS |
| Rear Brake: | Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, 265mm disc w/ Cornering ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Marchesini forged alloy; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 6.0 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV; 120/70-17; 190/55-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 25.75°/4.7 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 62.8 in. |
| Seat Height: | 33.1–33.9 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 5.8 gal. |
| Claimed Curb Weight: | 527 lb. |
| Available: | February 2022 |
| Contact: | ducati.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com