Motorcycle specifications DucatiMultistrada V4 1160 Pikes Peak 2022 A trail to check out the circuit

Some traditions endure; others are created. Even though the American event is no longer open to motorcycles, Ducati is relaunching the name after a short hiatus - 2021 had no place in the dynasty. More than 10 years after the first version, here comes the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.

Identified as such, the maxi-trailer seems destined to climb tight mountains as fast as a coyote in pursuit of the beep-beep. But isn't the call of the trail stronger than the call of the laces? With its new MotoGP-inspired color scheme, the MTS smells of fire and sliders. Red for excitement, number plates for lining up on the grid, nostril grills for fun & furious, and the return of the single-arm for the greater satisfaction of lovers of fine parts. When it became a V4, the Multistrada gave up this charismatic chassis element.

Pikes Peak is synonymous with victories for the company. The bike therefore boasts a sporty soul, much more so than the other versions in the catalog. Ergonomics have been revised with this in mind. The foot/shoulder/hand triangle is tilted forward, thanks to footpegs that have been moved back and raised by 10 mm, and handlebars that are 15 mm lower and 18 mm narrower, as well as stiffer. These few millimeters gently invite the rider to attack. The chassis follows the same trend.

Ducati has changed the behavior of this Multi' with a longer wheelbase, a new caster angle (25.75° instead of 24.5°) and several improvements to the peripherals. Marchesini forged-aluminum wheels provide a significant boost to agility. Not only are they much lighter than those on the V4 S (- 2.7 kilos), but their 17-inch dimensions enable sportier tires to be fitted. The Panigale V4's braking system is even more efficient. Large 330 mm discs take the force of Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers. A 265 mm rear disc with a double-piston caliper.

this generation goes further than its predecessors in terms of suspension. Since the beginning of the saga, all Pikes Peak models have been fitted with Öhlins. The last few times, they were manually adjusted, to save a little weight and leave the rider the delicacy of grabbing the tools at his convenience. For the V4, the 48mm inverted fork and TTX 36 shock absorber are controlled by the Smart EC 2.0 active system. Perfect for those who prefer the electronics to adapt the settings on their own, in addition to the Swedish road feel, its efficiency, and the golden color that heralds performance.

A notion that the big engine installed under the aluminum monocoque frame will defend with all its might. The 1,160 cm3 V4 produces no less than 170 horsepower. That's a lot, 12 more than the previous Pikes Peak powered by the twin DVT 1260, impressive for a trail bike (as it is for any bike other than a hypersport), as much as an 1198 and up to 12.7 mkg at 8,750 rpm. No engine changes compared to the other members of the family, but less weight to tow. This version is 4 kilos lighter.

a strong electronic presence is present on this bike. A more aggressive Race riding mode has been introduced. This provides an even more direct response when you hit the throttle, and allows you to play more with the rev limiter. In simple terms, as you approach maximum revs, the shifter intervenes more gradually. The shifter has been recalibrated to allow heavy-duty riders to drop down a gear even if this causes overspeeding.

Then there's the abundance. The MTS V4 Pikes Peak benefits from Bosch's latest technological innovation, which will appear on Multi, BMW and Katoche models in 2021: radar detection (front and rear) for adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection. Wheelie control and cornering ABS have been updated for enhanced performance. Then there's the big package from the other Multistradas. A 6.5" TFT screen with navigation, 5 riding modes, several power levels, traction control, hill-start assist, adaptive cornering lights, daytime running lights, hands-free system, backlit switches, full LED lighting, UP&Down shifter... and a few practical non-electronic features. Hand guards, a glove box in the fuel tank, a large rear buckle with passenger grips and.......... attachments for suitcases.

the Multi Pikes Peak completes the athletic seduction with its carbon lip and front mudguard, two-tone passenger seat, small smoked bubble, "Ducati Corse" logo on the nose and Akrapovic silencer. Ducat' doesn't announce any performance gains. Mézigue suggests removing the plenum chamber, and it wouldn't be surprising to gain ten or so horsepower. Even without it, the breath will be more pleasant to wait for, the titanium/carbon construction suggests less weight, and its high position allows a clear view of the superb rim.

The Multistrada's Product Manager, Stefano Tarabusi, puts it well: " More comfortable than a sports bike, sportier than any other trail bike on the road". Ducati offers a new weapon with its Pikes Peak V4 series. With a very generous price tag too. The fiercest Multistrada is priced exactly the same as the Panigale V4 S.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos