2023 DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY
Got an ACU licence? Got a Suzuki? Got a smashed or blown-up Suzuki? Then this is for you.
There’s been a hardcore hole in Ducati’s line-up ever since it replaced the 1260 V-twin Multistrada range with the new V4 variants. The old Multistrada Enduro offered serious adventure touring capability, with its dual-sided swingarm, long-travel suspension, wire spoked rims and 30-litre fuel tank. But now there’s a new V4 nutter, the Multistrada V4 Rally, which completes the mighty four-cylinder adventure range. Like the Enduro, the Rally has a stronger dual-sided swingarm, the big 30-litre tank, longer suspension travel and tubeless wire-spoked wheels, including a 19in front rim. But it’s added a heap of smart technology and design to make it more usable for long-distance work.
The engine can now de-activate the two rear cylinders when cruising to reduce fuel consumption and heat generation (they only cut off at idle on the current V4s). The engine has a massive 60,000km between valve servicing and a 15,000km/24-month oil change interval. And Ducati’s given the rider and pillion more space, with a new rear subframe sitting the passenger further back and spacing out the luggage mounts.
Ducati’s Skyhook semi-active suspension is present and correct, and has a couple of handy new features to help the shorter of leg. You can set the smart preload function so the bike automatically sinks down at a standstill, and the suspension can also firm up the damping at turn-on, which makes it easier to lift the bike off the sidestand.
The 1158cc Granturismo V4 engine still makes a healthy 170bhp, though you’ll need it, with the new Rally weighing in at 260kg wet. There is, of course, a NASA-spec electronics set-up, with colour dash, all the rider aids, radar cruise control, semi-active suspension, quickshifter, LED cornering lights and much, much (much) more. That’s as it should be, admittedly, with the RRP starting at £23,590, rising to £27,140 for the Full Adventure version, which includes aluminium luggage, heated grips and seat, Akra can and carbon bolt-ons.
Suzuki GB has resurrected its race parts programme, which lets bona fide racers (or at least anyone bona fide who knows someone with an ACU licence) buy parts for a wide range of track-friendly Suzukis at a discount. Reductions are available on any Suzuki used in competition, including GSX-R1000/750/600/125 supersports bikes, as well as SV650s and Bandit 600s, plus all the four-stroke RM-Z and two-stroke RM motocross machines. You get a 15% discount on all orders over £150 and it covers everything from wheels, handlebars and other chassis components to pistons, rings and other engine hardware.
To take advantage of the discount, just show your valid ACU licence at the point of purchase through your nearest Suzuki dealership.