Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Test in Switzerland 2024

For some, the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak with its sporty 17-inch tires might seem like a rather unnecessary, if not exaggerated, adventure bike. However, looking back at the origins of the Multistrada series in 2003, one first finds a larger front wheel (19 inches) on the Multistrada 1200 Enduro in 2016 - until then, all Multis were 17-inchers anyway! But okay, the Multistrada V4 with the 19-inch front wheel certainly embodies a certain off-road character more credibly. So, what is the Pikes Peak version supposed to do better?

Well, the sportier version of the Multi V4 (since the release of the V4 RS, it is no longer the sportiest) honestly does exactly what you would expect from its 17-inch tires: It remains a comfortable adventure bike with balanced ergonomics, which, while slightly sportier in terms of seat comfort, is by no means too radical to handle several hundred kilometers at a stretch with the potent Italian. The lower, tinted windshield obviously doesn't block the wind as well as the higher shields of its sisters, but it also fits better with the overall sportier look of the Pikes Peak. The really decisive difference from its sisters is taken over by the two tires anyway - a fat 190 at the rear, which is also visually very attractive mounted on a single-sided swingarm, and a truly road-oriented 120/70-17 at the front, which, after a short acclimatization period, fully unleashes its potential.

Then you really feel how agile a Multi V4 with 17-inch front tires can zip around corners when riding spiritedly. It's especially impressive because even the Multistrada models with 19-inch front wheels are anything but stubborn beasts. Combined with the electronically adjustable Öhlins suspension, you get truly high-quality damping - we had the chance to test it on a Swiss pass with some seriously rough patches in the asphalt. And everything was wonderfully filtered out without isolating the riding feel too much. So you definitely feel what's happening underneath you, but the harsh jolts are excellently filtered out.

If you value a powerful and potent engine in a sporty adventure bike, the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is the perfect choice. When you compare the Pikes Peak with crossover sport touring bikes due to its 17-inch tires, its 170 hp at 10,500 rpm might not be the benchmark anymore, especially with BMW's M 1000 XR boasting an insane 201 hp! Nevertheless, the 1158 cc V4 engine fits excellently with the sporty yet comfortable riding experience of the Pikes Peak. The raw V4 is far from a sterile high-revving engine; instead, it can be wound out acceptably from low rpm, playing its trump card with 125 Nm of torque at 8750 rpm in the mighty midrange, and it continues to pull even when wound out. This is accompanied by surprisingly strong vibrations (it is, after all, a four-cylinder!), which Ducatisti actually enjoy feeling. All of this is finally complemented by a well-tuned sound from the standard Akrapovic system—grunty enough for a sport version, yet still bearable for longer tours.

When it comes to brakes, Ducati didn't have to make many changes compared to the other 19-inch Multis - the Brembo Stylema monoblock system with two 330mm discs grips wonderfully and sportily, yet can be perfectly modulated. This performance is fortunately not too much for the sister models, but also not too little for the Pikes Peak.

Ultimately, the extensive electronics in the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak are certainly a topic of interest for potential buyers. Let me put it this way: The Pikes Peak essentially includes everything found in the top-equipped Multi V4 S, plus the already praised electronic Öhlins suspension and even a Race Riding Mode. So, you don't have to miss out on various riding modes, adjustable traction control, cornering ABS, hill start assist, quickshifter with blipper, large color TFT display with connectivity and full-map navigation, adaptive cruise control, or blind spot detector. Of course, the price is also set very high, as is typical for Ducati - but this won't deter those who want a comfortable adventure bike with that crucial extra bit of sportiness from making a purchase!

Check out all new and used Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak on the 1000PS marketplace!